E-File rejected

[JDSiggers]

My wife died last year and that was noted when I started my taxes.  When I e-filed, only MY signature was required, but I was rejected because the IRS could not verify Sara's ID - which was not required because she is dead.  Your program wants me to verify SARA'S income for 2018, but we filed together - that is impossible.  How do I fix this? 

[JamesG1]

If your wife passed away in 2019, you can e-file a joint return.

You spouse's  AGI is the same as yours if you filed married filing jointly in 2018.

If the AGI from 2018 was rejected and you confirmed the number with the IRS, your only other option is to print and mail in your return.

[Anna871]

My situation similar to JamesG1.  I filed jointly but my husband died Jan.9, 2019.   I was told I didn't put in AGI, and I was told where to find it on 2018 tax forms (Line 7).  I did this and refiled as instructed around March 29 0r 30, 2020.    So far, no response from feds.  Need I do something else? 

[CassLO]

Anna871 I'm so sorry for your loss!  If you have already resubmitted and fixed the rejection, there is nothing more you need to do. You can check your e-file status here. Or you can go directly to the IRS Where’s My Federal Refund? site for updates, to ensure the IRS did accept it.

If you find the tax return being rejected again by the IRS, due to AGI, while a paper return is not required the year after a spouse dies, it usually turns out that way.  Either the IRS doesn't recognize the AGI from the previous year, or Social Security Administration freezes the deceased person's SSN.

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