If you have verified the SSNs for all your dependents with the Social Security administration and no one else is authorized to claim them, the following scenario probably applies to you:

• The SSN in question also appears as the filer, spouse, or dependent on another tax return for this same year.
• The cause of this rejection is the result of a typo on another return or an attempt by another party to claim a benefit using your dependent's SSN. The IRS has security measures in place to ensure the accuracy of returns submitted.

The IRS will, in some cases, contact taxpayers who are using the same SSN of a dependent to claim tax benefits and ask them to reconsider their eligibility or provide supporting documentation.

If you've verified this dependent's SSN and found no errors, you can electronically file your Tax Year 2024 return if the primary taxpayer has a current calendar year Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN). Unfortunately, you will need to file a paper return for prior years. Don't attach any extra information or documents to the return to prove your eligibility to claim a dependent. If needed, the IRS will contact you later by mail for supporting documentation.

If you need assistance regarding suspicious activity on your account, call us at 800-829-1040 (see telephone assistance for hours of operation).