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What is an Illinois PIN?
An Illinois PIN, often called an IL-PIN, is a unique number issued by the Illinois Department of Revenue. This number acts as your electronic signature when you choose to file your Illinois state income tax return online. Instead of signing a paper form, you enter your PIN to verify your identity and authorize the filing. It’s a simple way for the state to confirm that you — and not someone else — are submitting your return.
If you filed an IL-1040 last year, you already had an Illinois PIN assigned to you. Many taxpayers forget or misplace it, but retrieving it is easy. You can use the IL-IL-PIN Inquiry Site, where you enter a few identifying details to view your number. You can also call the Illinois Department of Revenue directly at 1-800-732-8866 for assistance. Both options allow you to recover your PIN quickly so you can continue with your online filing without delay.
If you’ve never received an IL-PIN, or if you are filing for the first time and don’t yet appear in the state’s system, you still have other options. Residents who do not have a PIN can often verify their identity using their Illinois driver’s license or state identification card. This method works for many electronic filing platforms and is accepted by the state as an alternative form of verification.
For individuals without state-issued identification, the Illinois Department of Revenue provides guidance based on where you live, which you can check using the available regional map. This ensures every taxpayer has a secure and accessible way to file electronically.
In short, your Illinois PIN helps protect your identity and simplifies the e-filing process. Whether you recover it, request it, or use an alternative ID, you can still file your return securely and efficiently.
If you don’t have an IL-PIN, you can check the map below or still e-file your return using your Illinois driver’s license or state ID information.
