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Level 2
February 23, 2025
Question

Reject Code IND-517-02

  • February 23, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 13 views

I am filing a joint return with my spouse, two kids and my parents. My return keeps getting rejected with Reject Code IND-517-02. My parents have filed their returns as married filing jointly. I am the head of household, followed by my spouse, two kids and then parents. How do I know which SSN is causing the problem. 

2 replies

Level 15
February 23, 2025

If your parents filed a joint tax return they used their SSN's on their return already, so when you try to use their SSN's on your return, the IRS is rejecting your e-file for the duplicate use of the SSN's.

 

And....if you are filing a joint return with your spouse--you are not also "Head of Household."  You cannot have two different filing statuses.  I think you mean you are the "primary" taxpayer who is listed first on the return.

 

Why are your parents listed on your tax return?    Are you trying to claim them as dependents?    What income did they have----they had some income if they filed a joint tax return.    Please explain.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
virkarajAuthor
Level 2
February 23, 2025

Yes you are right. Me and my wife are filing under status "Married Filing Jointly". My parents income is < $5000. They only filed their returns to get some tax withholding. The fulfill all the parameters for me to claim them as my dependents. 

Level 15
February 23, 2025

Since your parents already filed and used their SSN's, you will not be able to e-file with their SSN's on your return.  You can file your return by mail with their SSN's on your return.   Print, sign and date it in ink (both spouses)  and mail your return in.

 

 

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.  Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

 

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses.  Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

 

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
Mike9241
Level 15
Level 15
February 23, 2025

I'm not sure what you mean by you're head of household. you can not claim yourself or your spouse as a dependent. 

 

you can't claim your parents unless they filed a joint return only to claim a refund of income tax withheld or estimated tax paid. In other words, they had no income tax liability. their filing blocks your e-filing even if you can claim them as dependents because their SSN was been used on their return. 

 

other requirements to claim your parents as dependents 

 

A) each must have gross income of less than $5050

gross income includes 

1) all taxable income 

2) gross rental income

3) for schedule C gross profit (but can't be negative)

 

see 1040 instructions for the complete definition of gross income - at the bottom of chart A  on page 9

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040gi.pdf 

 

B) you must provide over 50% of support for each of them 

Mike9241