Spouse Authentication and Theft Protection PIN Input in Lacerte

Before you start:

• The Taxpayer Authentication section contains similar input fields.
• Input for the Dependent Theft Protection PIN can be found on Screen 2, Dependent Information, screen in the Theft Protection PIN (input sheet code USC2_23) box at the bottom of the screen.
• This information does not proforma from year to year. This input is intended to be used as identity verification and must be entered each year.

Spouse Authentication input:

• ID Type - Select Driver's License Number or State Issued-ID
  • Did not provide Driver's License or State ID
  • Does not have Driver's License or State ID
  • Driver's License Number
  • State Issued ID
• Driver's License/State ID # - Some states required driver's license information as a measure to prevent identity theft.
• Driver's License State
• Expiration Date -  The expiration date as it appears on the driver's license/state ID.
• Issue Date -  The issue date as it appears on the driver's license/state ID.
• IRS Theft Protection PIN - IRS issued Theft Protection PIN should be entered here.  This is a 5-digit PIN.

Why am I being asked for my driver's license number?

Some states request additional ID information to help protect against identity theft. Providing your driver’s license or state ID helps verify your identity and prevent fraudulent filings.

• States may use this information to match your records and confirm the return is legitimate.
• This step adds an extra layer of protection beyond your name and Social Security number.

This information doesn’t carry forward automatically and must be entered each year.

Do I need to enter a driver's license to file my Federal Tax return?

For federal e-file, each return includes an identity verification level that helps confirm the filer’s identity.

• This level is based on the selection you make in Screen 1, Taxpayer Authentication under Taxpayer Identity Verification.
• If Identity Not Verified or State-Issued ID is selected, no additional driver’s license or ID details are required for federal e-filing.
• Be sure to select the appropriate identity verification option so Lacerte calculates the correct level automatically.

Additional Information:

More information is provided as guidelines from the Internal Revenue Service to tax professionals with regard to identity verification in  IRS Publication 1345 (Page 21).