No. The IRS will not tell you. If your e-file is being rejected with a message that the SSN (s) have already been used, it is likely that someone else did claim the children or used the SSN even by mistake. You cannot fix that problem yourself. The only way for you to file and claim your child(ren) is to print, sign and mail your tax return. The IRS will sort out the duplicate use of the SSN. If someone (other parent? old GF? old BF?) claimed them and they should not/could not claim them, they will face penalties and repayment of any child-related refund they received.
When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s. Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.
Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses. Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.
**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
