This rejection occurs when the Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) entered for the primary taxpayer is missing or does not match IRS records. You must enter the correct IP PIN before the return can be resubmitted.
Here’s an overview of what we’ll cover—click any section to jump ahead.
- Error message:
- Why This Happens
- How to Resolve Step by Step
- Step 1: Enter Your IP PIN in the Application
- Step 2: Confirm with Support
- What You Need to Know
- Still Need Help?
Error message:
‘The Primary Taxpayer did not enter a valid Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN).’
Why This Happens
The IRS issues an IP PIN to certain taxpayers as an added layer of identity protection.
This rejection typically happens because:
- The IP PIN was entered incorrectly
- The IP PIN was not entered at all
- The IP PIN expired and a new one was issued
- The IRS requires an IP PIN for your SSN due to identity protection enrollment
An IP PIN is a 6-digit number issued annually by the IRS.
How to Resolve Step by Step
Step 1: Enter Your IP PIN in the Application
- Log in to your MyExpatTaxes account.
- Go to the SSN section.
- Check the box: “I have an Identity Protection issued by IRS.”
- Enter your 6-digit IP PIN.
- Click Save.
Step 2: Confirm with Support
After updating your IP PIN, please contact our support team so we can resubmit your return.
For this type of rejection, we can only resubmit once you confirm that the IP PIN entered is correct.
What You Need to Know
- A new IP PIN is issued each year, last year’s PIN will not work.
- If you lost your IP PIN, you must retrieve it directly from the IRS.
- Without the correct IP PIN, the IRS will continue to reject your return
- You can generate or retrieve your IP PIN through the IRS website here:
Still Need Help?
If you’re unsure whether you were issued an IP PIN or need help locating it, please contact our support team, and we’ll guide you through the next steps.