How to get self select pin from irs

I assume this is for a single filer, since you didn't mention it being a joint return.

For the 2019 AGI, be sure you are using the figure from your original 2019 return, not an amended one.

The AGI is on the 2019 Form 1040, Line 8b.

If your return was filed real late in the year, such as after mid-November 2020, try an AGI of 0 (zero).

Or if your return was delayed in IRS processing for several months and wasn't fully processed by mid-November, try an AGI of 0 (zero.)

If you qualify to open an IRS account, you could download a 2019 tax return transcript at the IRS website to see what they are showing for your 2019 AGI.

In any case, before giving up always try an AGI of 0 (zero) just in case--sort of like a "Hail Mary" pass in football.

For the purpose of signing your electronic return, you can reuse your Self-Select PIN from last year or create a new one to use, it doesn’t matter which option you choose.

You create your own Self-Select PIN. You do not register the PIN with the IRS before filing or need to contact the IRS to get it. The five-digit PIN can be any five digits except all zeros.

The PIN number was a random number that you chose last year and is not kept in our system. Only you have access to that number. The IRS is asking for your last year's Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) in lieu of that PIN number.

You can use last year's AGI. The original AGI is the amount from your prior year originally filed return as accepted by IRS. The amount can be located on:

  • Form 1040 - Line 38
  • Form 1040A - Line 21
  • Form 1040EZ - Line 4

Do not enter a corrected amount or the amount from an amended tax return.

You can retrieve your filing PIN here: https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Electronic-Filing-PIN-Request

How do I find last year’s AGI?

Find my IP-PIN https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/the-identity-protection-pin-ip-pin

An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. The IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS. It helps us verify your identity when you file your electronic or paper tax return. Even though you may not have a filing requirement, an IP PIN still protects your account.

If you are a confirmed victim of tax-related identity theft and we have resolved your tax account issues, we’ll mail you a CP01A Notice with your new IP PIN each year.

If you don't already have an IP PIN, you may get an IP PIN as a proactive step to protect yourself from tax-related identity theft.

If you want to request an IP PIN, please note:

  • You must pass an identity verification process.
  • Spouses and dependents are eligible for an IP PIN if they can pass the identity verification process.

How to get an IP PIN

The fastest way to receive an IP PIN is by using the online Get an IP PIN tool. If you wish to get an IP PIN and you don’t already have an account on IRS.gov, you must register to validate your identity. The IP PIN tool is generally available starting in mid-January through mid-November. Select the button to get started

Get an IP PIN 

Alternatives to the online tool

If you want an IP PIN but can’t successfully validate your identity through the Get an IP PIN tool, there are alternatives. Please note using an alternative method to the online tool takes longer for an IP PIN to be assigned to you.

Filing an application for an IP PIN

If your adjusted gross income on your last filed return is below $73,000 for Individuals or $146,000 for Married Filing Joint and you can’t use the online tool, you have the option to use Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification NumberPDF. You must have:

  • A valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
  • An adjusted gross income on your last filed return is below $73,000 for Individuals or $146,000 for Married Filing Joint.
  • Access to a telephone

We will use the telephone number provided on the Form 15227 to call you and validate your identity. Once we verify your identity, you will receive your IP PIN via the U.S. Postal Service usually within four to six weeks. You will then receive your IP PIN annually through the mail.

Requesting in-person authentication for an IP PIN

If you’re unable to verify your identity online or with the Form 15227 process or you are ineligible to file Form 15227, you may make an appointment for an in-person meeting at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center. Please bring one current government-issued picture identification document and another identification document to prove your identity. Once we verify your identity, you will receive your IP PIN via the U.S. Postal Service usually within three weeks. You will then receive your IP PIN annually through the mail.

Important Information about IP PINs

  • An IP PIN is valid for one calendar year.
  • A new IP PIN is generated each year for your account.
  • Logging back into the Get an IP PIN tool, will display your current IP PIN.
  • An IP PIN must be used when filing any federal tax returns during the year including prior year returns.  
  • FAQs about the Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN)

Using an IP PIN to File

Enter the six-digit IP PIN when prompted by your tax software product or provide it to your trusted tax professional preparing your tax return. The IP PIN is used only on Forms 1040, 1040-NR, 1040-PR, 1040-SR, and 1040-SS.

Correct IP PINs must be entered on electronic and paper tax returns to avoid rejections and delays. An incorrect or missing IP PIN will result in the rejection of your e-filed return or a delay of your paper return until it can be verified.

Don’t reveal your IP PIN to anyone. It should be known only to your tax professional and only when you are ready to sign and submit your return. The IRS will never ask for your IP PIN. Phone calls, emails or texts asking for your IP PIN are scams.

Lost IP PINs

Review Retrieve Your IP PIN for details. Do not file a Form 15227 to apply for a new IP PIN.