Support CenterSelf-Select PIN method to sign returns
🔍 Self-Select PIN Method to Sign Returns
Most taxpayers are eligible to use the Self-Select PIN Method. This guide explains what it is and what information you must include for your return to be considered validly signed.
⚠️ Before You Begin
Before you use the Self-Select PIN Method, make sure you understand these eligibility and PIN rules:
- Eligibility: Most taxpayers are eligible to use the Self-Select PIN Method.
- Not eligible: You can't use the Self-Select PIN method if you are a first-time filer under age 16 at the end of 2022.
- Married filing jointly: If you are married filing jointly, you and your spouse will each need to create a PIN and enter these PINs as your electronic signatures.
📊 Self-Select PIN Method Overview
The Self-Select PIN Method requires taxpayers to provide their Prior-Year Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) amount or Prior-Year PIN for use by the IRS to authenticate the taxpayers.
Step 1: Create your PIN
A PIN is any combination of five digits you choose except five zeros.
- If you use a PIN, there is nothing to sign and nothing to mailnot even your Forms W-2.
Step 2: Know what makes your return validly signed
Your electronic return is considered a validly signed return only when it includes your PIN, last name, date of birth, IP PIN, if applicable, and your adjusted gross income (AGI) from your originally filed 2021 federal income tax return, if applicable.
Step 3: If filing jointly, include your spouse’s information
If you're filing jointly, your electronic return must also include your spouse's PIN, last name, date of birth, IP PIN, if applicable, and AGI, if applicable in order to be considered validly signed.
Step 4: Use the correct AGI source
- Dont use your AGI from an amended return (Form 1040-X) or a math error correction made by the IRS.
- AGI is the amount shown on your 2021 Form 1040 or 1040-SR, line 11.
Step 5: If you don’t have your 2021 income tax return
If you dont have your 2021 income tax return, call the IRS at 800-908-9946 to get a free transcript of your return or visit IRS.gov/Transcript.
- (If you filed electronically last year, you, and your spouse if filing jointly, may use your prior year PIN to verify your identity instead of your prior year AGI. The prior year PIN is the five-digit PIN you used to electronically sign your 2021 return.)
📞 Still Need Help?
If you are having trouble, contact our support team:
Phone: 1-800-516-9442
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