What is the Self-Select PIN Program?
The Self-Select PIN program is an IRS e-file authentication method that allows taxpayers to electronically sign their federal tax return using a 5-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) instead of a handwritten signature. This PIN serves as the taxpayer’s electronic signature when filing Form 1040, 1040-SR, or 1040-NR through IRS-approved e-file software.
This program is part of the IRS electronic signature authentication process and is used to verify taxpayer identity when submitting returns electronically.
Key Features of the Self-Select PIN Program
- The Signature: Instead of a physical "wet ink" signature, you choose any five-digit number (except all zeros) to act as your electronic signature.
- No Registration Needed: You do not need to contact the IRS to get this PIN; you simply create it within your tax software when you are ready to file.
- Authentication: To prove your identity, the IRS requires you to provide your date of birth plus one of the following from your originally filed prior-year tax return:
- Your prior-year Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).
- Your prior-year Self-Select PIN.
- Joint Returns: If filing jointly, both you and your spouse must each create a unique five-digit PIN and provide separate authentication information.
Key Features of the Self-Select PIN Program
Electronic Signature
- The taxpayer selects a 5-digit PIN (any five digits except all zeros)
- The PIN functions as the taxpayer’s electronic signature for e-file purposes
- It replaces a paper signature when filing electronically
No IRS Registration Required
- Taxpayers do not register directly with the IRS for this PIN
- The PIN is created and entered through IRS-approved tax preparation software at the time of filing
Identity Authentication
To verify identity, the IRS requires one of the following from a prior-year tax return:
- Prior-year Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), or
- Prior-year Self-Select PIN (if previously used)
In addition, the taxpayer must provide:
- Date of birth (as part of e-file authentication)
Joint Returns
- Each spouse on a joint return must:
- Create a separate 5-digit Self-Select PIN
- Provide separate identity authentication information (AGI or prior-year PIN)
Eligibility
The Self-Select PIN program is generally available to most individual taxpayers who can e-file Form 1040 series returns.
However, it cannot be used if identity authentication requirements cannot be met, such as when:
- The taxpayer cannot provide prior-year AGI or prior Self-Select PIN, and does not qualify for alternate authentication methods
- The taxpayer is required to use alternative IRS authentication procedures (such as Identity Protection PIN requirements if assigned by IRS)
For taxpayers who have never filed before, the IRS generally allows identity verification using:
- Prior-year AGI entered as $0, if applicable under IRS e-file authentication rules
Self-Select PIN vs. IP PIN
It is important to distinguish between these two IRS systems:
Self-Select PIN
- A 5-digit number chosen by the taxpayer
- Used as an electronic signature for e-file returns
- Created within tax software during filing
Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
- A 6-digit number issued by the IRS
- Required for taxpayers who are victims of identity theft or enrolled in the IP PIN program
- Used to prevent unauthorized filing of tax returns
If the IRS issues an IP PIN, it must be used when filing electronically or on paper, in addition to other identity verification requirements.
Source:
Form 1040
Disclaimer: Always verify information with official Federal or State Department of Revenue Forms and Instructions.