IP Pin

MorghynN
MorghynN Member Posts: 1 Newcomer
in Filing my taxes

I had been issued a PIN number for identification protection. Retrieved it from the IRS website directly. When entered into the e-file website it rejected my return due to incorrect PIN number. However I am using the one directly from IRS website. What am I doing wrong?

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  • JanaA
    JanaA FreeTaxUSA Agent Posts: 175 image
    Hello MorghynN! The most common reason this happens is using an IP PIN from the wrong year. The IRS requires you to use the PIN issued for the current calendar year, meaning if you are filing in 2026, you need the 2026 IP PIN even if you are filing your 2025 tax return. If you retrieved a PIN that was issued in a prior year, that one is now expired and will cause a rejection.

    Here are a few things to double-check:

    1. Log in to the IRS website at www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin and confirm you are viewing the 2026 IP PIN (the one issued in January 2026).
    2. Once you have the correct PIN, sign in to your FreeTaxUSA account, go to the Misc tab, select Identity Protection PIN, and re-enter the 6-digit number there.
    3. If you are filing a joint return and your spouse also has an IP PIN, both PINs need to be entered separately on the return.

    If you have confirmed you are using the correct 2026 PIN and the return is still being rejected, you can call the IRS directly at 800-908-4490 to verify the PIN on file for your account.

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