2024 Federal return efile rejected with error S3-F1040-144

[henrysf]

Here's the message:

S3-F1040-144 - If Schedule 3 (Form 1040), 'ExcessSocSecAndTier1RRTATaxAmt' has a non-zero value, then at least two Form W-2s with the same 'EmployeeSSN' must be present in the return.

I checked (through EasyStep of my TurboTax Desktop Premier) and confirmed that my SSN was shown on both of my W2,s and my wife's SSN was shown on both of her W2s.  The excess social security withhold is for me, so my wife's W2s shouldn't matter.  I even checked W2s under 'Forms', and my SSN was shown on both W2s.  

Experts, any suggestion on solving this issue?  TurboTax Smart Check did not show any error.  I have zero for box 1 of one of my W2 (IHSS livein provider in Calfornia), but should be fine.  I found https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/help/ultratax-cs/1040/1040-e-file-errors/s3-f1040-144 regarding zero on box 1 of W2, but I am not sure if that's correct.

If, unfortunately, I have to mail in my federal tax return, what pages/forms should I print out and send?

[LindaS5247]

Did you try deleting your W-2's and reentering them? Sometimes that clears up issues.

1. Click "Search" at the top right of your screen
2. In the search box, type "W-2"
3. Click on "Jump to W-2"               
4. Click on "Add a W-2" or if you are deleting your Form W-2 you can click on the garbage can icon to delete it 
5. On the next screen click on "Type it Myself"  
6. On the next screens you will be prompted to enter your W-2 information from your form
7. Answer all questions on the follow-up screens

If you are using TurboTax Desktop, you can enter your Form W-2 as follows:

1. Open or continue your return
2. Click "Search" at the top right of your screen
3. In the search box, type "W-2"
4. Click on "Jump to W-2"              
5. Your screen will say "We'll start with your W-2", click the box "Work on my W-2" want to file or if you are deleting your W-2 click on the garbage can icon to delete it
6. Your screen will say "Let's Start With a Bit of Info From Your W-2" , enter your Employer ID from Box b of your W-2"
7. Click on "Continue"
8. You can select "Type it myself"
9. The next screens will prompt you for the information you see on your W-2.
10. Answer all questions on the follow-up screens

Click here for additional information on manually entering your W-2.

Click here for additional information regarding editing your Form W-2

[henrysf]

Thanks @LindaS5247 I deleted all W2s and entered them again, but that did not help.  My Federal efile was still rejected with the same error code.  I guess I am out of luck?!  I will get ready to file by mail.

[LindaS5247]

Have you tried calling TurboTax Customer Support? They may be able to share your screen and help you better. You can try contacting TurboTax Customer service using this link: Turbo Tax Customer Service

[henrysf]

Thanks @LindaS5247 I just called Intuit support, but still no luck.  The support person said he hadn't heard of errors for such cases.  He found me some discussion on the same error but for excess social security withholding with one W2.

[MonikaK1]

The error number you cited has to do with excess social security withholding. In order to receive a refundable credit for excess social security withholding, you have to have reported at least two Forms W-2. If you had excess withholding from just one employer, you need to ask the employer to refund the excess withholding. If the employer doesn't adjust the overcollection, you can use Form 843, Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement to claim a refund. Attach copies of your Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statement for the year to Form 843.

See IRS Tax Topic 608 and this help article for more information.

The error message for S3-F1040-144 reads: If Schedule 3 (Form 1040), 'ExcessSocSecAndTier1RRTATaxAmt' has a non-zero value, then at least two Form W-2s with the same 'EmployeeSSN' must be present in the return.

Revisit the W-2 section. If you are filing a joint return, check to see if you have identified each W-2 correctly as "self" or "spouse". If a W-2 is mislabeled as belonging to the wrong spouse, TurboTax will see the Social Security withholding as belonging to one person instead of two.

Removing the credit from Schedule 3 of your return should resolve the error.

@henrysf 

[henrysf]

Thanks @MonikaK1  Neither of my employers withheld to much social security tax, but they together withheld too much.  I checked TurboTax (EasyStep as well as Forms) and confirmed all W2 had the right SSN/Name.  W2s are shown under our names properly under EasyStep.  In Forms, my wife's W2s have the box "Spouse's W2" checked.  Numbers under "Forms W2 & W-2G Summary" also look right.  I guess either TurboTax didn't transmit data properly or IRS has problem dealing with my case.  No way I can be sure though.

[MonikaK1]

Check your W-2 entry screens. Even if you had the right name and SSN on each W-2, if you attribute them to the wrong spouse, TurboTax will calculate the excess Social Security withholding credit incorrectly. In the W-2 entry screens, you are asked whose W-2 is being entered. Choosing the wrong person in this screen can cause the credit to appear when it's not allowable, even though you entered the correct SSN. See screenshot below:

@henrysf 

[henrysf]

>>Check your W-2 entry screens. 

Yes, I checked that one for all W2s as well, all look right.  That's why I guess it's an issue during efile.

[MonikaK1]

In order for us to troubleshoot this issue, you can send us a “diagnostic” file that has your “numbers” but not your personal information. If you would like to do this, here are the instructions for TurboTax Desktop users:

1. From the black bar at the top of your screen, select Online
2. Click Send Tax File to Agent
3. Click Send on the message that pops up
4. TurboTax will create a "sanitized" copy of your return information with no personal info
5. Post the 7-digit token number here in this thread

@henrysf 

[henrysf]

Thanks @MonikaK1 I didn't know this option previously.  I just senda “diagnostic” file and my token number is: 

3 9 2 5 1 6 0 4 7-48807379.  Please let me know what else I may provide.

[DawnC]

You can take a screenshot of the number or type it out with extra spaces added.   

[DawnC]

Thank you for the token; someone will reach out here soon.   You mentioned that one of your W-2s has a zero in box 1.   If so, that will prevent e-file.   While we review the token file, can you try entering $1 in Box 1 of the W-2(s) with a zero in box 1, and try to e-file again.   Thanks!

[henrysf]

@DawnC I tried to avoid entering what's not in my W2s if possible, as I am afraid that may cause other issue or potential IRS alert.  Also, error s3-f1040-144 does not seem to be related to zero for box 1 on W2.

[DawnC]

The error is because TurboTax is only recognizing one of your W-2s.   It is not counting the W-2 from the IHHS because of the zero in box 1, so, you get the error/reject message that says your situation requires two W-2s.   I can see that you have two W-2s but TurboTax doesn't count the w-2 with zero in box 1.    TurboTax calculated and applied the credit on Line 11 of Schedule 3, so that leads me to believe the number of recognized w-2s is causing the reject.

You can try the $1, or you can opt to file federal and state by mail (last resort), or wait and watch this post, or file an extension, so you do have some options.   There were updates today, so make sure your software is fully updated.  

Excess SS