Starting January 1, 2016, if your dependent received an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), you will need to enter this PIN on your tax return if you e-file. The IP PIN does not need to be entered if paper filing.

According to the IRS FAQs about the Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) webpage:

Q17: Do I include my dependent's IRS issued IP PIN on my federal tax return?

A17: This is determined by how you file.

E-File Return: As of January 1, 2016, if you claim one or more dependents that have an IP PIN, you must enter their IP PIN on the following e-File tax forms:

• Form 1040, Individual Income Tax Return, series
• Form 2441, Child and Dependent Care Expenses
• Schedule Earned Income Credit

Your e-File return will be rejected if you fail to enter a dependent's IP PIN.

Note: If someone can claim you on their tax return as a dependent and you have an IP PIN, you must share your IP PIN with them if they e-File.

Paper Return: You don't need to enter an IP PIN for your dependent(s) when filing a paper tax return.

To enter your dependent's IP PIN:

1. From within your TaxAct return (Online or Desktop), click Federal. On smaller devices, click in the upper left-hand corner, then click Federal.
2. Click Miscellaneous Topics in the Federal Quick Q&A Topics menu to expand, then click Identity Protection PIN.
3. Click + Add a Dependent to enter a new dependent or click Edit to review dependent information already entered.
4. Enter the Dependent's IP PIN, then click Continue.

Note that any link in the information above is updated each year automatically and will take you to the most recent version of the document at the time it is accessed.