How to Fix Reject Code IND-511-01 on Your Tax Return

Filing your tax return electronically can sometimes result in errors that prevent successful submission. One common issue is IRS reject code IND-511-01, which indicates a problem verifying the taxpayer’s identity or other key information. This rejection must be corrected before the return can be processed.

Mismatched Identity Credentials

The IRS verifies identity using information from previous filings. If details don’t match IRS records, the return is rejected with code IND-511-01. A common cause is an incorrect Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Even a single-digit mistake can trigger rejection, as the IRS cross-references these numbers with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

A name mismatch is another frequent issue. If a taxpayer recently changed their name due to marriage or divorce but hasn’t updated it with the SSA, the IRS may not recognize the new name. This can also happen if a name is entered differently than it appears on official records, such as using a nickname instead of a legal first name.

Date of birth discrepancies can also lead to rejection. The IRS uses birthdates to verify identity, and if the date entered doesn’t align with SSA records, the return won’t be accepted. This is particularly common when filing on behalf of a dependent, as parents may accidentally enter the wrong birth year.

Signature Authentication Errors

When filing electronically, the IRS requires identity verification using a Self-Select PIN or Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from the previous year’s return. If either entry is incorrect or missing, the return will be rejected.

The Self-Select PIN is a five-digit number chosen in a prior year as an electronic signature. If the PIN is forgotten or entered incorrectly, the IRS system won’t authenticate the return. Many taxpayers assume they can create a new PIN each year, but it must match the one previously set. If the PIN is lost, the AGI from the prior year’s return can be used instead.

The AGI verification method requires entering the exact amount from Line 11 of the previous year’s Form 1040. Even a one-dollar difference can cause rejection. This issue is common among taxpayers who amended their returns, as the AGI from the original return may differ from the corrected version. Those who used the Non-Filers tool in 2020 or 2021 to claim stimulus payments may also encounter this problem since their AGI would have been recorded as $1.

Dependents Claimed More Than Once

A return may be rejected if a dependent has already been claimed on another submission. The IRS does not allow the same dependent to be claimed on multiple tax returns in the same year. This often occurs in shared custody cases where both parents attempt to claim the same child. The parent legally entitled to the exemption must include the dependent, determined by residency and financial support rules under IRS guidelines.

The IRS follows tiebreaker rules outlined in Publication 501 to resolve disputes. Generally, the custodial parent—the one with whom the child lived for most of the year—has the right to claim them. However, this right can be transferred to the noncustodial parent if the custodial parent signs Form 8332, releasing the exemption. If both parents submit returns claiming the same child without this form, the second return will be rejected.

This issue isn’t limited to divorced or separated parents. It can also arise if a relative, such as a grandparent or sibling, incorrectly claims a dependent already included on another return. Even if multiple people provide financial support, only one taxpayer can claim dependency benefits, including the Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit. If the IRS rejects a return due to duplicate dependent claims, the filer must either remove the dependent and resubmit or provide documentation proving their eligibility.

Incorrect Personal or Income Data

Errors in reported income or personal details can trigger IND-511-01, as the IRS cross-references tax filings with employer-reported earnings, financial institutions, and third-party payment processors. If reported wages, dividends, or other taxable income don’t align with IRS records, the return may be flagged and rejected. This commonly happens when a Form W-2 or 1099 is inaccurately reported, either due to a typo or failure to include all income sources. For example, if a taxpayer worked multiple jobs but only reports one employer’s W-2, the IRS detects the discrepancy and blocks the submission.

Self-employed individuals and gig workers often encounter issues when misreporting income from platforms like Uber, DoorDash, or Etsy. These companies issue Form 1099-K or 1099-NEC for annual earnings above $600, and failing to include this income can lead to rejection. Additionally, discrepancies in business deductions or expenses may cause the IRS to question the return’s accuracy. A miscalculated deduction for home office expenses or overstated mileage claims, for instance, could lead to a mismatch between reported net earnings and what the IRS expects based on industry standards.

Unapproved E-Filing Form

Some tax forms are not eligible for electronic submission, which can lead to rejection under IND-511-01 if the IRS detects an unsupported document. This often happens when taxpayers attempt to e-file returns that include forms requiring manual review or additional documentation. Certain amended returns, prior-year filings, and forms related to complex deductions or credits may require paper submission instead.

One common example is Form 1040-X, used to amend a previously filed return. While the IRS now allows e-filing for some amended returns, not all tax software supports this feature, and certain corrections still require mailing a physical copy. Similarly, taxpayers claiming specific credits—such as the Adoption Credit (Form 8839) or certain foreign tax credits—may need to attach supporting documents that prevent electronic processing. If a return includes a form the IRS does not accept electronically, the only solution is to print and mail the return with any required attachments.

In some cases, the issue stems from using outdated or incorrect tax software. The IRS updates its e-filing system annually, and returns must be submitted using the most recent version of the required forms. Filing with an older version of Form 1040 or another key document may result in rejection. Ensuring tax software is up to date and that all forms are compatible with the IRS e-file system can help prevent this issue.