IND-517-01 - Dependent SSN appears in another filing, but didn't file

[flyswatter]

Upon submitting my return it was rejected with the error message: 

IND-517-01 - A Dependent SSN in the return must not be the same as the Primary or Spouse SSN on another return where 'PrimaryClaimAsDependentInd' or 'SpouseClaimAsDependentInd' is not checked.

So, this reads as though another filing was submitted with her SSN without the appropriate dependent status checked, but she has not filed a return this year. She did file one last year, but has filed nothing this year (she'd indigent, with no income).  Is the solution for both of us to file paper returns, with her marking the appropriate dependent status on hers?

[JulieS · Accepted solution]

Yes, you will need to file on paper since you got this error. Your daughter doesn't need to file a return if she has no income.

This may have happened due to an IRS error, but it could have been that a fraudulent tax return was filed using your daughter's information. 

Please click the link here and review the section on Tax-Related Identity Theft.

[flyswatter]

Thank you for your clear and prompt response Julie.