IRS E-File PIN: How to Create, Find and Use Your 5-Digit Self-Select PIN
We work to make electronically filing your taxes as convenient as possible. We will help you prepare your tax return, transmit it when you are ready, and send it to the IRS safely and securely. Before we do this, you will need to e-sign your return, just as you would with a paper filing, using your self-select PIN (Personal Identification Number).
Anytime you opt to electronically file a tax document, you are required to enter either your adjusted gross income (AGI) from last year's tax return or your IRS personal identification number (PIN). This is also known as e-signing and is used for electronic signatures. It also helps protect taxpayers against unauthorized filings.
What Is an IRS Self-Select PIN?
An IRS self-select PIN (SSP) is a five-digit code that is used as an electronic signature. It helps verify whether the person filing is the individual taxpayer or someone filing on their behalf.
If you do not know what your IRS e-file PIN is, or need to recover one previously used, you can find more information in our guide to signing with an IRS filing PIN. While losing your IRS Signing PIN may be a slight inconvenience for some, this verification system helps protect taxpayers from fraud.
These are two different PINs the IRS uses — don't confuse them:
| Self-Select PIN | IP PIN (Identity Protection PIN) | |
|---|---|---|
| Digits | 5 | 6 |
| Purpose | E-signature for your return | Prevents identity-theft-based fraudulent filings |
| Who gets one | Any taxpayer e-filing | Fraud victims, or anyone who opts in |
| How to get it | Self-select when e-filing (or use prior-year AGI instead) | Issued by IRS after identity verification |
| Required every year? | No — can reuse the same 5 digits | Yes — new one issued annually |
How Do I Create My 5-Digit Self-Select PIN?
A 5-digit self-select PIN is created by electronically filling out Form 8879, also known as the IRS e-file Signature Authorization. This form authorizes an Electronic Return Originator (ERO), such as E-File.com, to submit tax forms on behalf of the taxpayer via e-file.
If this is the first year you are using an e-file program to transmit your return, you can create a 5-digit IRS electronic filing PIN.
You can also generate a new PIN if your existing one is forgotten or misplaced. Note: For your own protection, you will be asked to verify your identity with some basic information before being issued a filing PIN.
You may need the following information before you begin:
- Social Security Number
- Taxpayers Name
- Submission Identification Number (SID)
- Adjusted gross income (AGI) from last year's return
- Total Tax
- Federal income tax withheld from Form(s) W-2 and Form(s) 1099
- Amount you want refunded to you
- Amount you owe
Using this information, you will complete the self-select application. Once completed, you will be able to create your own 5-digit PIN and be able to e-sign your return. The entire process takes just minutes to complete.
If you meet these requirements and have the information specified above, you can proceed with selecting a PIN. This will be entered on your e-filed tax return so that your identity can be verified. While this may take a few extra minutes, it is required to reduce fraud and identity theft, so feel comfortable knowing it is in place this tax season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What If My Return Is Rejected for a PIN or AGI Mismatch?
If your tax return is rejected due to an incorrect PIN or an AGI mismatch, resubmit your return with the correct PIN and/or correct AGI.
Can I use the same self-select PIN every year?
Taxpayers can use any 5-digit combination as their PIN. There is no restriction on using the same PIN from one year to the next. The only restriction is using all zeros for your PIN.
Is a self-select PIN accepted by all tax software and e-file services?
Yes, this is the standard signature method used by the IRS for self-prepared e-filed returns.
Do I need my e-file PIN or my prior-year AGI to file?
Yes. Once your taxes are filed, an ERO, like E-file.com, will provide you with documentation showing your AGI or PIN. Keep this documentation for future reference.