OLT TAX CORNER ~ Self-select PIN Program

The Self-Select PIN (Personal Identification Number) method allows taxpayers to electronically sign their e-filed return by selecting a five-digit PIN as their signature. The five-digit PIN can be any five numbers except all zeros. The taxpayer will need their original AGI from their prior year tax return or their prior year PIN. One of these fields is required in order to electronically file your tax return.

You may call the IRS toll free number at 1-800-829-1040 or use the link on our self select pin page to enter data to receive that information. If you can provide certain information to the Customer Service Representative (such as their name, SSN, filing status and current address), you may receive the original AGI amount over the phone or you may request a free transcript. Allow 7 to 10 days to receive the transcript. You should be sure to ask for the Original AGI so you can file electronically using the Self-Select PIN Method. The IRS can also provide you with your prior year PIN number.

How can you find your prior-year Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) or your prior- year Self-Select PIN?

• Go to the Transcript Information from the IRS website.

You must use the original AGI amount from the originally filed return. The return will reject if the amended AGI amount is used. Do not use amounts from an amended return, a corrected amount from a math error notice, or a changed amount from IRS.

If you were 16 or older by December 31, last year, you are eligible to participate in the PIN program even if you haven't previously filed a return. When asked to enter your AGI, you would need to enter 0 and leave your prior year PIN number blank.

If you are still under 16, and haven't previously filed, you will need to paper file your tax return.

Both taxpayers on the joint return will use the FULL AGI amount from the originally filed return. The AGI amount should not be divided between the primary and the spouse.

Yes, or you can choose any 5 digits except all zeros.

No, if you have filed a tax return before with the IRS, enter your prior year AGI amount as 0 and leave the Prior Year PIN number blank. If you had NEVER filed a tax return before, enter 0 as the prior year AGI and leave the prior year PIN blank.

Simply enter your prior year AGI as 0 and leave the prior year pin section blank. Choose a pin for this year.

If you filed a Married Filing Joint tax return last year, whatever the AGI on that tax return was is your AGI. Do not divide or separate that income for the Self-Select PIN this year.

No, you do not have to paper file this year. You should contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to speak with a Customer Service Representitive. If you can verify information about the taxpayer (Name, Social, Address, Prior year filing status) they will give you the data they have on file so you can participate in the Self-Select PIN Program.

The number one rejection by the IRS is due to incorrectly entered AGI amounts. Therefore, the IRS now allows you the option to enter the Prior Year PIN. You can enter either the Prior PIN or the AGI, or both. If both numbers are entered, the IRS will first check the Prior Year AGI. If that number is not what they have on file, instead of rejecting the tax return, they verify the Prior Year PIN. If this number matches their records, your return will be accepted.

Entering the Prior Year PIN number is just another option in order to use the Self-Select PIN Program. It is much easier to remember a 5 digit PIN number rather than the Prior Year AGI amount.

The following taxpayers are eligible to use the Self-Select PIN method:

• Taxpayers who are eligible to file Form 1040,1040SR and 1040-NR for Last Year.
• Taxpayers who did not file for Last Year, but have filed previously.
• Taxpayers who are age 16 or older on or before December 31, last year, who have never filed a tax return.
• Primary Taxpayers under age 16 who have filed previously.
• Secondary Taxpayers under age 16 who have filed in the immediate prior year.
• Military personnel residing overseas with APO/FPO addresses.
• U.S. Citizens and resident aliens residing in the U.S. Possessions of the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam and Northern Marianas, or with foreign country addresses.
• Taxpayers filing Form 4868 (extension of time to file), or Form 2350 (extension for certain U.S. citizens living abroad).
• Those who are filing on behalf of deceased taxpayers.