Frequently Asked Questions - 14.1 Age/Name/SSN Rejects, Errors, Correction Procedures

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14.1 Electronic Filing (e-file): Age/Name/SSN Rejects, Errors, Correction Procedures

What software is approved for IRS e-file?

The IRS does not endorse or approve software. You may want to consider IRS e-file by filing through an Authorized IRS e-file Provider. To learn more, refer to our Electronic Services information.

We will be filing a joint tax return. Can we file our return electronically?

Yes. Filing your return electronically is faster, safer, and more accurate than mailing your tax return because it is transmitted over telephone lines directly to an IRS computer. Refer to Electronic Services for more information. ,

How can I participate as an electronic filing Provider?

To participate in the e-file program, you must first choose the Authorized IRS e-file options that are best for you. An Authorized IRS e-file Provider can be an Electronic Return Originator, Intermediate Service Provider, Transmitter, Reporting Agent or Software Developer. For details refer to e-file Providers Web Page, Form 8633 (PDF), Application to Participate in the IRS e-file Program Publication 1345 (PDF),Handbook for Authorized IRS E-File Providers Individual Income Tax Returns, and Publication 1346 (PDF), Electronic Return File Specifications and Record Layouts for Individual Income Tax Returns

I filed electronically but my tax return was rejected. What do I do now?

Your next action depends on the reason your return was rejected. You should receive an explanation of why the return was rejected. If a mistake was made when entering a social security number, omitting a form or a name is misspelled, the errors can be corrected and the return can be sent again to the IRS. There are other errors that will cause you to have to file using a paper return. If you have further questions, you can call our Customer Service number at 1-800-829-1040. For general information about e-file, refer to Electronic Services

My electronic tax return keeps getting rejected for a dependent's social security number used more than once or on another return. I have verified the social security numbers of all my dependents with the Social Security Administration and no one else is authorized to claim our children on their taxes. How do I correct this error so that an e-file return will go through?

Unfortunately, you will need to file a paper return this year. Do not send any documents that are not required with your tax return. Whether the cause of this rejection is the result of a typo on another return or an attempt by another party to claim your dependent, the IRS has security measures in place to ensure the accuracy of returns submitted. In such cases, the IRS will question the dependency exemptions claimed by any other party using the wrong social security number.

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