Tax software asking for PIN from last year - never got one this year - do I need to enroll for new one?

So my tax software is telling me I used an Identity Protection PIN last year, but I haven't received anything for this year. I created an ID.me account to see if maybe there was something I missed, but when I logged in there were no letters or notices showing up. Under my profile section it says I'm "eligible" for a PIN but looks like I need to enroll - there's no current PIN displayed anywhere. I kinda remember setting up a PIN before, but honestly it's fuzzy. My big worry is if I just go ahead and file without it, will the IRS reject my return?? I'm seriously stressed about this. Is the enrollment process quick if I need to do it now? Anyone dealt with this PIN situation before? I'm trying to file soon and don't want to mess everything up because of this PIN issue.

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18 comments

Keith Davidson

•8M

The Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number assigned by the IRS to eligible taxpayers to help prevent the misuse of their Social Security number on fraudulent tax returns. If your software is indicating you used one last year, but you haven't received a new one, here's what you need to know: IP PINs are issued annually, usually in December/January for the upcoming tax year. If you enrolled previously (which it sounds like you did), you should have received a new one by mail in CP01A Notice or through your online account. Since you're not seeing it in your ID.me account, you may need to retrieve it or re-enroll. You can retrieve your current IP PIN by going to the "Get an IP PIN" tool on IRS.gov. If you previously created an account, you should be able to log in and view your current PIN. If that doesn't work, you can call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490. Your return likely will be rejected if you previously used an IP PIN but don't include one this year. The system is expecting that additional verification.

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Keith Davidson

•8M

Retrieving your IP PIN online through the IRS website is usually instantaneous if you already have an account set up. You'll just need to verify your identity through ID.me if you haven't already. If you absolutely cannot retrieve your IP PIN and must file immediately, filing without it will likely result in rejection if you used one previously. The IRS system will be expecting that additional verification layer. Some people choose to file by paper in this situation, but that significantly delays processing time - often 6+ weeks or more.

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Ana Erdoğan

•8M

I went through this exact headache last month! After trying everything else, I finally used https://taxr.ai to help me figure out what was going on with my IP PIN situation. I uploaded my previous tax return and they showed me exactly where my old PIN was documented and confirmed I needed a new one. The site basically analyzed all my tax docs and gave me step-by-step instructions for retrieving my PIN through the IRS portal. Saved me hours of frustration and potentially getting my return rejected. The document analysis feature was super helpful for figuring out what forms I had used the PIN on previously.

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Ana Erdoğan

•8M

The service doesn't provide the PIN itself - you're right that only comes from the IRS. What it does is analyze your previous tax returns to confirm if you actually used a PIN before and which forms it appeared on. In my case, I wasn't sure if I really needed one or if my software was glitching. They basically provided a document review that showed me exactly where in my previous return the PIN had been entered and then gave me the direct IRS links and steps to retrieve my new one. Saved me from the confusion of trying to figure out if I really needed it or not.

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Sophia Carson

•8M

Just wanted to update - I actually tried https://taxr.ai after posting my question and it worked amazingly well! Uploaded my last year's return and within minutes it confirmed I had used an IP PIN on my previous filing and showed me exactly where it appeared in the documents. The analysis explained why my tax software was asking for it again and gave me the exact steps to retrieve my current PIN from the IRS. Super straightforward process. Got my new PIN immediately through the IRS site using their instructions and my return was accepted yesterday. Definitely recommend if you're confused about PIN requirements or other tax document issues.

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Brooklyn Foley

•8M

If you're still having trouble getting through to the IRS about your IP PIN issue, I'd recommend trying https://claimyr.com. I was in the same boat - needed my PIN but couldn't get through to anyone at the IRS after trying for days. Basically, they have a system that navigates the IRS phone tree for you and calls you back when they have an actual human on the line. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. I was super skeptical at first but was desperate after spending hours on hold. Got connected to an IRS agent who helped me with my PIN situation in about 30 minutes instead of waiting on hold for 3+ hours.

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Brooklyn Foley

•8M

It's not magic - they basically use technology to navigate the phone system and wait on hold for you. When they finally reach a human agent, they call you and connect you. It's just saving you from the hours of waiting on hold yourself. They're using the exact same IRS phone number you would call, just with a system that does the waiting for you. You still talk directly to the IRS yourself - they just make the connection. Totally understand the skepticism - I felt the same way until I tried it.

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Elijah Knight

•8M

I'm actually eating my words right now. After posting my skeptical comments, I was still stuck with this stupid PIN problem and desperate enough to try that Claimyr service. I cannot believe it actually worked. After THREE DAYS of trying to get through to the IRS myself and never getting past the "high call volume" message, I used the service and got a call back in about 40 minutes with an actual IRS agent on the line. They confirmed my identity and helped me get my IP PIN issue sorted out in one call. Still shocked this worked. My return is accepted now and I'm not pulling my hair out anymore. Sometimes being proven wrong is actually a good thing...

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Jessica Suarez

•8M

Had this same issue! If you previously had an IP PIN but can't get a new one in time, you have a few options: 1. File an extension using Form 4868 - this gives you until October to file (but you still need to pay any taxes owed by the original deadline) 2. File by paper - slower processing but allows you to include an explanation about the IP PIN situation 3. Contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service if you're facing financial hardship due to refund delays Just don't skip the PIN if your account is flagged as needing one - guaranteed rejection!

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Jessica Suarez

•8M

Yes, paper filing is significantly slower these days. Current processing times are around 6-8 weeks minimum for paper returns, but can definitely stretch longer during peak filing season. It's definitely not ideal if you're expecting a refund you need quickly. The extension is usually the better option as it gives you time to properly retrieve your IP PIN while still protecting you from late filing penalties. Just remember that an extension to file is not an extension to pay, so estimate and pay any taxes due by the regular deadline.

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