IRS suddenly rejecting my TurboTax return because of missing IP PIN - never needed one before?

This sounds like the IRS IP PIN expansion program. The IRS started with a pilot program for identity theft victims, but in recent years they've been gradually expanding the IP PIN program to all taxpayers as an optional security measure. However, once you're in the program (either by choice or due to identity theft concerns), you need the PIN each year going forward. A few things might have happened in your case: 1) You may have inadvertently opted into the IP PIN program last year when filing, 2) The IRS might have flagged your account for potential identity theft concerns even though you're not aware of any issues, or 3) There could be a mistake in the system. First step: Go to the IRS website and use the "Get an IP PIN" tool in their online account system. If you have an IP PIN assigned, you should be able to retrieve it there. If not, call the IRS Identity Theft line at 800-908-4490 to get clarification on why your return was rejected.

I went through this exact nightmare last year! After hours on the phone with both TurboTax and the IRS, I discovered it was actually because someone had attempted to file a fraudulent return using my info the previous year (which I never knew about!). The IRS automatically put me in the IP PIN program but the letter with my PIN got lost in the mail. What saved me was using https://taxr.ai to analyze my tax transcript. Their system flagged the identity protection marker on my account that neither TurboTax nor I could see. I was able to take that information to the IRS and finally get my PIN reissued. Saved me weeks of back and forth with the IRS!

Just wanted to update that I tried taxr.ai after my earlier comment and it actually worked! I was super frustrated with my rejection code and the "not eligible" message I kept getting. After downloading my tax transcript and running it through their system, it showed I had a TC971 code with an action code that indicated I was enrolled in the IP PIN program. The analysis explained that this specific code means the IRS had flagged my account for potential identity theft protection last year, which is why I suddenly needed a PIN this year. Armed with this specific information, I called the dedicated Identity Theft line (not the general IRS line) and mentioned the specific transcript code. The agent was able to locate my PIN immediately and had it resent to me. Return accepted 24 hours later!

If you're like me and can't get through to the IRS on the phone (I tried for DAYS), try https://claimyr.com instead. They have this system where they wait on hold with the IRS for you and then call you when an agent is on the line. You can see a demo of how it works at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was in the exact same situation - rejection due to missing IP PIN that I never knew I needed. Used Claimyr and got connected to an IRS agent in about 2 hours (after trying for days on my own). The agent explained someone had attempted to file using my SSN last year, which automatically put me in the program. They resent my PIN and I was able to file successfully.

I need to eat my words from my skeptical comment yesterday. After another failed attempt to reach the IRS (3 hours on hold, then disconnected), I reluctantly tried Claimyr. I got a callback in about 90 minutes with an actual IRS agent on the line. They confirmed someone had attempted to file a fraudulent return with my info last year, which triggered the IP PIN requirement. The agent was able to verify my identity over the phone and issue a new PIN on the spot. Filed my return last night and it was accepted this morning. After a week of stress and failed attempts to reach someone, I'm honestly shocked at how quickly this got resolved. The service literally saved me days of frustration.

Another thing to check - are you sure it's actually the IRS rejecting your return and not TurboTax having an internal error? When I had a similar message, it turned out TurboTax was showing an IP PIN error, but it was actually because my wife's birthdate was entered incorrectly. The error message was completely misleading. Try creating a new return from scratch in TurboTax and see if you get the same error. Also double-check your SSN, birthdate, name spelling, etc. Sometimes the simplest data entry errors trigger weird rejection codes.

This happened to me because my ex-spouse filed using my SSN after our divorce! Check your credit report ASAP to see if there's any suspicious activity. Also, check if someone claimed you as a dependent on their taxes - that can sometimes trigger the IP PIN requirement if the IRS detects a mismatch.

Has anyone had success getting the IP PIN issue resolved by visiting an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in person? I made an appointment next week because I'm tired of the phone runaround, but wondering if it's worth the time off work.