Quick answer: Sign in to your IRS Individual Online Account, open your Profile, and use the IP PIN section to retrieve your current number.
Where can I find my current IP PIN?
The IRS says enrolled taxpayers can retrieve their current IP PIN through the IRS Individual Online Account.
- Sign in to your IRS Online Account.
- Open the Profile section.
- Find the IP PIN area.
- Retrieve the current six-digit number.
- Use that PIN for returns filed during the current calendar year.
Can I use last year's IP PIN?
No. The IRS issues a new IP PIN every year. A prior-year PIN will generally cause an e-file rejection if a current-year IP PIN is required.
Which year's IP PIN do I use for an older tax return?
Use the IP PIN for the calendar year in which you are filing, not the tax year printed on the return. For example, a prior-year return filed during 2026 uses the 2026 IP PIN.
What if I cannot access my IRS Online Account?
If you cannot sign in or complete identity verification online, follow the IRS alternative procedures. Depending on your situation, you may need to use an IRS identity-verification method or contact the IRS for assistance.
Will the IRS mail me a replacement IP PIN?
The IRS may mail CP01A notices to certain taxpayers who receive IP PINs, but online retrieval is the primary method for many participants. Do not rely on an old letter if a new calendar year has started.
Can my tax preparer retrieve my IP PIN?
No. The IRS does not allow a tax professional to retrieve a taxpayer's IP PIN on the taxpayer's behalf. You must obtain the number yourself and then give it securely to your preparer.
What if my spouse lost their IP PIN?
Your spouse must retrieve their own current IP PIN. If the IRS requires a spouse IP PIN and the wrong or missing PIN is entered, the return can reject.
Read the IND-183-01 spouse IP PIN guide →
What if I entered the correct PIN and still got rejected?
Check the exact reject code. A return can reject because the PIN belongs to the wrong person, because a spouse or dependent PIN is missing, or because the software entry is in the wrong field.
IND-181-01 primary taxpayer IP PIN guide →
Should I keep retransmitting until it works?
No. Repeatedly retransmitting the same incorrect PIN does not solve the mismatch. Save the rejection message, verify whose PIN is required, retrieve the current number and correct the return first.
Still getting an IP PIN rejection?
RefundIQ can review the reject code and return setup, identify which IP PIN is required, prepare or correct the return, and help retransmit it after the proper PIN is available.
Have RefundIQ Handle It — Call 844-754-1040Before you retransmit
- Save the full reject code.
- Confirm whether the primary taxpayer, spouse or dependent needs the IP PIN.
- Retrieve the current calendar-year IP PIN.
- Enter it in the correct field.
- Review spouse and dependent IP PIN requirements too.
- Retransmit once the return is corrected.
- Save the new IRS acknowledgment.
Related IP PIN help
IP PIN Rejection Help Center →
Official IRS sources
Sources reviewed October 7, 2026. Use the current IRS instructions for the calendar year in which you file.