Get Your Electronic Filing PIN from the IRS

If you've never e-filed a return, mailed in a paper return, or used a tax preparer before, you are considered a first-time filer. People entering the workforce for the first time generally fall into this category.

Or, maybe you've filed taxes in the past, but for whatever reason you didn't file a 2011 return.

Either way, you can't use the IRS PIN to file your 2012 return. To skip over the IRS PIN screen in TurboTax, do this:

1. Open your return.
2. Click File, choose the E-file option, and then continue to the:
   • (TurboTax Online) Before you file, the IRS requires us to do a simple and secure identity verification screen.
   • (TurboTax CD/Download software) Let's Get Ready to File Your Return screen.
3. On the aforementioned screen, select the option that indicates that you (and/or your spouse) didn't file a 2011 return.
4. Click Continue and follow any additional onscreen instructions before e-filing your return.

When you are ready to file your taxes in TurboTax Online and after you have received your E-File PIN from the IRS, just click on the Prepare to send button (see below):

Follow the prompts until you reach the following screen, then enter in the PIN number you received from the IRS, then click Continue:

When you are ready to file your taxes in TurboTax CD/Download version and after you have received your E-File PIN from the IRS, just click on the Continue button (see below):

Follow the prompts until you reach the following screen, then enter in the PIN number you received from the IRS, then click Continue:

If your return gets rejected for an incorrect PIN, here's what we recommend:

• First, verify your PIN by requesting it again. Maybe you entered it wrong or wrote it down incorrectly?
• If you're positive that your PIN is correct, try the AGI verification method. Click here for instructions.
• Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to talk to an agent. They can verify the 2011 filing information you need to get a valid PIN.
• Instead of e-filing, consider filing your return by mail. Paper-filed returns don't need a PIN. Click here for instructions.
• If you get the E-File Rejection Code IND-027, please click here for instructions

If you confirm that you have entered an incorrect PIN and get the correct PIN from the IRS, here’s how you change it in TurboTax.

After logging in, click on the File tab, and then Check E-File Status. On this screen, click the Fix it Now button:

On the next screen, click on the Help Me Fix It button:

Finally, on this last screen, enter your correct E-File PIN, then click on the Save and Continue button:

TurboTax will then walk you through step-by-step to again E-File your return.

The only PIN that will work this year is the Electronic Filing PIN issued by the IRS. If you try to reuse the 5-digit PIN you used to sign your return last year, your return will get rejected.

You can quickly get a new PIN by following the instructions above. That's the PIN you need to enter into TurboTax.

If you have suffered from identity theft in the past related to your taxes, the IRS will have sent you an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). The IP PIN is not related to the 5-digit Electronic Filing PIN, and is entered in a different portion of TurboTax.

Click here for complete instructions.