The two kinds of IRS PINs
| PIN | Who assigns it | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Select PIN | You choose it | Nearly every e-filer, as an electronic signature |
| IP PIN | The IRS assigns it | Identity-theft victims (automatic) and voluntary enrollees |
A Self-Select PIN is verified against your date of birth and prior-year adjusted gross income (AGI) or prior-year PIN. An IP PIN works differently: it exists specifically to stop someone else from filing a return using your Social Security number.
Who actually needs an IP PIN?
Confirmed victims of tax-related identity theft are automatically enrolled in the IP PIN program. Anyone else with a Social Security number or ITIN can opt in voluntarily as a precaution, as protection from identity theft.
What happens if you enter the wrong PIN?
An incorrect Self-Select PIN or an incorrect or missing IP PIN will cause your return to be rejected. The specific reject code your software shows tells you which one is the issue, so you know whether to re-enter your prior-year AGI or retrieve your IP PIN before resubmitting.
Do you need to request a PIN in advance?
Most filers don’t. Your tax software generates the Self-Select PIN prompt automatically when you file, and you simply choose five digits on the spot. Only the IP PIN requires signing up ahead of time through an IRS Online Account.
