The e-file reject FW2-502 occurs when the employer’s name or EIN (Employer Identification Number) that you entered from your W-2 doesn't match the IRS database. The error could be as simple as a missing or mistyped letter or number. An employer’s EIN number has 9 digits in the format 99-9999999.
First, find the W-2(s) you received this year and look for the EIN listed in box b and the employer name listed above the address in box c. Use the exact name and number from the W-2 to correct your return.
Once you have your W-2(s) ready, select your version of TurboTax below for instructions on how to fix and refile your return.
Note: If your TurboTax navigation looks different from what’s described here, learn more.
Sign in to TurboTax Online and select Fix my return.
On the Let's fix your return and then refile screen, select Fix it now or Revisit.
Compare the information on the EIN does not match the IRS records screen with what's on your W-2.
If there's a difference anywhere, select No. On the next screen, you'll be prompted to go to the W-2 section. Select the Federal tab, then select Wages & Income. Select Edit/Add next to your W-2 and enter the EIN and name exactly how they appear on your W-2. When you're finished, select File and continue through to refile your return.
If the information is correct, select Yes and Continue. Continue to refile and when you get to the Here are your filing options screen, select Change to print and mail in your return.
Open your return in TurboTax. You'll be prompted to confirm the status of your return(s). Select Continue.
At the Rejected screen, select Help Me Fix It.
Compare the information on the EIN does not match the IRS records screen with what's on your W-2.
If there's a difference anywhere, select No and enter the EIN and name exactly how they appear on your W-2. When you're finished, select Continue and follow the screens to refile your return.
If the information is correct, select Yes and Continue. Follow the screens to print and mail in your return.
To fix this, you'll need to exit the TurboTax app and sign into a browser:
Sign out of the app by selecting More from the bottom menu, then Sign Out.
Open your browser (either on your device or a computer) and sign in at MyTurboTax.com with the same user ID and password you used for the app.
Fix and refile your return in TurboTax Online using the instructions from the TurboTax Online section above.
Note: If the information does match and your return is still rejected after following all the recommended solutions, you will need to contact your employer and/or the IRS to obtain the correct information. The IRS can be reached at 1-800-829-1040 from 7 AM to 7 PM local time.
If you’ve verified the info you entered is correct and you’ve gone through the recommended solutions, review the additional solutions below:
Cross-check your information/instructions listed here.
Search for your employer’s EIN (even looking at last year’s W2 providing you're still working for the same company and they kept the same EIN — most do).
Contact the IRS or your employer to verify the name and number.
Contact your employer's payroll department for the correct EIN and ask them to send you a corrected W-2 (W-2C) for your records.
Once you have the corrected W-2, sign in to TurboTax and select Fix my return. Follow the screens to enter the employer name and number exactly how they appear on this new W-2C.
In this case, you'll have to print and mail a paper return. The IRS won't accept your e-file if your employer's EIN doesn't match what's in their database. Sign in to TurboTax and select Fix my return. Start or Revisit the reject on the next screen, and answer Yes to continue. Continue to refile and when you get to the Here are your filing options screen, select Change to print and mail in your return.
For example, your W-2 says IBM but the IRS database says International Business Machines or your W-2 says UCLA but the IRS database has it as University of California, Los Angeles.
In this case, you'll have to print and mail a paper return. The IRS won't accept your e-file if your employer's name doesn't match what's in their database. Sign in to TurboTax and select Fix my return. Start or Revisit the reject on the next screen, and answer Yes to continue. Continue to refile and when you get to the Here are your filing options screen, select Change to print and mail in your return.
