Do I need my Declaration Control Number (DCN) to file certain forms?

You'll be happy to hear that the answer is no.

Although a handful of tax forms (most notably forms 8332, 8453, and some state e-filing signature forms) still ask for your DCN, in actuality you can successfully file these forms without a DCN.

DCNs were unique, 14-digit numbers that the IRS used to assign to all e-filed tax returns once they were accepted.

Although DCNs are definitely "old school," a handful of e-filed tax year 2011 returns were issued a DCN.

Starting tax year 2012, DCNs will no longer be issued once the IRS switches over completely to their Modernized e-File (MeF) technology.

If you used the TurboTax CD/Download software to e-file your 2011 federal return, you might be able to find your DCN. (Remember, though, that you don't need it.)

1. Open your return in TurboTax.
2. Switch to Forms Mode.
3. Open the Federal Tax Return Summary.
4. You might see your DCN near the top of the page, above your name and address, or on your Tax Summary form.

If you don't see it, your return was filed using MeF. Either way, it's nothing to worry about; DCNs are not needed this year, and are going away for good after the 2011 tax season.