Turbo Tax not recognizing the EIN on a 1099-MISC

[MrTax]

What can I do?  I have confirmed it is entered in correctly and want to e-file but Turbo tax won't let me.  

[AnnetteB6]

Go back to the page where you entered the EIN on the Form 1099-MISC in TurboTax and be sure that the 'EIN' choice is selected instead of 'SSN' for the format of the number itself.  The question reads, "How is your payer's Federal ID number formatted?"  

If that does not correct the problem, please share the exact message you are seeing that is preventing the e-file of your return.

@MrTax

[MrTax]

@AnnetteB6, thanks.  Yes, the EIN is selected.  

When I try to e-file, the error message reads: "Form 1099-MISC Worksheet (COMPANY NAME): Payer's federal EIN is invalid for Electronic Filing. You must enter a valid employer identification number." 

[AnnetteB6]

My apology for not being able to give a definitive answer to this issue.  The message you are seeing typically indicates an invalid character or an extra space being included in the field where the EIN was entered.  

You may have already done this, but here are some things to try:  

- delete the EIN entirely and re-enter it

- if that does not work, delete the Form 1099-MISC and re-enter it

As a last resort, instead of filing by mail if the error cannot be cleared, delete the Form 1099-MISC entirely, keep it for your records in case the IRS questions you, and enter the income shown on the 1099-MISC as 'cash' income.  The important thing is that the income is being reported on your return.

@MrTax