F1040-516 If Form 1040, 'PrimaryClaimAsDependentInd' is not checked, then the Primary SSN must not be the same as a Dependent SSN on another return filed for the same tax year.
Most of the time, this rejection happens when you try to claim an exemption for yourself after somebody else, usually a parent, has already claimed you as a dependent.
Less commonly, you can get rejected with F1040-516 if you entered your Social Security number incorrectly or if somebody filed a return using your Social Security number for a dependent.
To make corrections or to verify your info, select from the scenarios below:
Note: If your TurboTax navigation looks different from what’s described here, learn more.
How to verify your Social Security number in TurboTax Online and TurboTax Desktop
- Sign in to (open) TurboTax and select Fix my return.
- After the screens Let’s fix your return and then the refile page, select My Info from the menu. Don’t select the Fix it now button.
- On the screen, Personal info summary, compare the Social Security number listed to the number on your Social Security card.
- If it's wrong, select Edit, then Continue.
What to do if you suspect identify theft
If you believe you have been a victim of tax-related identity theft you will want to:.
- Most importantly, follow IRS procedures for reporting a fraudulent return.
- Monitor your credit reports through TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian for any suspicious activity.
- File a police report with your local law enforcement agency.
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at Identitytheft.gov or the FTC Identity Theft Hotline at 1-877-438-4338 or TTY 1-866-653-4261.
If your Social Security number is compromised and you know or suspect you are a victim of tax-related identity theft, take these additional steps:
- Respond immediately to any IRS notice; call the number provided.
- Complete IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit and print and mail or fax according to the instructions.
- Continue to pay your taxes and file your tax return, even if you must do so by paper.
How to e-file with Social Security and claimant info
You'll need to remove your exemption so the e-file server doesn't reject your return again. Removing your exemption will increase your taxes.
- Sign in to TurboTax.
- On the Personal info summary screen, select Edit next to your name.
- On the following screen, scroll down to A few other things we need to know.
- Answer Yes to Someone else can claim me as a dependent on their tax return and Yes to And this person will claim me on their 2023 tax return.
- Select Continue.
- Select File from the menu.
- On the Welcome back screen, select Continue. (Don’t select Fix my return.)
- Select Start next to Step 3 and follow the instructions to e-file your return.
How to claim an exemption
If your Social Security number was entered correctly, you know who claimed you, and you still want to claim your exemption, you'll need to print and file your return because the e-file server won't let the same Social Security number go through twice.
- Sign in to TurboTax and select File from the menu.
- On the Welcome back screen, select Continue. (Don’t select Fix my return.)
- On the next screen, select Start next to Step 3, then select File by mail to print and mail your return directly to the IRS.
Unless the other party amends their return by removing you as a dependent, the IRS will eventually contact both parties to determine who gets to claim you. Once they've figured it out, one of you will have to repay any additional taxes (plus possible penalties and interest) attributed to the duplicate claim.