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PIN

Use a self-select PIN for a 1040 return

Follow these steps to use a Self-Select PIN (personal identification number) to file a 1040 return electronically.
  1. Complete the return and print a copy for the client and yourself to review.
  2. Select the
    PIN
     screen tab in the Electronic Filing folder.
  3. Enter the electronic return originator PIN, a self-selected set of 5 numbers, in the
    ERO PIN
     field. You can select any 5 numbers except 00000. The actual ERO PIN is an 11-digit number. The 1st 6 digits consist of your EFIN from the IRS. The last 5 digits consist of the self-selected numbers entered in the PIN screen.
  4. Prior year AGI
    : Enter the prior year adjusted gross income from the originally reported return (not an amended return) for both taxpayer and spouse if necessary. If you processed the client's prior year return using UltraTax CS, this field automatically proformas except for converted data. If you didn't file a prior year return, enter
    0
     in this field.
    important
    The prior year AGI needs to match exactly with the prior year original return (not amended returns). The IRS will accept returns with a prior year adjusted gross income that doesn't match if the prior year PIN does match. An incorrect date of birth can slow IRS processing.
  5. Prior year taxpayer PIN
     and
    Prior year spouse PIN
    : Enter the prior year PIN for both taxpayer and spouse. If you processed the client's prior year return using UltraTax CS/1040, this field automatically proformas except for converted data. If you didn't file a prior year return, leave this field blank.
  6. Have the client complete the
    Taxpayer
     (and
    Spouse
    , if necessary)
    PIN
     fields. The PIN includes 5 self-selected numbers of any combination except 00000.
    note
    As the electronic return originator (ERO), you can enter these PINs if you have the taxpayer's and spouse's written signatures on Form 8879, IRS e-file Signature Authorization Form. This form will print with the return if you use the PIN. Don't mail this form to the IRS unless asked to, but keep it with your records.
    important
    If you don't enter any of the qualifying conditions for the PIN, UltraTax CS generates a diagnostic and an error displays on the E-File Error Report. The IRS will reject the electronic return if you submit it with incomplete or inaccurate PIN information.
    note
    If you file Form 4868 and use the EFW option or file Form 2350, you need to enter the following information in the PIN screen. If you don't complete the necessary fields, UltraTax CS generates a diagnostic message and doesn't create the electronic extension file.
    • Preparer PIN
    • Taxpayer and spouse PINs
    • Prior-year adjusted gross income from the original return (not the amended return)
    note
    The IRS generally accepts an electronically filed return with a Self-Select PIN, even if there isn't an exact match for the date of birth. The IRS will verify the
    Date of birth
     field on all returns filed electronically using a Self-Select PIN. If the date of birth doesn't match, but all other requirements are met, the IRS won't reject the return.
    An indicator in the acknowledgment file identifies if the primary (taxpayer), secondary (spouse), or both taxpayers have invalid dates of birth. Advise your client to contact the Social Security Administration to have their records verified and corrected as necessary. Acknowledgment records contain a date of birth mismatch with 1 of the following values if a date of birth didn't match the IRS master file. You can view these values by selecting a client in the Electronic Filing Status window, then
    Show Detail
    :
    • Primary DOB Mismatch
    • Spouse DOB Mismatch
    • Both DOBs Mismatched

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