How to Fix a Rejected Tax Return
E-filing has become the most popular way to file taxes because of the convenience and increased turnaround time it offers filers. It can also reduce the number of errors in a filing.
Part of the reason is that online tax preparation software, such as E-file.com, assists our customers throughout the process.
The IRS performs a preliminary review of each e-filing before accepting it. This preliminary review works to spot common errors and provide the individual the opportunity to fix them. Keep reading to learn how to check if your e-filing was rejected, why it was rejected, and how to resubmit.
Why Was My Tax Return Rejected By the IRS?
While an e-file rejection message can be a bit nerve-racking, the process of correcting and returning it is often not that difficult at all.
In fact, depending on the type of error and whether it is a minor problem, you may be able to resubmit within minutes.
Taxpayers are given 10 calendar days (not workdays) to correct rejected returns. If you are concerned about a notice received close to or after the tax deadline, do not worry. The IRS allows you five days to correct an e-file rejection and resubmit it electronically.
Here is the procedure for correcting your e-file in case it is rejected:
First, determine the error. There are several different errors for which an e-file may be returned, and with each, the IRS will transmit a code to help determine the error.
For a full list, see common IRS e-file rejection codes and fixes. Note: If you are using our software programs, there is no need to look up the code definition; we will do that automatically for you.
List of Common Error Codes and Mef Business Rule Numbers Received on 1040 Submissions:
| Current Code | Legacy Code | What It Means | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| IND-031 / IND-031-04 | 0679 | Couldn't verify the primary taxpayer's identity | Re-enter correct prior-year AGI or e-file PIN and resubmit |
| IND-032 / IND-032-04 | 0680 | Couldn't verify the spouse's identity | Re-enter correct prior-year AGI or e-file PIN for spouse and resubmit |
| FW2-502 | 0502 | Employer EIN on W-2 doesn't match IRS records | Check employer name/EIN spelling, spell out abbreviations, resubmit |
| FW2G-502 | 0502 | Payer EIN on W-2G doesn't match IRS records | Check payer name/EIN spelling, spell out abbreviations, resubmit |
| R0000-504 / R0000-504-02 | 0504 | Dependent's SSN and last name don't match IRS records | Verify dependent's SSN/last name against Social Security card, resubmit |
| F1040-522 | 0522 | Date of birth doesn't match IRS records | Correct DOB, resubmit |
| R0000-507-01 | 0507 | Dependent's SSN already claimed on another return | Verify SSN, contact IRS if needed, remove dependent if already claimed, resubmit |
How Long Do You Have To Fix an E-File Rejection?
In most cases, if your electronic tax return gets rejected initially by the IRS, you will have an opportunity to correct the return and retransmit it. In the event that a rejection comes back after the April 15th tax deadline, you will be provided an additional five days to fix the errors and retransmit the return.
If the IRS rejects a return, it will provide an error code to identify which information must be corrected. Often, it can be as simple as entering the wrong AGI, date of birth, or Social Security number for you or a dependent.
Errors like these are typically easy to fix and can usually be completed within minutes. If, for some reason, the mistake is more complex or cannot be corrected when filing electronically, you may need to print the return and mail it to the IRS.