e-file was rejected

Step 1: Check your email

The solution to some e-file rejections is as close as your Inbox. Look for an ACTION NEEDED! email from turbotax@intuit.com and follow the instructions.

Didn't get an email? Open your return to get the rejection reason and proceed to step 2.

Step 2: Search for a solution

If you didn't get an email, search on the reject message or code for instructions on how to fix.

Here are links to solutions for the top 10 IRS rejections:

1. IND-031-04: The AGI or Self-select PIN from last year for the first taxpayer doesn't match IRS records
2. IND-032-04: The spouse's AGI or Self-select PIN from last year doesn't match IRS records
3. FW2-502: The name or EIN for an employer on your W-2 doesn't match IRS records
4. R0000-504-02: The name or Social Security number for a dependent on your return doesn't match IRS records
5. R0000-500-01: The name or Social Security number for the first taxpayer doesn't match IRS records
6. R0000-507-01: A dependent on your return has already been claimed (or claimed themselves) on another return
7. IND-181-01: The Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) for the first taxpayer on your return is missing
8. R0000-503-02: The secondary taxpayer's Social Security number and last name don't match IRS records. The IRS receives this information from the Social Security Administration (SSA)
9. IND-516: If the Primary Taxpayer is claimed as an exemption in the return, then the Primary SSN must not be the same as a Dependent SSN on another return
10. R0000-902-01: Taxpayer TIN in the Return Header must not be the same as a TIN of a previously accepted electronic return for the return type and tax period indicated in the tax return

Step 3: Open and fix your return

If you haven't already opened your rejected return, now's the time to do so.

Follow any "fix-it" directions you see in your program (not all rejections will have this). Otherwise, navigate to the program area to address the cause of the rejection, then proceed to the final step.

Time-saving Tip: If what you originally entered is correct, you won't be able to e-file. There's probably a data mismatch at the government, a dependent that's already been claimed, or some other situation beyond your control that prevents your return from being e-filed.

In these cases, go ahead and file a paper return, rather than wasting your time trying to "fix" something you can't fix.

Step 4: Re-file your return                 

After completing the previous 3 steps, you're ready to re-file.

In your TurboTax program, click File in the upper-right area (mobile devices: tap in the upper-left corner to open the side menu, then tap File).

Follow the onscreen instructions to either e-file your return or file by mail.

Note: If you get the same rejection a second time (or third, or fourth, or fifth...) and you see no mistakes on your return, select the file by mail option to paper-file your return. Sometimes, returns keep getting rejected even though there's nothing wrong with them (data mismatches, dependents already claimed, and so forth).

In these cases, we recommend paper-filing by mail rather than wasting additional time trying to "fix" something that is beyond your control.

Related Information:

• How do I print and mail my return in TurboTax Online?
• How do I print and mail a return in the TurboTax for Windows CD/Download software?
• How do I print and mail a return in the TurboTax for Mac CD/Download software?