Rejected Federal Tax Return

[mistieg2]

Good afternoon.  We filed our taxes this morning.  I entered our 2020 AGI but we received an email "ACTION NEEDED!  Your rejected federal tax return.  When we filed our 2020 Taxes, we filed a joint return with myself first (Sharon A Getchell).  Because we bought new computers, I was unable to download the 2020 Taxes and started fresh but I entered my husband's name first on the 2021 Taxes (Matthew S Getchell).  Is this the reason for the reject of the '2020 Adjusted Gross Income?  Do I need to delete everything and started over?  Thank you for your time.  Sharon Getchell & Matt Getchell

[bluedeb · Accepted solution]

That could be the problem since you filed a 2020 joint return with your name first.  It can affect the processing of your return.  Also, make sure you are entering the same AGI for both of you, do not split it.  You can also trying using a Zero for your 2020 AGI.

Does it matter whose name goes first on a joint return?

t's not important whose name goes first — at least not to the government — but what does matter is being consistent with each subsequent return you file.

When you file your first tax return together, decide whose name should go first and then stick with it per the IRS 1040 instructions, which read:

"If you filed a joint return for 2020 and you're filing a joint return for 2021 with the same spouse, be sure to enter your names and SSNs in the same order as on your 2021return."

Changing the established name order isn't the end of the world, but it could result in processing delays for your taxes.

[DaveRebel]

My attempt to e-file my Federal Return was also rejected, because of an "incorrect" AGI.  I've double checked it as being correct and have tried to resend the return but it continues to be rejected.  My wife and I always file a joint return and all of the personal information is correct.  We used Turbo Tax last year, and are using the same computer as last year, so the software transferred all the personal information from 2020, directly into our 2021 return.  At this point I think the problem is with the e-filing software, so I'm going to send my return by mail this year.  I've used Turbo Tax for over 10 years and this is the first time I've encountered this problem (or any problem for that matter).

[bluedeb · Accepted solution]

@DaveRebel  2020 the IRS was backlogged and processed many returns late.  So if you have the correct AGI for 2020 & it gets rejected, try using a Zero for the 2020 AGI.

[mistieg2]

Thank you for all your help!