Ever found yourself staring at the TurboTax screen, ready to hit "E-file," only to be stumped by a request for a "PIN number" you can't quite recall? You're not alone! It's a common hurdle, and thankfully, it's usually quite easy to overcome. This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to find your TurboTax PIN, or more accurately, the information you need to successfully file your taxes electronically.
Let's dive in and get you past that final step!
Understanding Your TurboTax "PIN"
First, let's clarify something important: there isn't just one type of "PIN" when it comes to filing taxes with TurboTax and the IRS. There are actually two main types you might encounter, and understanding the difference is key to knowing where to look:
The Self-Select PIN (5-digit): This is a personal identification number you create yourself when you e-file your federal tax return. It's essentially your electronic signature. You can choose any five digits (not all zeros). This PIN is not stored by TurboTax or the IRS in a way you can easily "retrieve" if you forget it.
The Identity Protection (IP) PIN (6-digit): This is a special, six-digit number issued by the IRS to certain taxpayers, primarily those who have been victims of identity theft or who have opted into the IRS IP PIN program. It's an extra layer of security to prevent fraud. If you have an IP PIN, you must use it to e-file your return, or it will be rejected.
Most likely, when you're looking for your "PIN number for TurboTax," you're referring to the information needed to electronically sign your return, which is typically your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from your prior year's tax return, or, if applicable, your Identity Protection (IP) PIN. The old 5-digit "e-file PIN" method has largely been replaced by using your prior year AGI.
Let's break down how to find what you need.
Step 1: Identify Which "PIN" You Need
Are you a new filer (first time filing federal taxes electronically)? If so, you generally won't have a prior year's AGI to use for verification. In this case, when prompted for your prior year AGI, you will enter "0" (zero).
Did the IRS issue you a CP01A Notice with a 6-digit number? This is your Identity Protection (IP) PIN. You will definitely need this if you received it.
Did you file your taxes last year (and it wasn't rejected for a missing IP PIN)? If so, you'll primarily need your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from your previous year's tax return. TurboTax used to use a "self-select PIN" but now primarily relies on your prior year's AGI for verification.
Engage the User: Before we go any further, take a moment right now and consider which of these scenarios applies to you. Knowing this will save you time and lead you directly to the correct solution!
Step 2: Retrieving Your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
For most people, the "PIN" equivalent you need is your AGI from the previous tax year. This is the most common method for verifying your identity when e-filing.
Sub-heading: Option A: Through Your TurboTax Account (Recommended!)
If you used TurboTax to file your taxes in the previous year, this is by far the easiest way to find your AGI.
Log in to your TurboTax account: Go to the TurboTax website and sign in using the exact same username and password you used last year. This is crucial!
Navigate to "Your Tax Returns & Documents": Once logged in, look for a section like "Your Tax Returns & Documents," "My Documents," or "Tax Timeline." The exact wording might vary slightly depending on the TurboTax version you used.
Select the prior tax year: You'll typically see a drop-down menu or a list of tax years. Choose the tax year for which you need the AGI (e.g., if you're filing for 2024, you'll need your 2023 AGI).
Download/View your 1040: Locate your "Form 1040" (or "Federal Return") for that year. You can usually view or download a PDF copy.
Find Line 11: Open the PDF. Your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) will be clearly listed on Line 11 of your Form 1040. Make a note of this number, exactly as it appears.
Sub-heading: Option B: Using IRS.gov "Get Transcript Online"
If you didn't use TurboTax last year, or can't access your old TurboTax account, the IRS provides a free service to get your tax transcripts.
Visit the IRS Get Transcript Online tool: Go to the official IRS website and search for "Get Transcript Online" or directly navigate to
irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript.Create or Sign In to Your IRS Account: You will need to create an IRS online account if you don't have one, or sign in if you do. This process involves a rigorous identity verification process to protect your information, so be prepared to answer personal questions and potentially have a verification code sent to your phone.
Request a "Tax Return Transcript": Once logged in, select the option to get a "Tax Return Transcript" for the relevant tax year.
Locate Your AGI: The transcript will display various figures from your tax return. Look for the line labeled "ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME". This is the number you need.
Sub-heading: Option C: Requesting a Transcript by Mail
If you cannot verify your identity online with the IRS or prefer not to, you can request a transcript by mail.
Visit the IRS Get Transcript by Mail tool: Go to
irs.gov/individuals/get-transcriptand select the "Get Transcript by Mail" option.Provide Required Information: You'll need to enter your Social Security Number, date of birth, street address, and zip code.
Receive by Mail: The IRS will mail the transcript to your address on file within 5 to 10 calendar days. Once you receive it, look for your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).
Step 3: Finding Your Identity Protection (IP) PIN
If you were issued a 6-digit IP PIN by the IRS, it is crucial for e-filing.
Sub-heading: Option A: Check Your CP01A Notice
The most direct way to find your IP PIN is to locate the CP01A Notice that the IRS mailed to you. This notice is typically sent out in December or January each year to taxpayers who are enrolled in the IP PIN program. The 6-digit IP PIN is located on the first page of this notice.
Sub-heading: Option B: Through Your IRS Online Account
If you've misplaced your CP01A Notice, you can retrieve your current IP PIN online.
Visit the IRS "Get an IP PIN" tool: Go to
irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin.Sign In to Your IRS Account: As with getting a tax transcript, you'll need to sign in or create an IRS online account. This again involves the identity verification process.
Access Your IP PIN: Once successfully logged in, your current IP PIN will be available on your profile page.
Sub-heading: Option C: Requesting an IP PIN by Phone
If online retrieval isn't an option, you can call the IRS directly to have your IP PIN reissued.
Call the IRS: Dial 1-800-908-4490. This line is specifically for IP PIN assistance.
Verify Your Identity: Be prepared to answer security questions to verify your identity.
Receive by Mail: If successful, the IRS will mail your IP PIN to your address of record within 21 days. Note that they cannot provide the IP PIN over the phone for security reasons.
Step 4: Entering the PIN/AGI in TurboTax
Once you have your AGI or IP PIN, returning to TurboTax to finalize your filing is straightforward.
Sub-heading: In TurboTax Online:
Open your tax return: Log in to your TurboTax account and open the tax return you are currently working on.
Navigate to the "File" section: Look for a "File" or "E-file" section, usually towards the end of the tax preparation process.
Enter your AGI or IP PIN:
If prompted for your prior year AGI, carefully enter the number you retrieved.
If prompted for your IP PIN, enter the 6-digit number you received from the IRS.
If you are a first-time filer over 16, and TurboTax asks for a prior-year AGI, enter "0".
If you are asked for a 5-digit self-selected PIN, you can generally choose any five digits (not all zeros) that you'd like. However, for most recent tax years, the primary verification method is AGI or IP PIN.
Sub-heading: In TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download):
Open your tax return: Launch your TurboTax Desktop software and open your current tax file.
Go to the "File" or "E-file" section: Similar to the online version, proceed to the section where you prepare to e-file your return.
Locate the PIN/AGI entry fields: The software will guide you.
For AGI, you'll find a field to enter your prior year's Adjusted Gross Income.
For IP PIN, there's usually a specific section under "Federal" -> "Other Tax Situations" -> "Identity Protection PIN" where you can enter the 6-digit number. Ensure you enter it in the correct field, as there might be separate fields for a 5-digit self-select PIN and a 6-digit IP PIN.
If you used TurboTax Desktop last year, it might automatically import your prior year AGI for you. Always double-check that it's correct!
Important Note: If your e-file is rejected, often the rejection code will indicate why (e.g., AGI mismatch, missing IP PIN). This information is incredibly helpful in troubleshooting!
Step 5: Double-Check and Transmit!
Once you've entered the required AGI or IP PIN, take a deep breath and carefully review all the information one last time. Ensure there are no typos in your AGI or IP PIN. A single incorrect digit can lead to a rejection.
After you're confident everything is accurate, proceed to transmit your return. You should receive confirmation from TurboTax that your return has been successfully sent to the IRS. You'll then receive a second confirmation from the IRS once they have accepted it.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about TurboTax PINs and their quick answers:
How to get my AGI if I don't have my prior year's tax return?
You can get your AGI from the IRS by using their "Get Transcript Online" tool on IRS.gov or by requesting a "Tax Return Transcript" be mailed to you.
How to find my 5-digit self-select PIN from last year?
The 5-digit self-select PIN you created is generally not stored by TurboTax or the IRS in a retrievable way. Instead, you'll typically use your prior year's Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) to verify your identity for e-filing this year.
How to get an Identity Protection (IP) PIN?
If you haven't been issued one automatically due to identity theft, you can opt into the IP PIN program through your IRS online account at IRS.gov/ippin.
How to enter a 6-digit IP PIN in TurboTax?
In TurboTax Online or Desktop, navigate to the "Federal" section, then "Other Tax Situations," and look for "Identity Protection PIN." There will be a specific field to enter your 6-digit IP PIN.
How to file my taxes if I don't have a prior year AGI (first-time filer)?
If you are a first-time filer over the age of 16, you will typically enter "0" (zero) when prompted for your prior year's AGI.
How to correct an AGI mismatch rejection from the IRS?
If your e-file is rejected due to an AGI mismatch, you need to go back into your TurboTax return, find the AGI entry field, and carefully re-enter the correct AGI from your prior year's tax return or IRS transcript, then re-transmit.
How to find my spouse's AGI for a joint return?
If you filed a joint return last year, both you and your spouse will use the same AGI from that joint return. If you filed separately, you'll each use your individual AGI from your respective prior year returns.
How to get an IP PIN for a dependent?
Minor dependents cannot retrieve their IP PIN online. You'll need to call the IRS at 800-908-4490 to have it reissued and mailed.
How to know if I need an IP PIN?
The IRS will typically mail you a CP01A Notice with your IP PIN if you're enrolled in the program or if they've identified you as an identity theft victim. If your e-filed return is rejected with a specific code indicating a missing IP PIN, then you definitely need one.
How to find my TurboTax username or password if I forgot it?
Go to the TurboTax sign-in page and use the "Forgot User ID" or "Forgot Password" links. You'll typically need to provide your email address or phone number associated with the account to recover it.