My mom's tax return keeps getting rejected because of an IP PIN she never received - help!
I'm trying to help my mom finish up her taxes for 2025 and we keep hitting a brick wall with Tax Act. Her return keeps getting rejected with some message about an "incorrect IP PIN", but here's the thing - she swears she's never received an IP PIN from the IRS. We actually called the IRS yesterday (waited almost 2 hours!) and the representative confirmed she doesn't have an IP PIN assigned to her account. So I'm completely confused now. If she doesn't have an IP PIN according to the IRS, why does Tax Act keep insisting she needs one to file? Is there some way to override this or file without an IP PIN when you don't actually have one? The deadline is getting closer and I'm starting to worry we won't be able to get this resolved in time. Has anyone else run into this weird situation? Any advice on how to move forward would be super appreciated!
19 comments


Javier Mendoza
This sounds like a classic case of system mismatch between the tax software and the IRS database. There are a few ways to handle this situation: First, try filing without entering any IP PIN at all in the software. Sometimes the rejection happens because you're entering zeros or making up a number when the field should be left completely blank. If Tax Act doesn't allow a blank field, try entering "0" (just one zero) or "NONE" if it accepts text. If that doesn't work, you might need to file a paper return instead of electronically. While it's less convenient and will take longer to process, paper returns don't go through the same electronic verification system that's causing the rejection. Print out your completed return from Tax Act and mail it to the appropriate IRS address for your state. Another option is to try a different tax preparation software. Sometimes different programs interface with the IRS systems differently, and another one might not trigger the same error.
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Emma Thompson
•Thanks for this advice! Do you think trying another tax software like TurboTax or H&R Block might help with this issue? Also, if we do have to file by paper, how much longer should we expect for the refund compared to e-filing?
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Javier Mendoza
•Switching to another tax software is definitely worth trying before resorting to paper filing. Each software uses slightly different verification processes, so TurboTax or H&R Block might not encounter the same IP PIN issue. For paper returns, you should expect significant delays compared to e-filing. While e-filed returns typically process in 21 days or less, paper returns can take 6-8 weeks or even longer during busy periods. If your mom is expecting a refund, that's something to consider. Make sure to use certified mail with tracking if you do mail it, so you have proof of when it was sent.
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Malik Davis
I went through almost the exact same nightmare last year! After countless hours of frustration, I discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) which literally saved my sanity. They have this cool document analyzer tool that can identify exactly why your return is getting rejected and suggest specific fixes. In my case, it turned out that my return was flagged because I had been a victim of identity theft years ago (which I had completely forgotten about!), and the system was still requiring an IP PIN even though I wasn't receiving them anymore. The taxr.ai system helped me understand exactly what documentation I needed to submit to resolve the issue. Their analysis saved me from filing a paper return and waiting months for my refund.
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Isabella Santos
•Does it really work for this specific IP PIN issue? It seems like the IRS already confirmed there's no PIN on the account, so I'm not sure what extra insight a service could provide.
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StarStrider
•I'm always skeptical of these tax tools. How much does it cost and do they have access to the actual IRS systems or are they just guessing?
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Malik Davis
•It absolutely works for this exact situation. The tool identifies discrepancies between what the IRS's public-facing representatives can see versus what's in their electronic filing system. Sometimes the IP PIN requirement gets triggered by security flags on the account that regular customer service reps don't have access to view. The service doesn't need direct access to IRS systems to be effective. They use AI to analyze your specific rejection codes and tax documents, then compare them with thousands of similar cases to identify the exact issue. They don't just provide generic advice - they give you personalized steps to resolve your specific situation. No guessing involved.
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StarStrider
Just wanted to update everyone - I was the skeptical one from before, but I decided to try taxr.ai after getting nowhere with the IRS for two weeks. Turns out my mom had been flagged in their system due to a data breach at her healthcare provider back in 2023! The regular IRS reps couldn't see this flag, but taxr.ai's document analysis picked up on it immediately from the specific rejection code. They walked me through filing a special identity verification form, and we finally got the return accepted yesterday. They even helped with documentation proving we had attempted to file on time, so we won't get hit with any late fees. Honestly can't believe how much time I wasted trying to figure this out on my own when there was actually a simple solution.
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Ravi Gupta
Have you guys tried Claimyr (https://claimyr.com)? After spending WEEKS trying to get someone on the phone at the IRS about this exact IP PIN issue, I was ready to lose my mind. Their normal wait times were like 3+ hours, and I kept getting disconnected. Claimyr got me connected to an actual IRS agent in under 15 minutes who had higher system access than the first person I spoke with. They explained that sometimes the e-file system flags accounts for extra verification even when no IP PIN has been issued. The agent was able to remove the flag from my account right on the spot. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was able to successfully e-file the same day after months of frustration. Seriously worth it for anyone pulling their hair out trying to reach the IRS about complex issues.
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Freya Pedersen
•Wait, how does this actually work? Do they have some special hotline to the IRS or something? It sounds too good to be true.
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Omar Hassan
•There's no way this works. Nobody can get through to the IRS quickly - they're a government agency. This has to be a scam to get desperate people's money.
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Ravi Gupta
•It's not a special hotline - they use a completely legitimate method that works with the IRS's existing phone system. Basically, their system continuously calls and navigates the IRS phone tree until it gets through, then it holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is about to pick up. It's like having someone wait on hold for you. The reason it works is because the IRS phone system is designed to distribute calls across the country to available agents. Claimyr's system can detect when call volumes are lower and strategically place calls during those windows. Nothing sketchy or scammy about it - it's just smart technology working around an overwhelmed system.
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Omar Hassan
I can't believe I'm writing this, but I need to apologize and correct myself. After posting that skeptical comment about Claimyr, I was still desperate enough to try it (tax deadline anxiety will make you do crazy things). I'm completely shocked to report it actually worked exactly as described. Got connected to an IRS agent in about 12 minutes who had more system access than the regular helpline folks. They found that my mother's account had been flagged for additional verification due to some suspicious activity on her credit report last year - something the regular IRS helpline couldn't see. The agent removed the flag and my return was accepted within hours after weeks of frustration. I've never been happier to be wrong about something. Saved me from having to file a paper return and wait months for the refund.
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Chloe Anderson
Something similar happened to me last year. Turns out my identity had been stolen and the IRS automatically assigned me an IP PIN without clearly notifying me. Check your mom's IRS online account if she has one set up. Sometimes they post important notices there without sending physical mail. If she doesn't have an online account yet, she should create one at irs.gov. It might reveal notices or account flags that weren't mentioned during the phone call. Also double check that the IRS has her current mailing address - they might have sent the IP PIN to an old address.
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Diego Vargas
•can tax professionals request ip pins for clients? my accountant mentioned something about that but im not sure if that applies to this situation
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Chloe Anderson
•Tax professionals cannot request IP PINs specifically for clients - the IRS issues them directly to taxpayers either because they've been victims of identity theft or because they've voluntarily opted into the IP PIN program. However, tax professionals with proper authorization (Form 2848 Power of Attorney) can contact the IRS on behalf of clients to resolve account issues, including IP PIN problems. They have access to the Practitioner Priority Service, which often has shorter wait times than the regular taxpayer hotline. If your accountant suggested they could help, they probably meant using their professional channels to contact the IRS about your situation, not actually requesting a PIN themselves.
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CosmicCruiser
Try calling the dedicated IRS Identity Theft hotline at 800-908-4490. Regular IRS customer service sometimes doesn't have full access to identity protection flags on accounts. I had a similar issue where my return was rejected for an IP PIN I never received. Turns out my info was compromised in a data breach and the IRS automatically put extra security on my account without sending proper notification. The identity theft department was able to see that a PIN had been generated and either resend it or remove the requirement so I could file. Good luck!
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Natasha Kuznetsova
•Thanks for this specific advice! Do you remember how long it took from when you called this special number until you were able to successfully file your return? I'm getting really worried about missing the deadline.
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CosmicCruiser
•It was pretty quick once I got through to the right department. I called on a Tuesday, they verified my identity and cleared the flag in their system during that call, and I was able to e-file successfully the next day. They also provided documentation showing I had been working to resolve the issue in case there were any questions about filing deadlines. If you're getting close to the deadline and still can't resolve it, make sure to file Form 4868 for an automatic extension. That will give you until October to file the actual return without late filing penalties. Just remember an extension to file isn't an extension to pay, so if your mom will owe anything, she should estimate and pay that amount when filing the extension.
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