How Do You Know If Your Tax Return Was Rejected?

When you file your tax return electronically, a quick acceptance is generally expected, signaling that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has received your submission. However, there are instances when an e-filed return is not immediately accepted and instead receives a “rejected” status. Understanding this outcome is important for taxpayers to ensure their filing obligations are met accurately and on time. A rejection means the IRS system identified an issue preventing the processing of your return, requiring your attention before it can be officially accepted.

Checking Your Return Status

After e-filing your tax return, you can typically monitor its processing status through several avenues. The IRS provides an online tool called “Where’s My Refund?” which allows taxpayers to track the status of their federal tax refund. To utilize this tool, you will need to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), your filing status, and the exact refund amount shown on your return. While primarily for refunds, this tool also indicates if your return was received, processed, or rejected.

Many tax preparation software programs and online tax service providers offer integrated status trackers. After submission, you can log back into your account for real-time updates. These platforms frequently send email notifications directly to the taxpayer, informing them of acceptance or rejection. Taxpayers should check their inbox, including spam folders, for these important updates.

If you engaged a tax preparer or accountant, they are typically the primary contact for status inquiries. These professionals receive direct notifications regarding acceptance or rejection. Contacting your preparer provides the most accurate information on your filing status and can explain any specific IRS messages.

Interpreting Rejection Messages

When an e-filed tax return is rejected, the notification includes specific indicators. Tax software or online services display a clear message within your account or send an email detailing the rejection. These messages often include specific IRS error codes and brief descriptions that pinpoint the reason for the rejection. For example, you might see codes related to an “AGI Mismatch” or an “SSN Error.”

Rejection codes and descriptions guide you toward the exact issue. The system provides actionable information, not just a “rejected” status. Carefully review these messages, as they contain details for identifying the discrepancy. You can find these detailed messages within your tax software’s “filing” or “status” section, or in the rejection email.

Understanding these messages is the first step in resolving the rejection. For instance, a message indicating a Social Security Number mismatch directs your attention to that specific field. This simplifies the correction process and helps taxpayers avoid broad error searches.

Identifying Common Rejection Causes

One of the most frequent reasons for an e-filed tax return rejection is an incorrect prior-year Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). The IRS uses your previous year’s AGI as a security measure to verify your identity when you e-file. If the AGI entered on your current year’s tax return does not exactly match what the IRS has on record from your previous filing, your return will be rejected. This mismatch can occur even with minor discrepancies.

Errors related to Social Security Numbers (SSNs) or names are another common cause for rejection. This includes incorrect SSNs for the primary taxpayer, spouse, or any dependents listed on the return. The names and SSNs must precisely match the records held by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the IRS. Even a single digit out of place or a misspelled name can lead to a rejection.

Issues with the Personal Identification Number (PIN) or electronic signature used for e-filing can also cause a rejection. If you use a self-select PIN, it must be accurate and valid for the current tax year. Similarly, any other electronic signature method must be correctly applied and verified. Duplicate filing, where the same return is submitted more than once, will also result in a rejection of the subsequent submission.

Furthermore, if a dependent claimed on your return has already been claimed on another taxpayer’s return, your e-filed return will be rejected. This prevents multiple claims for the same individual. While tax software generally minimizes mathematical errors, significant calculation discrepancies that could indicate a larger issue with the return’s data can also lead to a rejection.

Correcting and Resubmitting Your Return

Once you have identified the specific reason for your tax return’s rejection, the next step is to access your return within the tax software or service you used. Most e-filing platforms allow you to reopen your submitted return to make necessary adjustments. This process is generally straightforward, guiding you to the fields that require correction based on the rejection message.

You should carefully address the identified error, whether it is updating your prior-year AGI, correcting a Social Security Number, or modifying a name. Ensure all corrected information precisely matches official records. Once the correction is made, the software will typically prompt you to re-submit the return electronically. It is important to confirm that the re-submission is successful and to look for a new acceptance confirmation from the IRS.

In situations where electronic re-filing is not possible or if repeated attempts continue to result in rejection, you may need to print and mail your corrected return. When mailing, ensure the return is signed and dated, and it is advisable to keep a complete copy for your records. The IRS generally honors the original filing date if a rejected electronic return is corrected and re-submitted (either electronically or by mail) within a specified timeframe, typically around five to ten days from the initial rejection notification.