How Will I Know If My Tax Return Is Rejected?
Find out how to tell if your tax return was rejected, why it occurred, and the straightforward steps to correct and resubmit for acceptance.
A rejected tax return can be concerning, but it is a common occurrence that is typically resolved without significant difficulty. When a tax return is rejected, it means the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or state tax authority did not accept it for processing, often due to a simple error. This rejection does not necessarily imply an issue with the underlying tax liability, but rather a problem with the information submitted. Understanding the reasons for rejection and the notification process can help taxpayers address the situation efficiently.
Common Reasons for Rejection
Many tax return rejections stem from data entry errors or mismatches with government records. One of the most frequent causes is an incorrect Social Security Number (SSN) for the taxpayer, spouse, or dependents, or a name that does not precisely match IRS records. This can occur due to misspellings, unreported name changes, or transposed numbers.
An incorrect Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from the previous tax year is another common reason, often used as a verification method for e-filed returns. Returns can also be rejected if identified as a duplicate filing, such as when a taxpayer inadvertently attempts to file twice. Other issues include incorrect dates of birth, missing or invalid Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) for certain forms like W-2s, or incomplete information in required fields. These rejections are validation failures, not disputes over the tax calculations themselves.
Electronic Filing Rejection Notifications
When an electronically filed tax return is rejected, notification is swift, often within 24 to 48 hours of submission. The primary method of notification is through the tax software or online platform used for filing. Taxpayers will see a rejection message directly within their account dashboard or status tracker.
Many tax preparation services also send an email alert to the address associated with the taxpayer’s account. It is advisable to check all email folders, including spam or junk, as these automated messages can sometimes be filtered. While the IRS primarily communicates acceptance or rejection status to the software provider, direct IRS mail or online account messages for initial rejections are less common. This notification will include a specific rejection code and a brief explanation of the error.
Correcting and Resubmitting Your Return
Upon receiving a rejection notification, the first step involves reviewing the accompanying rejection code or message. This information explains the specific reason the return was not accepted, such as an “Incorrect AGI” or an “SSN mismatch.” Taxpayers should then log back into their tax software or online filing platform. The software guides users directly to the field where the error occurred, simplifying the correction process.
Corrections are minor data changes, like fixing a typo in an SSN or entering the correct prior-year AGI. It is important to correct and resubmit the original return rather than preparing and filing an entirely new one, which could lead to duplicate filing complications. The resubmission process is initiated through the same software used for the initial filing.
After resubmission, it is important to confirm acceptance, as this indicates the return has been successfully received and is now being processed. If e-filing continues to be rejected after multiple attempts to correct errors, paper filing might become necessary. If paper filing is required after a rejected e-file, the paper return should be postmarked by the later of the tax due date or within 10 calendar days of the last rejection notification, and includes an explanation and a copy of the rejection notice.