How to Get an eFile Number

When you submit your taxes electronically to the Internal Revenue Service, you must electronically "sign" the return using the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) number or Self-Select PIN from your previous year's taxes. However, if you're unable to locate your previous year's tax information, you can request an Electronic Filing PIN directly from the IRS. This will allow you to e-file your tax return without the need for listing the prior year's information.

Instructions

1. Figure out if you are eligible to receive a PIN for electronic filing. You're eligible to receive a number if you filed a Form 1040, Form 1040-A, Form 1040-EZ or Form 1040-SS (PR) in a prior year, and the return was processed by a certain date (for 2009 taxes, this date was December 13, 2008).

2. Gather the information you'll need to request a PIN. This includes an individual taxpayer identification number (TIN), if you have one, or your social security number. The system will also ask you for basic information like name, date of birth, your filing status, and your mailing address (the one you put on the prior year's tax return).

3. Request a PIN by phone by calling 1-866-704-7388.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also get a PIN on the IRS PIN request website (see Resources for the link for 2009 taxes).

References

• IRS: Electronic PINs

Resources

• IRS: PIN request form