My IL return got rejected for the code ILHEADER-8500-3, regarding the primary taxpayer's SSN.

[vinyl_blues]

This code explains that "the Primary 'TaxpayerSSN' must not duplicate the Primary 'TaxpayerSSN' of any previously accepted return for the current tax year."

My wife and I are filing jointly. My wife has already filed her tax return. I assume this rejection code is related to the fact that she already filed. 

Does this mean I'll have to file by mail? Thank you!

[VolvoGirl]

A joint return is ONE return combined for the both of you.  How did she file?  You probably have to amend her return and add your info and income to it.  

[xmasbaby0]

What do you mean you are filing jointly but that your wife has already "filed her return"?   If you file a joint return all of your combined income and information is supposed to go on only ONE tax return.  So it sounds like you and/or your spouse made a big mistake if you meant to file jointly.     

Better have a close look at the Form 1040 that your spouse filed.   What does it show up near the top for the filing status she used?  Is the box for married filing jointly checked, or did she check the box for married filing separately?

If the box for married filing jointly is checked, and your income and information was not entered on the return, then the return is going to have to be amended to include all of your own income and information, AFTER the IRS has processed the incorrect tax return.

Please explain exactly what you and your spouse did so that we can help further.

[vinyl_blues]

Ok, I didn't realize only return was to be submitted when filing jointly. But I resent your description and tone that we made a "big mistake." That's insulting. It's a fixable mistake. And not everyone understands taxes as well as some. You could be a bit kinder in your approach to helping others. 

[xmasbaby0]

Sorry you took offense---but the fact is you did make a mistake and in order to file a correct joint tax return you will need to amend the original one after it has been fully processed by the IRS.   Sugar coating the reply would not change that.

See this TurboTax support FAQ for amending a tax return - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-return/amend-change-correct-return-a...

Amended returns take about six months -- or longer-- to be processed by the IRS.   

You can watch for information here:

https://www.irs.gov/Filing/Individuals/Amended-Returns-(Form-1040-X)/Wheres-My-Amended-Return-1