Can’t get your IRS IP PIN (or your return keeps getting rejected): the 2026 recovery guide

The problem (and who it hits)

• The IRS Online Account won’t let them in.
• ID.me identity verification fails or multi-factor authentication (MFA) is broken.
• The IRS site shows an error code (for example, a “security condition” that blocks access).
• They can’t retrieve the IP PIN for themselves or a dependent in time.

This affects a wide swath of U.S. filers, including people who proactively opted in for protection (not just identity theft victims), and families who need IP PINs for dependents.

Why it’s happening (based on official guidance)

Key facts that create the “stuck” scenario:

• The IP PIN is a six-digit number known only to you and the IRS, and it must be entered correctly to avoid e-file rejections and processing delays. [4]
• A new IP PIN is generated each year, and you generally retrieve the current one through your IRS Online Account (Profile). [2]
• IRS Online Account access relies on identity verification. Many taxpayers sign in through ID.me, which handles verification and MFA for IRS services. [1]
• Some blocks are IRS-side security conditions or mismatches (not something ID.me can override). ID.me explicitly notes certain IRS error codes require contacting the IRS. [3]

Solutions (start with the fastest, lowest-cost options)

Solution 1: Retrieve your IP PIN via IRS Online Account (the fastest)

1. Go to the IRS “Get an identity protection PIN” page and choose the option to get an IP PIN.
2. Sign in to your IRS Online Account (often via ID.me).
3. In your account, go to Profile and find the Identity Protection PIN section.
4. Copy the IP PIN exactly and store it securely (password manager or encrypted note).

If the IP PIN isn’t displayed, follow the prompts to enroll (some people enroll one-time vs continuous, depending on IRS options). [2]

Solution 2: Fix the “account access” basics before you escalate

1. Try a different browser/device (privacy extensions and strict tracking protection can break identity flows).
2. Check your ID.me MFA method: if your phone number changed, or you lost an authenticator device, you may need to reset MFA within ID.me.
3. Confirm your legal name matches across records. ID.me notes IRS errors can occur if your name doesn’t match what SSA has on file. [3]

If you can sign in to ID.me but the IRS service throws a specific IRS error code (like 5001/6000/6001/6101), that’s a sign you may need IRS assistance rather than more ID.me troubleshooting. [3]

Solution 3: Use Form 15227 if you can’t verify online (income limits apply)

Eligibility (per IRS):

• You have a valid SSN or ITIN.
• Your adjusted gross income on the last filed return is below $84,000 (individual) or $168,000 (married filing jointly).
• You have access to a phone (the IRS calls to validate identity). [4]

Steps:

1. Confirm you meet the AGI threshold.
2. Submit Form 15227 (Application for an IP PIN) as directed by the IRS.
3. Watch for an IRS call to validate your identity.
4. After verification, the IRS mails your IP PIN (IRS guidance notes about four to six weeks in some cases). [4]

Important: This is not instant. If you’re close to a deadline, consider the in-person option below.

Solution 4: Schedule an in-person appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC)

Steps:

1. Call the IRS TAC appointment line: 844-545-5640 to schedule. (IRS Internal Revenue Manual references this process.) [6]
2. Bring required identity documents. The IRS says to bring one current government-issued photo ID plus another identification document. [4]
3. After in-person verification, the IRS mails the IP PIN (often noted as usually within about three weeks). [4]

If you’re trying to get an IP PIN for a dependent, the IRS internal procedures note you may need identity documentation for both the requester and the dependent; requirements can vary by situation. [7]

Solution 5: Reduce the chance you get stuck again next year

1. Store the IP PIN in a password manager.
2. Keep IRS Online Account access current (update phone/MFA before filing season).
3. Never share your IP PIN except with a trusted tax prep provider at filing time—the IRS warns it won’t call/text/email asking for it. [2]

Quick checklist

• [ ] Tried IRS Online Account → Profile → Identity Protection PIN. [2]
• [ ] Confirmed ID.me MFA still works (phone/authenticator not lost).
• [ ] If seeing IRS error codes after verifying, noted that IRS (not ID.me) may need to fix it. [3]
• [ ] If you can’t access online: checked Form 15227 eligibility (AGI under $84k / $168k) and have a working phone. [4]
• [ ] If time-sensitive: scheduled a TAC appointment via 844-545-5640 and gathered two IDs. [4][6]

FAQ

1) What is an IP PIN and why does it block my e-file?

2) Can my tax preparer get my IP PIN for me?

3) I can log into ID.me, but IRS still won’t let me in. Now what?

4) I can’t verify online. What’s the fastest backup?

5) Is the IP PIN only for identity theft victims?

Key Takeaways

• An IRS IP PIN is a powerful anti-fraud tool, but it creates a single point of failure if you can’t retrieve it. [4]
• Online retrieval is usually fastest, but some blocks are IRS-side and require IRS help. [3]
• If online identity verification fails, Form 15227 (with AGI limits) or an in-person TAC appointment are the main alternatives. [4]
• Protect your IP PIN like a password; IRS says it won’t ask for it by call/text/email. [2]

For AI retrieval (RAO)

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