Oh, the dreaded IP PIN! It can certainly throw a wrench into your tax filing plans if you're not sure where to put it. But don't you worry, because by the end of this lengthy guide, you'll be a pro at entering your IP PIN in TurboTax and sending that return off with confidence.
Let's dive right in and get your taxes filed!
Understanding the IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
Before we jump into the "how-to," let's quickly understand what an IP PIN is and why it's so important.
An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number issued by the IRS. It acts as an additional layer of security, almost like a password, for your federal tax return. It helps prevent identity thieves from filing fraudulent tax returns using your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
You'll receive an IP PIN if:
You were a victim of identity theft and the IRS resolved your tax account issues.
You opted into the IP PIN program proactively to protect yourself.
You are a dependent who was issued an IP PIN (yes, dependents can have them too!).
Crucially, each IP PIN is only valid for a single tax year. You'll receive a new one annually, usually in late December or early January, via a CP01A Notice from the IRS. If you don't receive it, or misplace it, you'll need to retrieve it directly from the IRS.
Step 1: Confirm You Have Your Current IP PIN (Don't Skip This!)
This is arguably the most critical step. Trying to file with an incorrect or old IP PIN will result in your e-filed return being rejected by the IRS, causing frustrating delays.
Sub-heading: Where to Find Your IP PIN
IRS CP01A Notice: The most common place to find your IP PIN is on the CP01A Notice that the IRS mails to you each year. Look for a bold, six-digit number.
IRS Online Account: This is the fastest and easiest way to retrieve your current IP PIN if you've lost your notice or haven't received it.
Go to the official IRS website (IRS.gov).
Log in to your IRS Online Account. If you don't have one, you'll need to create one and verify your identity, which might involve a secure ID verification service like ID.me. This process can take some time, so don't wait until the last minute!
Once logged in, your current IP PIN is usually available on your "Profile" page.
Request by Phone (Last Resort): If you cannot retrieve your IP PIN online, you can call the IRS at 800-908-4490 (Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time). Be prepared to verify your identity. The IRS will mail your IP PIN to your address of record, which can take up to 21 days.
Important Note: Your IP PIN is a 6-digit number. Do not confuse it with the 5-digit Self-Select PIN that some tax software might ask for as an electronic signature. They are entirely different.
Step 2: Navigating to the IP PIN Entry Section in TurboTax
Now that you have your correct, current IP PIN in hand, let's get it into TurboTax. The exact steps might vary slightly depending on whether you're using TurboTax Online or the Desktop version, but the general pathway is similar.
Sub-heading: For TurboTax Online Users
Log In and Access Your Return: Sign in to your TurboTax Online account. If you've already started your return, click "Take me to my return" or "Continue your return."
Go to Federal Taxes: On the left-hand menu, click on "Federal" (or sometimes "Federal Taxes").
Navigate to Other Tax Situations: Within the Federal section, look for and click on "Other Tax Situations."
Find Identity Protection PIN: Scroll down the page until you find the section labeled "Other Return Info." Underneath this, you should see an option for "Identity Protection PIN."
Start or Revisit: Click on the "Start" or "Revisit" button next to "Identity Protection PIN."
Sub-heading: For TurboTax Desktop Users (CD/Download)
Open Your Return: Launch your TurboTax Desktop software and open the tax return you are working on.
Select Federal Taxes (or Personal): Depending on your specific TurboTax Desktop version (e.g., Home & Business), you might click on "Federal Taxes" or "Personal" at the top menu bar.
Choose Other Tax Situations: In the subsequent menu or screen, select "Other Tax Situations."
Locate Identity Protection PIN: Scroll down to the "Other Return Info" section. You'll find "Identity Protection PIN" listed there.
Click Start/Update/Revisit: Click the "Start," "Update," or "Revisit" button associated with "Identity Protection PIN."
Step 3: Entering Your IP PIN(s)
Once you've reached the correct section, the process is straightforward.
Confirm IP PIN Requirement: TurboTax will typically ask you: "Did you or any of your dependents get an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS for this year's taxes?"
Select "Yes": It's crucial to select "Yes" if you, your spouse (if filing jointly), or any dependents have an IP PIN.
Enter the Six-Digit PIN: You will then be prompted to enter the six-digit IP PIN(s) for the relevant taxpayer(s).
For the Primary Taxpayer: Enter your IP PIN in the designated field.
For Your Spouse (if filing jointly): If your spouse also has an IP PIN, there will be a separate field to enter theirs. Both must be entered if applicable.
For Dependents: If you are claiming a dependent who has been issued an IP PIN, you must also enter their IP PIN in the appropriate section. TurboTax will guide you through this.
Review and Continue: Double-check that you've entered the correct six-digit numbers without any typos. Then, click "Continue" or "Done."
Pro Tip: If you encounter an error message saying your IP PIN is too long or too short, ensure you are in the correct IP PIN entry section and not accidentally in a field for a different type of PIN (like a 5-digit self-select PIN).
Step 4: Final Review and Filing
After successfully entering your IP PIN, it's a good practice to do a quick review before hitting that "file" button.
Review Your Information: Go back through your tax return sections, especially the personal information and filing status, to ensure everything is accurate.
Check for Warnings/Errors: TurboTax will usually alert you to any missing information or potential issues. Address these before filing.
Proceed to File: Once you're confident everything is correct, navigate to the "File" section in TurboTax.
E-file Your Return: Choose the option to e-file your federal return. TurboTax will then transmit your return to the IRS.
What happens if it's rejected? If your e-filed return is rejected with an IP PIN error (e.g., "IND-180-01" or "IND-996"), it almost always means the IP PIN entered does not match the one in the IRS's records for that specific SSN/ITIN. Go back to Step 1, verify the current IP PIN, and then repeat Steps 2 and 3. Do not try to guess or use an old PIN.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions related to IP PINs and TurboTax, with quick answers:
How to get an IP PIN if I lost my CP01A notice?
You can retrieve your IP PIN online through your IRS Online Account. This is the fastest method. Alternatively, you can call the IRS at 800-908-4490 to have it mailed to you, which takes up to 21 days.
How to know if I need an IP PIN?
You need an IP PIN if you received a CP01A Notice from the IRS with one, or if you proactively opted into the IP PIN program. If you try to e-file without one when required, your return will be rejected.
How to find where to enter the IP PIN in TurboTax?
In TurboTax, navigate to "Federal Taxes" (or "Personal" in some desktop versions), then "Other Tax Situations," and finally, look for "Identity Protection PIN" under "Other Return Info."
How to enter a dependent's IP PIN in TurboTax?
If your dependent has an IP PIN, you will be prompted to enter it in the same "Identity Protection PIN" section after you enter your own (or your spouse's). TurboTax guides you through entering all required IP PINs for SSNs/ITINs on your return.
How to fix an "IP PIN mismatch" rejection in TurboTax?
This means the IP PIN you entered doesn't match the IRS records. Go back to your IRS Online Account or your CP01A notice to verify the current six-digit IP PIN for the specific individual (you, spouse, or dependent) whose PIN caused the rejection. Then re-enter it in TurboTax and refile.
How to get a new IP PIN if my old one expired?
IP PINs are valid for one year. The IRS will automatically send you a new CP01A notice each year if you're in the program. If you don't receive it, follow the steps in "How to get an IP PIN if I lost my CP01A notice?" above.
How to enroll in the IP PIN program proactively?
You can opt into the IP PIN program through your IRS Online Account. This allows you to get an IP PIN as a preventative measure against identity theft, even if you haven't been a victim.
How to handle an IP PIN for a paper-filed return?
For paper-filed returns, you will typically write your six-digit IP PIN in the designated space on Form 1040 (or other 1040 series forms), usually in the signature area. Include your spouse's IP PIN if filing jointly and they have one.
How to differentiate between an IP PIN and a Self-Select PIN?
An IP PIN is a 6-digit number issued by the IRS for identity verification. A Self-Select PIN is a 5-digit number you choose as an electronic signature when e-filing, and it is no longer widely used by the IRS as a primary authentication method.
How to proceed if I cannot get my IP PIN from the IRS?
If you've exhausted online and phone options and still can't obtain your IP PIN, your e-filed return will likely be rejected. In such cases, you may need to print and mail your tax return. The IRS will then manually review your identity, which will cause a delay in processing your return and any potential refund.
