Reject Code IND-031-04

[forts]

We received this code after trying to efile. I ran the fix, and double checked the AGI which was accurate from the 2018 filed taxes. We are married filing jointly as we have done for 20 years. We are both alive, so it is not related to the death of a spouse. For the PIN numbers, it told us to put in random 5 numbers, it did not pull the PINs from last year.  What is the reason for the rejection still?  Very frustrating! We've used TT for years!

[CatinaT1]

Check these items as well to ensure you have the correct number.  If you:

• Filed late last year after mid-November or your return was processed after that time—try entering 0.
• Amended your return last year—make sure you’re using the AGI from your original return, not the amended one. (If you only have a 1040X form, it’s on line 1, column A).
• Rounded your AGI to the nearest dollar—be sure to round up when it’s 50 cents or more and down when it’s 49 cents or less.
• Filed with your spouse last year—you and your spouse have the same 2018 AGI. (Don’t split the AGI amount or enter 0 for one of you).

Time-saving Tip: If what you entered is correct and you continue to get a reject, you won't be able to e-file. There's probably a data mismatch at the government, or some other situation beyond your control that prevents your return from being e-filed. In this case, your only option would be to print and mail in your return.

This article will give you instruction on how to print and mail your return.

[Alisha_Marie80]

After using TurboTax for 5+ years, I WILL NOT  use them EVER again because of this exact issue. My husband passed away so mine was rejected as well. I had to mail my papers, I'm looking at a 12-15 week wait for my refund but TurboTax will STILL get $120+ of it for absolutely nothing.

[wineshopper]

I have run into this rejection issue filing my 2020 tax return. For the 2019 tax return, I filed before the July deadline in 2020 by hard copy by mail since my spouse had died in 2019 and TT would not allow me to e-file that 2019 return. The 2019 return listed my dead spouse and me on the return, whereas for the 2020 return, I am the only taxpayer. Before e-filing the 2020 return, I confirmed the AGI was exactly as it appeared on the married filing jointly 2019 return. My PIN has never changed and TT carries that forward. I received the reject IND-031-04 code shortly after e-filing my federal return. Questions:

1. Is my e-file being rejected because I filed a paper return last year for 2019? 

2. Is my e-file being rejected since I am filing as a single taxpayer for 2020 instead of joint filing last year in 2019?

3. Do I need to delete the PIN from last year since I did not e-file 2019 taxes?

4. How many times can I try to e-file for free? I can just start to do some other things I have seen like enter $0 AGI from 2019? 

Other ideas??

[VolvoGirl]

Did the IRS finish processing your 2019 return?  They are taking a long time to process mailed returns so your AGI is probably not in the system yet.  Try entering 0 for the AGI.  If zero does not work you will have to print and mail your return.

How to mail a return from the Online version
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/printing/help/how-do-i-print-and-mail-my-return-in-turbotax-online...

Be sure to attach copies of your W2s and any 1099s that have withholding on them.  You have to mail federal and state in separate envelopes because they go to different places.  Get a tracking number from the post office when you mail them for proof of filing.

[wineshopper]

Thanks @VolvoGirl - I have tried the $0 AGI approach and will wait and see. The 2019 return was definitely received since the IRS cashed the check for the amount due!

[wineshopper]

@VolvoGirl Placing a $0 by the 2019 AGI was the trick. The 2020 return was immediately accepted. Thanks! I have no idea why Turbotax would not suggest this as a possible next step as opposed to just sending the same information again. In any event, I appreciate your help.

[daughter1265]

I am currently having the same problem. The husband died in 2020. 

[DaraLO]

If you've already confirmed the AGI you entered is correct, try entering 0 as your AGI instead.

Reference:  TurboTax Online instructions for E-file reject IND-031-04 or IND-032-04: The AGI or Self-select PIN ...

[tmk1972]

I have gone back in 3 times and started the final process again. The AGI is correct. Are you saying it has to be a whole number with no " . " at all and no zero's? I have done several other returns with no problems.

[VolvoGirl]

Did you try entering a zero as the AGI?  Just a single 0.  If you mailed your 2019 return or efiled it late the IRS might not have the AGI in the right database to verify you.    

[tmk1972]

Just did that. It worked. Thank you.

[hlynns2000]

I am receiving this error transmitting my parents 2020 return.  Dad, the primary, passed in 2020 so is that the issue.  I keep making sure the AGI is correct as well as my  moms pin.  Any help to get this corrected?

[ReneeM7122]

The IRS requires your 2019 adjusted gross income (AGI) or the Self-select PIN you entered for yourself and/or your spouse last year to verify your identity for e-filing your 2020 return.

If the 2019 adjusted gross income (AGI) or Self-select PIN doesn't match the numbers in the IRS database, you'll get one or both of these rejections:

• IND-031-04: The primary taxpayer's AGI or Self-select PIN from last year does not match IRS records
• IND-032-04: The spouse's AGI or Self-select PIN from last year doesn't match IRS records

Even if you believe you entered the correct information, follow the solution below to make sure you didn't overlook anything.

1. Sign in to your account and select the Fix my return button.
2. On the Let's fix your returns and then refile screen, select Fix it now or Revisit .
3. On the following screen, you'll have the option to select how you want to proceed with the error.
   • You can select File by mail instead to print your return as-is and mail it to the IRS. You won’t have to deal with AGI issues and can skip the rest of these instructions.
4. Or you can correct your AGI by entering the AGI from your originally-filed 2019 return (enter 0 if you didn't file last year) and select Continue e-filing to resubmit your return.
   • If you don't have a copy of last year's return, get your AGI from a free IRS transcript. On the transcript, look for the line ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME. 
   • Don't pull your AGI from your W-2. The same goes for 1099 forms.
   • Don't use the AGI from your amended 2019 return. Always get it from the first return you filed, even if that AGI was technically incorrect (for example, if you forgot a W-2).
   • See Special AGI Situations below for additional help.
5. The next screen will ask you to confirm your AGI. If it's correct, select This is my 2019 AGI. 
6. Follow the instructions to finish and refile your return. If your state got rejected along with your federal, we'll help you refile that too.

Follow this link to a TurboTax article with more information about this error.

@hlynns2000

[NC Keesee]

Entering zeros for both my and spouse's AGI did the trick. We had to file by paper in 2019 - even though we filed in March.  Thanks