Federal Rejection - around form 5695 - wait until February 13, 2026

[user17698310143]

Replaced my heat pump and noted along with the correct QMID - my federal return was rejected and received these errors - what does this mean? 

I have double checked all entries on form 5695 and initially I think had a 0 in the wrong box - I received this suggested fix - why would I need to wait until February 13, 2026?

Let's take a look at your return

Description of error:

If Form 5695, [ 'CostAmt' in 'MostExpnsElecGasHtPumpGrp' from 'HtPumpWtrHeaterBmssStoveBlrGrp' from 'EgyEffcntHmImprvCrGrp' ] has a non-zero value, then [ 'QMID' in 'MostExpnsElecGasHtPumpGrp' from 'HtPumpWtrHeaterBmssStoveBlrGrp' from 'EgyEffcntHmImprvCrGrp' ] must be present unless a binary attachment or [GeneralDependencySmall] with description beginning with "Substantiate QMID" is present in the return.

What needs to be done:

This return cannot be filed at this time due to a processing error that will be corrected on February 13, 2026. On or after this date please log back into the product and get the latest updates (TurboTax Online does this automatically). Then revisit the Federal return, run through review and re-transmit the return. If the reject continues, you may want to file this return via U.S. Mail: print and mail it to the appropriate taxing authority.

[user17698310143]

The Reject Code I receive is this - F5695-096

[LeticiaF1]

Yes as you mentioned you will have to wait until February 13, 2026 to electronically file your return.  If you are using TurboTax Online, you can just log back in and file the return.  If you are using TurboTax Desktop you will have to update the program and then file the return. 

In the meantime, you could confirm that the manufacturer of the products you purchased has registered with the IRS.  See the link below for more information: 

Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit qualified manufacturer requirements

[knapphome2003]

Shame on TurboTax for clearing the return to be filed if they know there's an error. 

Seems to me that TT just wanted us to pay before finding out we'd have to wait 9 more days.

Plan to demand my money back and file with another company.

[user17698310143]

FULL AGREE. I've been using Turbo Tax since 2008 when I graduated college and got my first W2 job

This will be my last year - Intuit 100% knew there was an error on their end surrounding form 5695 and like you said; took my money anyway.

I don't have the energy to fight them for a refund and will just wait until the 14th...

They should pay me for the anxiety they caused when I got text and email alerts saying the IRS rejected my return. Then when you follow their troubleshooting guide, my error code isn't even listed...shame all around.

[user17698310143]

Thanks for your input - the QMID's are registered with the IRS - the issue seems to be software related on Turbo Tax end....wish they were more upfront about this...

[Tonyngo23]

My 3 error code on form 5695 seems to be the same as others (F5695-043, 044-01, 045-01)

all related to the energy credit.

I also need for 2/13/26? 

[ReachELS]

What is even more insane is that I filed yesterday, had the return rejected and was informed to refile on February 19.

Can anyone explain why the OP must wait until 2/13 while I must wait until 2/19?

Like others here, I have been using TT since Rover was a pup.  Am re-thinking that decision.

[DianeW777]

Some customers have verified the accuracy of the QMID code (Qualified Manufacturer Identification Number), updated the software and successfully received acceptance from the IRS. 

It would be best to double check with the manufacturer to be sure you have the correct code. Also, check to see if they did register with the IRS here. Qualified Manufacturer

• QMID code (Qualified Manufacturer Identification Number) is a unique 4-digit code required for claiming the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (EEHC).

If you confirm all is correct, be sure your TurboTax software is updated with the latest information. 

TurboTax Online will update automatically. 

TurboTax Desktop is as follows:

1. Sign in, select Online in the top left menu bar, 
2. Next, select Check for Updates
3. TurboTax will update or alert you that you are already up to date

Here are some additional steps that may help:

1. Verify Address and Residency: Ensure that the address where the improvements were made is entered correctly in the "Residential Energy Credits" section.
2. Correct New vs. Existing Construction: Review the checkboxes for "Qualified Improvements Installed in or on Your Main Home" and "Improvements Related to the Construction of this Main Home." If the improvement was for an existing home, ensure the first box is checked and the last one is not.
3. Remove and Re-add Form 5695: Some users found success by deleting the 5695 form, saving the return, and then re-entering the data from scratch.

Please add additional details here if you still need further assistance and we will help.

@ReachELS 

@user17698310143 

@Tonyngo23 

[ReachELS]

Hi Diane.

Thank you for wading into this topic full of unhappy people.  

I have followed the steps as you described (no software update was available) and resubmitted.

Give that I had more issues with TT this year than in the previous 25 years combined, I was not surprised to get a message saying that "You've reached your e-file limit" of 5 federal returns.  So, far, I have submitted 3 federal returns.  As far as I know, 3<5.

The good news is that I shortly thereafter received an email that the return was "in progress".  So, the message is just another bug.  I'll wait 24-48 hours to see if the return is accepted...I'm betting "no".

The 2025 version of TT is not your company's pride and joy.

John

[ReachELS]

Took less than 30 minutes for the return to be rejected.

Some gobbledygook about Form 5695 and "non-zero values".  Retry on 2/19.

Not happy.

[Bmall]

Please update after you refile on the 13th. I also tried to efile twice and have recieved two different rejections and error messages concerning form 5695 and turbotax has given me ZERO answers!

[Tonyngo23]

I am on the same boat as you & having posted the rejection from the IRS & CA State. I am hoping after 2/13/26, people that are successful on Efile will update to give us all a heads up. To be safe, I will wait until 2/20/26 to re Efile as I was rejected 2 times from IRS & 2 times from CA State which added to 4 rejections per a TT expert who went thru my account.

[ReachELS]

I came up with a successful work-around.  This energy credit was for my nephew and his significant other who each file single and share the home.

I resubmitted her return claiming the entire expense, resubmitted his return claiming no expense and asked her to write him a check for $600.

Worked like a champ.

The bug is related to the splitting of the credit...so I decided not to split it on the return and just have them split the credit outside the tax system.   The sad thing is that there are posts here from 2023 and 2024 reporting the same issue.  One would think that TT would have incorporated the "fixes" from those years into 2025.

[user17698310143]

To all:

I will try to refile Saturday Feb 14th and update this thread

For context my fiancé (1099 employee) and myself (W2 employee) own the house together but only I am claiming the tax credit and followed the prompts on TT software to indicate this. I did see in a 2024 Reddit post that someone with this exact situation had this same issue with Turbo Tax - hoping thats not a repeat.

As far as my QMID's they are major brands - my heat pump is Goodman/Amana/Daiken

I also replaced an exterior door with a major brand sold at Home Depot - on the Q&A for that product on Home Depot's website, someone got a reply from the manufacturer asking about their QMID and the manufacturer responded and provided it - so seemingly both of my QMIDs shouldnt be the issue