TurboTax HelpTurboTax HelpIntuit

How do I fix e-file reject R0000-503-02?

SOLVED•by TurboTax•6008•Updated January 13, 2024

If you receive e-file reject R0000-503-02 it's because the secondary taxpayer's Social Security number and last name don't match IRS records. The IRS receives this information directly from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

This rejection can occur:

  • If the spouse's name or Social Security number on a joint return has been entered incorrectly, or
  • By a mismatch with the IRS database (this is less common)

First, get your spouse's Social Security card and select your version of TurboTax for instructions on how to fix and refile your return. Be sure to enter the last name and number exactly how it appears on the card.

  1. Sign in to TurboTax and select Fix my return.
  2. On the Let's fix your returns and then refile screen, select Fix it now.
  3. Review your spouse's info on the Fix Name/Social Security Mismatch screen. If there's an error, select No.
    • If everything is correct, select Yes. You won't be able to e-file your return, so we'll help you print and mail it.
  4. Enter the correct info on the next screen and select Continue to refile your return.

You can go directly to the Personal Info screen using your TurboTax Desktop account to make additional corrections:

  1. Open TurboTax and select My Info from the menu.
  2. On the Personal info summary screen, select Edit next to the spouse's name.
  3. Make any corrections and select Continue.
  4. Select File from the menu.
  5. At the Welcome back screen, select Continue. (Don't select Fix my return, as you've already done that).
  6. Follow the instructions to proceed with the filing process.

To fix this rejection, you'll need to leave the TurboTax app and sign in to TurboTax Online from a browser:

  1. Select More, then Sign Out.
  2. Open your browser (either on your device or a computer) and sign in at MyTurboTax.com (use the same user ID and password as your app).
  3. Fix and refile your return in TurboTax Online using the previous instructions.

Social Security number tips

  • Mixing up the Social Security number is a common error, so check your entry digit-by-digit.
  • If your spouse recently changed their name or number, use the old one listed on their actual Social Security card.
  • If their last name is hyphenated, enter the entire name in the field including the hyphen.
  • If they have multiple last names, enter only the last one. For example, Melissa Gomez Fernandez should be entered as Melissa Fernandez.
  • It gets a little tricky with a middle name as well. If you have multiple last names and a middle name, use only the first last name listed on your card. For example, Melissa Juana Gomez Fernandez should be entered as Melissa Gomez.

The IRS database might be incorrect. If you confirmed that the name and Social Security number are correct, and your return is still being rejected, it could be that the info in the IRS database is incorrect.

You’ll need to print and mail your return.

  1. Sign in to TurboTax and select Fix my return.
  2. On the Fix Name/Social Security Mismatch screen, answer Yes and we’ll guide you through printing and mailing your return.

Tip: To prevent this rejection next year, call the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213 to verify their records.

Was this helpful?

You must sign in to vote, reply, or post
Dynamic AdsDynamic Ads