Electronic Filing (e-file) > Age, Name or SSN Rejects, Errors, Correction Procedures

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Frequently Asked Tax Questions

Electronic Filing (e-file) - Age, Name or SSN Rejects, Errors, Correction Procedures

What software is approved for IRS e-file?
We will be filing a joint 1040 series tax return. Can we file our return electronically?
How can I become an authorized e-file provider?
I filed electronically but my tax return was rejected. What do I do now?
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?

Rev. date: 12/21/2012

Application to Participate in IRS e-file Program

Electronic Filing

Modernized e-file Guide for Software Developers and Transmitters

Software for Online Filing

The IRS has partnered with many companies to provide electronic filing to the public. The IRS does not, however, endorse or approve any particular software company.

To learn more, go to Filing Options.

Rev. date: 01/10/2013

Electronic Filing

Married Filing Jointly (MFJ)

U.S. Individual Income Tax Return

Yes, you can file electronically using any filing status. The limitations are:

It must be your original individual return (not an amended return), and
You cannot have already filed a return.

Filing your return electronically is faster, safer, and more accurate than mailing your tax return because it is transmitted electronically to the IRS computer systems.

Additional Information

Filing Options

Rev. date: 12/21/2012

Application for Filing Information Returns Electronically (FIRE)

Application to Participate in IRS e-file Program

Electronic Filing

Handbook for Authorized IRS e-file Providers of Individual Income Tax Returns

Preparing a Federal Income Tax Return

Software for Online Filing

An Authorized IRS e-file Provider can be an Electronic Return Originator, Intermediate Service Provider, Transmitter, Reporting Agent, Online Filing Provider, or Software Developer. Before you become an e-file participant, you should choose the Authorized IRS e-file options that are best for you. Publication 1345 (PDF), Handbook for Authorized IRS e-file Providers of Individual Income Tax Returns, and Publication 3112 (PDF), IRS e-file Application and Participation, are available to help you determine the best e-file options for you. These publications also have the information you need on how to participate once you choose the e-file best option for you.

Additional Information

Filing Options Publication 1346 (PDF), Electronic Return File Specifications and Record Layouts for Individual Income Tax Returns

Rev. date: 12/21/2012

Electronic Filing

There must be an error on your return. Please review the following:

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, a payer’s identification number, omitting a form, or misspelling a name; the errors can be corrected and the return can be resubmitted electronically again with the IRS.
Unfortunately, there are other errors that will cause you to have to file a paper return by mail.
If you have further questions, you can call our Customer Service number at 800-829-1040.
For general information about e-file, refer to Filing Options.

Rev. date: 12/21/2012

Electronic Filing

Identity Theft

Information to Correct Invalid Social Security Number

Rejected Return

Social Security Administration

Social Security Numbers for Dependents

We apologize for the inconvenience that this is causing you. This following scenario appears to fit your circumstances:

The social security number in question also appears as a dependent on another tax return for this same year.
Whether the cause of this rejection is the result of a typo on another return, or an attempt by another party to claim a dependent using your dependent's social security number, the IRS has security measures in place to ensure the accuracy of returns submitted.
The IRS will question the dependency exemptions claimed by any other party using the wrong social security number.
If you have verified this dependent's social security number and found no errors, unfortunately you need to file a paper return.
Do not attach any information or documents that are not required with your return; if needed the IRS will contact you by mail for any supporting documentation.

Additional Information

Social Security Administration Filing Options

Previous Page | Table of Contents | Top of Page | Next Page Right Arrow

Frequently Asked Tax Questions

Electronic Filing (e-file) - Age, Name or SSN Rejects, Errors, Correction Procedures

What software is approved for IRS e-file?

We will be filing a joint 1040 series tax return. Can we file our return electronically?

How can I become an authorized e-file provider?

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