Form 1040-PR is a tax return used to claim the Child Credit, among other credits. There are several methods you can use to validate your identity when filing a tax return. Learn about them here:
- AGI from the previous year. This method involves providing your adjusted gross income for the prior year. This number is found on your previous year's tax return and is used to confirm your identity. You must select this method whenever you have filed a previous year's return and have the AGI on it.
- PIN from the previous year. If you have previously filed a tax return, you entered a five (5) digit signature PIN at the end of the filing. If you remember the PIN, you can place it on the corresponding year's return. If you don't remember it, leave last year's PIN blank, and enter a new signature PIN of your choosing.
- Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). The IP PIN is a six-digit number used to protect your identity when filing your taxes. The IRS may have provided an IP PIN if you have been a victim of identity theft in the past. If you have an IP PIN, you must use this method to validate your identity when filing your tax return. If you need to create an IP PIN, please visit id.me.
- First time filing a 1040 CTC. If this is the first time you are filing a tax return to claim Child Credit, you must select this method, and you must create a new signature PIN to be able to file electronically. The PIN digits will be six numbers of your choosing. You should use a series of numbers that you can remember for future years or save them for the next year.
✅Validating your identity is imperative
The option you must select to validate your identity when filing Form 1040-PR will depend on your personal situation. If you have the previous year's tax return and the AGI is available, select that method. If you have the PIN from the last year or an IP PIN, use that method. If this is your first time filing a tax return, select the "First time filing a 1040 CTC" option.
If you have any doubts about how to fill out the 1040-PR form, please watch this short video that serves to guide you step by step. Filing your taxes with Taxmania is secure, fast, and easy. Try it today!