What Do I Do If the IRS Rejected My E-file?
IRS e-file rejected? Understand why your tax return was not accepted, how to correct data issues, and successfully resubmit it.
An IRS e-file rejection indicates the agency could not process your tax return electronically. This common occurrence signals a data mismatch or an error in the submitted information, not a significant problem or an audit. Addressing the rejection promptly ensures your tax return is successfully filed.
Understanding Your Rejection Code
When the IRS rejects an electronically filed tax return, your tax preparation software or service typically provides a specific rejection code and message. This information is usually communicated via email or the software’s status portal.
The rejection code points to the general error category, while the full message provides detailed clues about the specific issue. Understanding both is crucial for effective correction.
These codes frequently relate to identity verification, such as an incorrect Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from a prior year, or discrepancies in personal details like Social Security Numbers (SSNs). Some rejections may also indicate a return with the same SSN has already been accepted. Reviewing both the code and the complete rejection message guides you to the information needing correction.
Correcting Common E-file Errors
Many e-file rejections stem from common, often straightforward errors. One frequent issue involves an incorrect prior-year Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), used by the IRS for identity verification. Your AGI is typically on line 11 of your prior year’s Form 1040. If you used different tax software or a different filing status, verify this amount against your official tax records.
Another common reason for rejection is an incorrect Social Security Number (SSN) or name. Verify SSNs for yourself, your spouse, and dependents against their official Social Security cards. Names must precisely match what the IRS has on file, using your full legal name as recorded by the Social Security Administration. If a recent name change occurred, such as due to marriage or divorce, update this information with the Social Security Administration before filing to avoid a mismatch.
A duplicate filing rejection occurs if a return with the same Social Security Number has already been accepted by the IRS. This can happen if you or your spouse already filed, or if identity theft is involved. Check your e-filed return’s status through your tax software or the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool to confirm if a return was accepted.
Errors related to dependent information, such as an incorrect SSN, name, or relationship, frequently lead to rejections. Issues with your Electronic Filing Identification Number (PIN) or signature date can cause a rejection, often requiring verification of your prior year’s AGI or an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) for electronic signature.
Resubmitting Your Tax Return Electronically
Once you have identified and corrected all errors in the rejection notice, resubmitting your tax return electronically is typically a simple process. Most tax preparation software allows logging back into your account. Navigate to the e-file section within the software to initiate a new transmission of your corrected return.
This process assumes all necessary data corrections, such as updating AGI or correcting SSNs, have been completed. After resubmitting, monitor your email or the software’s status tracker for IRS acceptance confirmation. An acceptance notification indicates your return has been successfully processed.
Filing by Mail After E-file Rejection
If electronic resubmission is not feasible or preferred after making all necessary corrections, filing a paper return through the mail remains a viable option. Print the corrected version of your tax return. Sign and date it in the designated areas, and attach all required supporting documents, such as W-2 forms or 1099 forms.
The correct mailing address for your paper return depends on your state of residence and whether you are including a payment. Find the precise mailing address by consulting Form 1040 instructions on the IRS website or within the tax form’s accompanying guidance. It is important to mail your return by the official tax deadline, as the IRS considers the postmark date for timely filing.