Got rejected? Don't take it personally. We're here to help you figure it out and be done for good.
Step 1: Check your email
The solution to some e-file rejections is as close as your Inbox. Look for an ACTION NEEDED! email from turbotax@intuit.com and follow the instructions.
Didn't get an email? Open your return to get the rejection reason and proceed to step 2.
Step 2: Search for a solution
If you didn't get an email, search on the reject message or code for instructions on how to fix.
Here are links to solutions for the top 10 IRS rejections:
IND-031-03: PrimaryPriorYearPIN or PrimaryPriorYearAGIAmt in the Return Header must match the e-File database
IND-032-03: SpousePriorYearPIN or SpousePriorYearAGIAmt in the Return Header must match the e-File database
FW2-502: The employer identification number (EIN) on the W-2 that was entered into the program does not match what the IRS has in its records
R0000-504-02: Each DependentSSN and the corresponding DependentNameControlTxt that has a value on Line 6c(2) of the return, must match the SSN and Name Control in the e-File database
R0000-500-01: Primary Social Security Number and Primary Name Control on the Tax Form must match data from the IRS Master File
R0000-507-01: DependentSSN on Line 6c(2) of the return was used as a Dependent SSN in a previously filed tax return for the same tax period
IND-181-01: The Primary Taxpayer did not enter a valid Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN)
R0000-503-02: SpouseSSN and the SpouseNameControlTxt in the Return Header (or Line 6b ExemptSpouseNameControlTxt in the return - For 1040/1040A returns) must match the e-File database
F1040EZ-510: If Form 1040EZ, Line 5 checkbox PrimaryClaimAsDependentInd is not checked, then PrimarySSN in the Return Header must not be equal to a DependentSSN on another tax return
R0000-902-01: Taxpayer TIN in the Return Header must not be the same as a TIN of a previously accepted electronic return for the return type and tax period indicated in the tax return
Step 3: Open and fix your return
If you haven't already opened your rejected return, now's the time to do so.
Follow any "fix-it" directions you see in your program (not all rejections will have this). Otherwise, navigate to the program area to address the cause of the rejection, then proceed to the final step.
Note: If the info you originally entered is correct, you won't be able to e-file. There likely is a data mismatch at the government, a dependent that's already been claimed, or some other "unfixable" situation that blocks you from e-filing.
In these cases, we recommend paper-filing by mail rather than wasting additional time trying to "fix" something that is beyond your control.
Step 4: Re-file your return
After completing the previous 3 steps, you're ready to re-file.
In your TurboTax program, click File in the upper-right area (mobile devices: tap in the upper-left corner to open the side menu, then tap File).
Follow the onscreen instructions to either e-file your return or file by mail.
Note: If you get the same rejection a second time (or third, or fourth, or fifth...) and you see no mistakes on your return, select the file by mail option to paper-file your return. Sometimes, returns keep getting rejected even though there's nothing wrong with them (data mismatches, dependents already claimed, and so forth).
In these cases, we recommend paper-filing by mail rather than wasting additional time trying to "fix" something that is beyond your control.
