Do I need an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) to file?
If you've never been issued an IP PIN, then no, you don't need one to file. You'd only need to enter one if you have one issued to you (which usually happens if you've been a victim of identity theft). If you don't have an IP PIN, you don't need to get one.
If you have been issued an IP PIN, the IRS will reject any e-filed return without it. If you've forgotten (or never received) your IP PIN, here are a few things you can do.
Note: If you're filing a prior-year return (for example if you file a return long after the filing deadline for that year), you may need an IP PIN in order to e-file your return. We'll let you know later on if this applies to you, so you can decide if you want to get one.
If you have been issued an IP PIN, the IRS will reject any e-filed return without it. If you've forgotten (or never received) your IP PIN, here are a few things you can do.
Note: If you're filing a prior-year return (for example if you file a return long after the filing deadline for that year), you may need an IP PIN in order to e-file your return. We'll let you know later on if this applies to you, so you can decide if you want to get one.
