How to Fix and Resubmit a Rejected Tax Return
A rejected tax return indicates a simple clerical error that can be fixed. This guide explains how to correct your filing for successful IRS acceptance.
An electronically filed tax return that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rejects is a common and fixable issue. A rejection means the return was not accepted due to errors found by the IRS’s automated systems, which is different from a return that is accepted and later selected for review. This initial check indicates that basic information on the return needs correction before the IRS can process it. In most cases, the problem can be resolved quickly.
Identifying the Rejection Reason
To resolve a rejected return, you must first understand why it was sent back. When you e-file, your tax software provider will send a notification, usually an email, containing a specific rejection code and an explanation of the error. This information is also displayed when you log into your tax preparation software account.
A frequent issue is rejection code IND-031-04 or IND-032-04, meaning the prior-year Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) or self-select PIN does not match IRS records. Another common problem is a name and Social Security Number (SSN) mismatch for you, your spouse, or a dependent. This occurs when the information does not align with Social Security Administration records. A rejection can also happen if a dependent has already been claimed on another tax return.
Other errors include incorrect dates of birth, such as rejection code IND-525, which can affect eligibility for certain credits. A common reason for rejection is related to the Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). If the IRS issued you an IP PIN and you fail to include it or enter it incorrectly, your return will be rejected.
Gathering Information to Correct the Error
For an AGI or PIN mismatch, you will need the AGI from your previously filed tax return, found on line 11 of your prior-year Form 1040. If you cannot find your copy, you can get a free tax transcript from the IRS website through their “Get Transcript” service.
If the rejection is due to a name or SSN mismatch, find the person’s physical Social Security card. This document confirms the correct name spelling and nine-digit number as it exists in the Social Security Administration’s database.
For rejections involving a dependent claimed by someone else, you must verify your legal right to claim that dependent by reviewing custody agreements or other documents. If the issue is an IP PIN, locate the CP01A notice the IRS mailed to you, which contains the six-digit PIN for the current tax year. If you misplaced this letter, use the “Get an IP PIN” tool on the IRS website to retrieve it.
Correcting and Resubmitting Your Return
The most direct method is to correct the return electronically through the same software you originally used, which usually does not involve an extra fee. Log into your account, and the software should guide you to the section that needs to be fixed. Navigate to the specific field and replace the incorrect data with the accurate information.
After making the correction, go through the software’s review process again and follow the prompts to re-transmit the return to the IRS. If your return was rejected near the filing deadline, the IRS provides a grace period. You generally have five days from the rejection date to resubmit electronically and still be considered on time.
If you cannot resolve the issue electronically, you must file a paper return by printing a copy of the corrected return from your software. You must sign and date the Form 1040 in ink. The correct IRS mailing address varies by state and whether you are including a payment, and can be found in the Form 1040 instructions on the IRS website.