Reject Code F1040-526-04 seems like it has a bugged webpage, and it's not helping me fix whatever caused my filing to be rejected. Help?

[sheldenjr]

Text reads as follows: Description of error: If 'PINTypeCd' in the Return Header has the value "Self-Select On-Line" and the filing status of the return is married filing jointly and Form 1040, [('CombatZoneLiteralCd' and 'CombatZoneCd') in 'CombatZoneDtl' and 'SpecialConditionTxt' and 'SpouseDeathDt' ] do not have values, then 'SpouseBirthDt' in the Return Header must match the e-File database. What needs to be done: This return has been rejected because the date of birth entered by the spouse on the "Sign Your Return" screen does not match date of birth information that the IRS has obtained from the Social Security Administration. Verify information that has been entered for the spouse, including Name, Social Security Number (SSN), Date of Birth, and if applicable Date of Death. After reviewing spouse information, go to the File tab follow on screen instructions to resubmit your return. When you get to the screen, "Sign Your Return" check the Date of birth that has been entered for the spouse to ensure that it is accurate. Resubmit your return. If you have confirmed that all information has been entered correctly, call the Social Security Administration (SSA) at (800) 772-1213 to verify that their records are correct. If SSA records are updated, it can take up to four weeks to transfer the updated information to the IRS. Wait four weeks and then re-file the return. If the reject continues, or if you do not want to wait four weeks to re-file electronically, you may print and file this return by mail. I can't make sense of this, what am I supposed to do?

[DianeW777]

Yes. Reject code F1040-526-04 indicates that the spouse's date of birth entered on a Married Filing Jointly return does not match IRS records. This can happen when using a Self-Select PIN to sign. To fix this, verify the spouse's date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY) in your software's Personal Info section and re-submit, or paper file if the records are correct. Keep in mind the Self-Select PIN is any five digits so that alone is not causing any issue at all.

There's no reason to wait unless your spouse recently received a social security number (SSN). If so the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the IRS exchange information daily so once you confirm the information you can try to e-file again.  Do not wait four weeks, one day should be enough. 

If it rejects again, you can always print and mail the return.

[lmurphy2003]

I'm having the same problem.  Email has a link to "fix" but there is nothing I can do on the app.  I tried logging on via my laptop and still can't click on anything to "fix" my return.  There is no option under TAX HOME which is where the AI chatbot tells me to go to fix a return.  So all I can do is see that my federal return has been rejected on both the website and the app but have NO OPTIONS or links as how to actually fix. 

[lmurphy2003]

I think you're missing the actual question.  There is no way to review or correct on the app or the website even though the reject email received CLEARLY has a "fix now" link.  There is no way to go back and review the return on either platform.  We're only able to download and print.  If your email says "LET'S FIX MY RETURN" and we click on it, we should actually be able to fix the return. 

[victo100]

I had the exact same issue. Never faced it before with other service providers and could e-file without any issue. Only facing it with TurboTax since last year and ended up mailing both state and federal. Paid for e-filing of state separately (25$) and got rejected because the federal e-filing got rejected. Confirmed with IRS/SSA that the personal information match. Ended up biting the dust again this year with the exact same issue and the so called experts at Turbo tax were of no help whatsoever and asked me to mail it again. Didn't even re-imburse the state e-file amount and washed their hands away. Never filing with TurboTax again. 

[CatinaT1]

@lmurphy2003  This reject code is for a date of birth in the sign your return section. Open your return and to to file file section and go through there and see if there is a birthdate typo.

This return has been rejected because the date of birth entered by the spouse on the "Sign Your Return" screen does not match date of birth information that the IRS has obtained from the Social Security Administration. Verify information that has been entered for the spouse, including Name, Social Security Number (SSN), Date of Birth, and if applicable Date of Death. After reviewing spouse information, go to the File tab follow on screen instructions to resubmit your return. When you get to the screen, "Sign Your Return" check the Date of birth that has been entered for the spouse to ensure that it is accurate. Resubmit your return. If you have confirmed that all information has been entered correctly, call the Social Security Administration (SSA) at (800) 772-1213 to verify that their records are correct. If SSA records are updated, it can take up to four weeks to transfer the updated information to the IRS. Wait four weeks and then re-file the return. If the reject continues, or if you do not want to wait four weeks to re-file electronically, you may print and file this return by mail.

[MatthewR87]

I've been having the exact same issue with TurboTax since last year. It happened for the first time last year (after 9 years of e-filing with TurboTax) and then again just now. I e-filed an extension via FreeFillableForms (obviously using my spouse's birthday) and it was accepted. There must be a bug with TurboTax. It's annoying because I had to paper file last year (and like you had to pay $15 for the state efiling fee) and the same thing has happened this year. 

[krickert]

Same here.  Buggy POS software.  DOB is there everything is there.  Still rejected.  Huge bug.  

[CatinaT1]

If what you originally entered is correct, you won't be able to e-file. There's probably a data mismatch at the government, a dependent that's already been claimed, 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. 

Additional reject instruction here.