It depends which PIN your software means. A Self-Select PIN is five digits you choose yourself to sign your e-filed return. To confirm it's you, the software also asks for last year's AGI or last year's Self-Select PIN. An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is six digits assigned to you, and a new one is issued every year. If you have one, your return must include this year's.
On this page
The two PINs side by side
| Self-Select PIN | Identity Protection PIN | |
|---|---|---|
| Digits | Five, and you choose them | Six, assigned to you |
| What it does | Signs your e-filed return | Stops anyone else from filing a return with your Social Security number |
| Who has one | Anyone signing an e-filed return themselves | Only people who signed up, or were enrolled |
| Changes | You can choose new digits each year | A new one is issued every calendar year |
| If you can't remember it | Confirm your identity with last year's AGI instead | View the current one in your online account, or have it reissued by mail |
The Self-Select PIN
When you sign an e-filed return yourself, you pick any five digits as your signature. To prove it's really you, your software asks for one of two things from last year: your adjusted gross income, or the Self-Select PIN you used last year.
If that number doesn't match the records, the return is rejected. The most common code is IND-031-04. Usually the fix is using last year's AGI from your original return. See where to find last year's AGI.
If you have an Identity Protection PIN
A new six-digit IP PIN is generated for you every calendar year. Enter the current one on your return. A wrong or missing IP PIN gets an e-filed return rejected, and slows down a paper return until it can be checked.
Lost it? Sign in to your online account at IRS.gov, where your current PIN shows on your profile, or have it reissued by mail. You don't need to sign up again.
Getting an IP PIN for the first time
Anyone with a Social Security number or ITIN who can verify their identity can sign up, and parents and legal guardians can get one for their dependents. There are three ways:
- Online. The fastest way: request one in your online account at IRS.gov.
- Form 15227. If you can't set up an online account and the AGI on your last return was under $84,000 ($168,000 married filing jointly), you can send Form 15227. You'll get a call to verify your identity, and the PIN arrives by mail, usually in 4 to 6 weeks.
- In person. If neither works, you can verify your identity at an in-person appointment. The PIN arrives by mail, usually within 3 weeks.
When a call helps
- You don't know which PIN your software is asking for
- Your return was rejected on the PIN or AGI step
- You have an IP PIN but can't find this year's
- You'd rather have a tax pro prepare and e-file your return, as a paid service
Quick answers
Is my Identity Protection PIN the same every year?
No. A new six-digit IP PIN is issued every calendar year. Always use the current one.
I lost my Identity Protection PIN. Do I need to sign up again?
No. Sign in to your online account at IRS.gov, where the current PIN shows on your profile, or have it reissued by mail. Don't send a new Form 15227 just to replace a lost PIN.
Can I e-file without my IP PIN?
If you have one, no. A missing or wrong IP PIN gets an e-filed return rejected, and a paper return is delayed until it can be checked.
Can you look up my PIN for me?
No. We can't see or retrieve PINs. A tax pro can tell you which PIN your software is asking for and where to get it.
Have a different question?
Call and ask a tax pro. Open 8 AM to 10 PM Eastern, January through April.
No appointment needed.
More questions
Sources
Checked November 12, 2026.