Facing a little snag with your TurboTax 5-digit PIN for taxes? Don't worry, you're definitely not alone! Many taxpayers find themselves in this situation. The good news is, while you can't "retrieve" a forgotten 5-digit self-select PIN in the same way you'd reset a password, TurboTax and the IRS provide alternative ways to verify your identity and successfully e-file your tax return.
It's important to understand the distinction between a self-select 5-digit PIN and an IRS-issued 6-digit Identity Protection (IP) PIN. They serve different purposes, and the process for each is distinct. This guide will primarily focus on the common 5-digit self-select PIN used for e-filing.
Let's get you back on track to filing your taxes!
The Quest for Your TurboTax 5-Digit PIN: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: First things first, have you tried simply using your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)?
Did that question surprise you? It often surprises many users! The IRS generally allows you to verify your identity for e-filing in one of two ways: either by using a 5-digit self-selected PIN from the previous tax year or by using your prior year's Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). For most people, the AGI method is the most straightforward when the PIN is forgotten.
Step 2: Understanding the Two Types of "PINs"
Before we dive deeper, let's clarify the two types of PINs that can come into play when e-filing your taxes:
Sub-heading: The 5-Digit Self-Select PIN (Your Choice)
This is a 5-digit number that you created when you electronically filed your tax return in a previous year. It's essentially your electronic signature. TurboTax may automatically carry it over if you continue to use the same account and software version year after year. You can choose a new one each year, or use the previous year's if you remember it. However, if you forget it, there's no "lookup" feature for this specific PIN within TurboTax or with the IRS, as it's a number you selected.
Sub-heading: The 6-Digit IRS Identity Protection (IP) PIN (IRS Issued)
This is a six-digit number issued directly by the IRS to certain taxpayers. It's a proactive measure to prevent identity theft. If you've been a victim of identity theft, or if you've opted into the IRS's IP PIN program, you'll receive this PIN via mail (or can retrieve it online from the IRS). This IP PIN is mandatory for those who receive it, and your e-filed return will be rejected if it's not entered correctly. This is a different PIN from the 5-digit self-select PIN we're primarily discussing.
Step 3: Leveraging Your Prior Year's Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
For the 5-digit self-select PIN, if you don't remember it, your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from your prior year's tax return is your best friend. The IRS uses this as a primary means of identity verification for e-filing.
Sub-heading: Where to find your AGI on your prior year's return:
If you filed with TurboTax Online last year:
Sign in to your TurboTax account using the same username as in prior years.
Once logged in, look for a section like "Your Tax Returns & Documents" or similar. You might need to navigate to "Documents" or "Tax Tools."
Select the tax year you need (e.g., 2023 for 2024 filing).
Look for an option to Download/Print Return (PDF).
Open the PDF. Your AGI will typically be found on Line 11 of your Form 1040. Pro Tip: If you transferred your prior year's TurboTax data, the AGI might auto-populate for you, saving you a step!
If you used TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download) last year:
Open your TurboTax Desktop software for the prior tax year.
Open the tax file you saved (usually with a
.taxextension).Go to the Forms view.
Find and open Form 1040. Your AGI will be on Line 11.
If you filed with a different software or a tax preparer:
Locate your physical or digital copy of your prior year's federal tax return (Form 1040).
Your AGI will be clearly listed on Line 11.
If you can't find your prior year's return:
You can obtain your AGI directly from the IRS.
Visit the IRS "Get Transcript" tool on their website (
irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript You'll need to verify your identity to access your tax transcripts.
Request a "Tax Return Transcript." Your AGI will be on this transcript. Be aware this can take some time if you request it by mail.
Step 4: Entering Your AGI (or creating a new 5-digit PIN) in TurboTax
When you're going through the e-filing process in TurboTax, you'll reach a point where it asks for your prior year's verification.
Sub-heading: If prompted for the 5-digit PIN:
If TurboTax asks for your 5-digit PIN from the previous year and you don't remember it, look for an option to use your AGI instead. TurboTax is designed to accept either.
If you're creating a new 5-digit PIN for this year's return, it will usually be a separate step after your identity has been verified using the prior year's AGI or PIN. You can choose any 5 digits you wish (not all zeros). Make sure to write this new PIN down for future reference!
Sub-heading: What if it's my first time filing or I didn't file last year?
If this is your first time ever filing a federal tax return, or you were not required to file a federal tax return last year, then enter "0" (zero) for your prior year AGI. Do not leave the field blank.
For the 5-digit PIN field, leave it blank if you've never had one.
Step 5: Double-Checking and Troubleshooting E-file Rejections
Sometimes, even with the correct AGI, e-file rejections can occur.
Sub-heading: Common Rejection Reasons Related to PIN/AGI:
AGI Mismatch: The most common reason. Ensure the AGI you're entering exactly matches the AGI on your prior year's IRS record. Even a single digit off will cause a rejection.
Incorrect Prior Year: Make sure you're using the AGI from the correct prior tax year (e.g., for filing 2024 taxes, you need your 2023 AGI).
Typo in PIN (if you used it): If you tried to use a prior year's 5-digit PIN and typed it incorrectly.
Missing IRS IP PIN: If the IRS issued you a 6-digit IP PIN and you haven't entered it in the correct section of TurboTax. This is a separate entry from the 5-digit self-select PIN. In TurboTax, navigate to Federal > Other Tax Situations > Other Return Info > Identity Protection PIN to enter your 6-digit IRS IP PIN.
Sub-heading: What to do if your e-file is rejected:
Read the Rejection Code Carefully: TurboTax will provide an IRS rejection code (e.g., IND-031-04, IND-181-01). Look up this specific code on the TurboTax support website or the IRS website for detailed explanations.
Verify Your AGI: Go back and triple-check your prior year AGI against your official tax documents or an IRS transcript.
Check for an IP PIN: Confirm if the IRS issued you a 6-digit IP PIN. If they did, ensure it's entered correctly in the designated section of TurboTax.
Consider Paper Filing: If you're continually facing rejections and cannot resolve the issue, paper filing your return is always an option. While slower, it ensures your return gets processed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about TurboTax 5-Digit PINs
Here are 10 common questions related to your TurboTax 5-digit PIN and their quick answers:
How to find my 5-digit self-select PIN if I forgot it?
You generally cannot "find" or retrieve a forgotten 5-digit self-select PIN. Instead, you'll typically use your prior year's Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) to verify your identity for e-filing.
How to use my AGI instead of a 5-digit PIN in TurboTax?
When TurboTax prompts for identity verification during the e-file process, it will usually give you the option to use either your prior year's 5-digit PIN or your prior year's AGI. Select the AGI option and enter the amount from Line 11 of your previous year's Form 1040.
How to get my prior year's AGI if I don't have my old tax return?
You can get your prior year's AGI by signing into your TurboTax account (if you used it before) and downloading your past return PDF, or by requesting a Tax Return Transcript from the IRS website (irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript).
How to get an IRS Identity Protection (IP) PIN?
The IRS issues a 6-digit IP PIN to certain taxpayers, especially victims of identity theft, or those who opt into the program. You'll receive a CP01A notice by mail. If you lose it, you can retrieve it online via the IRS "Get an IP PIN" tool.
How to enter my 6-digit IRS IP PIN in TurboTax?
In TurboTax, navigate to the Federal section, then look for "Other Tax Situations," followed by "Other Return Info," and finally "Identity Protection PIN" to enter your 6-digit IRS-issued IP PIN.
How to create a new 5-digit PIN for this year's TurboTax filing?
After successfully verifying your identity (usually with your prior year's AGI or an old 5-digit PIN), TurboTax will allow you to create a new 5-digit self-select PIN for the current tax year's e-filing. You can choose any 5 digits (not all zeros).
How to fix an e-file rejection due to AGI mismatch?
Double-check the AGI you entered against your official prior-year tax return or an IRS transcript. Ensure it's the AGI from the correct tax year. Even a slight discrepancy will cause a rejection.
How to file if I'm a first-time filer and don't have a prior year AGI or PIN?
If you're a first-time filer, or didn't have a filing requirement last year, enter "0" (zero) for your prior year's AGI when prompted in TurboTax. Leave the 5-digit PIN field blank.
How to know if I need a 6-digit IRS IP PIN?
The IRS will mail you a CP01A notice with your 6-digit IP PIN if you are required to use one. If you suspect you should have one but haven't received it, check the IRS "Get an IP PIN" tool online.
How to proceed if I cannot resolve e-file rejection issues?
If you've tried all troubleshooting steps and still can't e-file, your best option is to print and mail your tax return to the IRS. While slower, it ensures your taxes are filed.