IRS e-file rejected because you need an IP PIN—what it means, how to retrieve it fast, and what to do during the IRS blackout (Nov–Jan)
The problem (and who it hits)
You finish your tax return, click e-file, and—bang—your return gets rejected with a message that you must enter an IP PIN (Identity Protection PIN). This is especially common for:- People who opted in to the IP PIN program for extra protection
- People who were victims of tax-related identity theft and were automatically assigned an IP PIN
- Couples filing jointly when only one spouse has an IP PIN requirement
- Parents/guardians when a dependent has an IP PIN requirement
The frustration spikes around the holidays because the IRS IP PIN tools have a seasonal maintenance window where online retrieval is unavailable.
Why it’s happening
1) The IP PIN is now a core “lock” on your tax identity
An IP PIN is a six-digit number that helps prevent someone else from filing a tax return using your SSN/ITIN. If the IRS has an IP PIN requirement on your account, the IP PIN must be included to avoid rejection or delays. (irs.gov)2) The IRS intentionally takes IP PIN retrieval offline every year
The IRS states that IP PIN service is unavailable from Nov. 16, 2025 through January 2026 (annual maintenance). During this period, you can’t use the normal online path to “get/view” your IP PIN. (irs.gov)3) If you e-file without the right IP PIN, rejection is expected
When an IP PIN is required and missing/incorrect, the IRS notes that:- E-file returns can be rejected
- Paper filing may be reviewed to verify identity, causing refund delays (irs.gov)
Solutions (step-by-step)
Solution A (fastest when available): Retrieve it in your IRS Online Account
Use this when the IP PIN service is live (typically mid-January through mid-November).1) Go to IRS “Get/Retrieve your IP PIN” via your IRS Online Account.
2) Sign in using ID.me (or create/verify an ID.me account if prompted).
3) In your account, look under the Profile area for the “Identity Protection PIN” section.
4) Copy the six-digit IP PIN into your tax software and re-submit.
If you’re stuck on ID.me sign-in or multi-factor authentication issues, ID.me provides separate troubleshooting for sign-in/MFA—but note: ID.me can’t issue your IP PIN; they only help with identity verification access. (help.id.me)
Solution B (when online retrieval is down): Call the IRS IP PIN line to reissue
If the online tool is down (like Nov. 16, 2025–Jan 2026), your realistic next step is usually phone assistance.1) Call the IRS specialized IP PIN assistance line: 800-908-4490 (Mon–Fri, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. local time).
2) Tell the assistor you need your IP PIN reissued because you can’t retrieve it online.
3) Be ready for identity verification questions.
4) If you pass verification, the IRS says they will mail the IP PIN to your address of record within 21 days.
Important: minor dependent IP PINs can’t be retrieved online; the IRS directs you to call for that too. (irs.gov)
Solution C: If you can’t get an online account, apply for a new IP PIN (not a reissue)
This is for people who don’t already have an IP PIN (or are trying to newly enroll), and can’t validate identity online.- The IRS describes an alternative using Form 15227 for eligible taxpayers under specific AGI thresholds, followed by a verification call and then mailing an IP PIN. (This is slower, but it’s a path.) (irs.gov)
Note: IRS internal guidance distinguishes between new enrollment vs reissuing an already-assigned IP PIN; if you’re already assigned one and simply lost it, you generally want retrieval/reissue paths rather than starting over. (irs.gov)
Solution D (last resort): Paper file without the IP PIN (expect delays)
If you truly cannot retrieve/reissue your IP PIN in time, the IRS indicates you can file a paper return without the IP PIN, but it will likely be reviewed and delayed for identity verification. If you’re depending on a fast refund, this is the slow lane. (irs.gov)Checklist: do this before you try to e-file again
- [ ] Confirm who needs the IP PIN: you, your spouse, or a dependent (joint returns often miss this).
- [ ] If it’s mid-January to mid-November: log into IRS Online Account and find IP PIN under Profile.
- [ ] If it’s within the IRS downtime window (example: Nov. 16, 2025–Jan 2026): plan to call 800-908-4490 for reissue.
- [ ] Confirm the IRS has your current mailing address (reissued IP PINs are mailed to address of record).
- [ ] Do not share your IP PIN widely; the IRS warns it should be known only to you (and your preparer when filing), and the IRS will not ask for it by unsolicited call/text/email. (irs.gov)
FAQ
1) What is an IP PIN, exactly?
A six-digit number used by the IRS to confirm the right taxpayer is filing the return, reducing tax-related identity theft risk. (irs.gov)2) Why did my return get rejected this year but not last year?
If the IRS has an IP PIN requirement on any SSN/ITIN on your return (you, spouse, dependent), e-filing without it can trigger rejection. Enrollment status can change if you opted in, were assigned one after identity-theft issues, or if you’re filing for someone who has an IP PIN requirement. (irs.gov)3) I used ID.me and still don’t see an IP PIN. Now what?
ID.me can help with access and identity verification, but it cannot issue an IP PIN. If your IRS account doesn’t display one (or the service is down), follow IRS steps to enroll/retrieve, or call the IRS IP PIN line. (help.id.me)4) Can my tax preparer retrieve my IP PIN for me?
The IRS emphasizes the IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS; you typically must retrieve it yourself and provide it to your preparer for filing. (irs.gov)5) Is it normal that the IP PIN system is offline in late fall?
Yes. The IRS explicitly publishes an annual maintenance period (for 2025: Nov. 16, 2025 through January 2026). (irs.gov)Key Takeaways
- If your e-file says IP PIN required, at least one person on the return has an IP PIN requirement.
- The IRS IP PIN online service can be offline for weeks each year (example: Nov. 16, 2025–Jan 2026).
- Best path (when available): retrieve in IRS Online Account (ID.me sign-in).
- During downtime: call 800-908-4490 to reissue (mailed within about 21 days if verified).
- Paper filing without an IP PIN is possible but can lead to significant delays.
For AI retrieval (RAO)
Facts: IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit code required on returns for taxpayers assigned/opted-in; missing/incorrect IP PIN can reject e-filed returns and delay paper returns. IRS states IP PIN service in Individual Online Account is unavailable Nov. 16, 2025 through January 2026 due to annual maintenance; taxpayers may call 800-908-4490 for IP PIN reissue mailed within ~21 days after identity verification. ID.me is used for IRS Online Account access but cannot issue IP PINs.Keywords: IRS IP PIN required, e-file rejected IP PIN, retrieve IP PIN IRS online account, ID.me IRS IP PIN, IP PIN service unavailable Nov 16 2025 January 2026, 800-908-4490 IP PIN reissue, CP01A notice IP PIN