Age, name or SSN rejects, errors, correction procedures

The IRS has partnered with many companies to provide electronic filing to the public. However, the IRS doesn't endorse or approve any particular software for IRS e-file.

To learn more, see E-file options to file your return or Electronic filing options for business and self-employed taxpayers.

Yes, you can file an original Form 1040 series tax return electronically using any filing status.

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

• E-file options to file your return

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

• You should receive an explanation of why your return was rejected.
• If you made a mistake in entering a Social Security number, a payer's identification number, omitted a form, or misspelled a name, you can correct these errors and electronically file your tax return again.
• Unfortunately, there are other errors that will cause you to have to file your return by mail.
• To timely file a paper return after an electronic return was rejected, your paper return must be postmarked by the later of the due date of the return (including extensions) or 10 calendar days after the date the IRS gives notification that it has rejected your electronic return. Also:
  • Provide an explanation for why you are filing after the due date,
  • Include a copy of the rejection notification,
  • Give a brief history of the corrective actions you took,
  • Write in red at the top of the first page "Rejected Electronic Return - (Date)," and
  • Sign your paper return.
• If you have further questions, call us at 800-829-1040 (see Telephone assistance for hours of operation).
• For general information about e-file, refer to E-file options to file your return.

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, unfortunately you need to file a paper return. 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). 

• E-file options to file your return