How to Find My PIN Number to File Taxes

You'll need to know your PIN to file your taxes electronically.

To file your taxes electronically, the Internal Revenue Service requires you to create a personal identification number or PIN. This number is five digits long and represents your signature on an e-filed tax return. Since tax season only comes once a year, it's easy to forget or misplace your PIN. If this happens, you have the choice of retrieving your old number or using your adjusted gross income (AGI) instead.

Instructions

1. Contact your tax preparer to request your PIN. Most tax preparers file returns using electronic software and maintain a record of the PIN used to file the return.

2. Call the Internal Revenue Service at 1-866-704-7388. You can request your PIN 24 hours a day through this automated line. Be prepared to answer a series of security questions so the IRS can verify your identity and authenticate your account. This includes social security number or individual taxpayer identification number; first and last name; date of birth; filing status; and complete mailing address as it appeared on your 2009 tax return.

3. Log on to the tax preparation software you used to file your tax return last year. It often stores the PIN as part of the return information.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are unable to locate your PIN, the IRS will accept your previous year's AGI as a substitute. Look up your copy of last year's tax return and locate your AGI. If you've misplaced last year's return, call the IRS and request your AGI amount over the phone. When you complete your online return, you'll be prompted for your PIN or AGI. Enter your AGI in the designated area.

• Be sure to use the AGI from your original tax return and not from an amended return that you subsequently filed.

• Once you've recovered your PIN, write it down and file it in with your tax returns so you won't encounter this problem next year. If this is your first time filing a return or you did not file last year, enter "0" in the AGI field and leave the PIN field blank.

• If you enter the wrong PIN or AGI, the IRS will reject your return and you'll need to re-file. You should receive an email from your tax preparation company advising you of the status of your return.

Resources

• Electronic Filing PIN Request
• IRS: Self-Select PIN Method for E-file