IRS didnt accept my return, because it said one was already filed. I didnt file a return yet, only the extension.

jwnelson72 — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 08:05:48 GMT

Re: IRS didnt accept my return, because it said one was already filed. I didnt file a return yet, only the extension.

mesquitebean — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 03:31:49 GMT

So you efiled, and it was rejected? Please post the exact error code and message.

Re: IRS didnt accept my return, because it said one was already filed. I didnt file a return yet, only the extension.

jwnelson72 — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 04:52:26 GMT

here it is, there is no error code. I haven't filed a return yet as far as I know, i just filed an extension.

thanks

Re: IRS didnt accept my return, because it said one was already filed. I didnt file a return yet, only the extension.

mesquitebean — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 23:05:10 GMT

That looks like it may be Rejection IND-452: "In an original return, the primary SSN in the Return Header must not be the same as the TIN of a previously accepted electronic individual return filed for the same tax period."

You may have gotten (or should get) a rejection notice email with the code (check your spam/junk folder), but the error message suggests that is what it is. If the SSN info you entered is correct, then you will NOT be able to efile after getting that error. In that case you would have to postal mail a paper return. And there are some very important things you need to check in case this turns out to be identity theft instead of some other explanation.

I'm a fellow user, not a tax expert, but I can tell you where to get more information. First, see this FAQ about an IND-452 rejection:

FAQ: Efile Reject IND-452

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/rejected-tax-return/fix-e-file-reject-ind-452/L6KMDYpYL_US_en_US

That FAQ also has a section with some links for information on what to do about possible Identity Theft.

I'm a fellow user, not a tax person. If you are sure you did not previously file a 2024 return, then if it were me, I would first double-check my information to be sure there were no typos in the SSN and that no other family member had filed with my SSN information. Then I'd phone the IRS to inform them about what happened and see what they say, i.e., if they indeed have another return, and perhaps they may already know if it was suspicious or not. They will likely tell you to postal mail the return and enclose a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, as another user experienced in their thread below, who did phone the IRS.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/after-you-file/discussion/how-do-i-file-this-fed-state-rejected-ind-452/00/3245266

IRS: 800-829-1040 (7AM-7 PM local time) Monday-Friday

When you mail your return, be sure to sign and date it. It's recommended to mail by a method that has tracking, with the Federal return mailed to the IRS and state return mailed to the state tax agency (the State often also wants a copy of the Federal or certain specific forms from the Federal.) In the FILE section, when you change the filing method from efile to "file by mail", it should give you an opportunity to print out the "file by mail" instructions. If not, after you make the switch, go into Forms Mode, and in the left column list of forms you can view/print the Filing Instructions for a mailed return. If you have a state return, it will have to be mailed, too. For the Federal return, attach a copy of any W-2 (and any W-2C, if corrected), W-2G (if applicable and tax was withheld) and any 1099-R form that has withholding. The state instructions will sometimes vary by particular state but should be on a Filing Instructions form in the state forms list.

If you end up needing to speak to TurboTax Support, here's the contact phone number:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/contact

Since your efile was rejected prior to October 15, if you filed an extension, and if you owe taxes due, you have until October 20, 2025 to postmark a paper return for it to be considered timely filed. See this FAQ:

FAQ: 2024 Return: Dates and Deadlines

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-calendars/tax-year-2021-calendar-important-federal-dates/L6PiLBulY_US_en_US

If you're due a Federal refund, then for a return with a Federal refund, if one filed an extension, you have another 3 years to file and claim the refund, as mentioned in that FAQ.

Again, if you don't find that this was due to an entry error or another family member, I would phone the IRS ASAP and discuss this with them. If it turns out that someone filed a fraudulent return, here's some more information on identity theft:

FAQ: What to do if you suspect tax-related identity theft

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/security-risk/suspect-tax-related-identity-theft/L1BaGW0dU_US_en_US

topic Re: IRS didnt accept my return, because it said one was already filed. I didnt file a return yet, only the extension. in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

IRS didnt accept my return, because it said one was already filed. I didnt file a return yet, only the extension.

Re: IRS didnt accept my return, because it said one was already filed. I didnt file a return yet, only the extension.

Re: IRS didnt accept my return, because it said one was already filed. I didnt file a return yet, only the extension.

Re: IRS didnt accept my return, because it said one was already filed. I didnt file a return yet, only the extension.