How do I fix e-file reject F1040-516?
Most of the time, this rejection happens when you try to claim an exemption for yourself after somebody else, usually a parent, has already claimed you as a dependent.
Less commonly, you can get rejected with F1040-516 if you entered your Social Security number incorrectly or if somebody filed a return using your Social Security number for a dependent.
To make corrections or to verify your info, select from the scenarios below:
How to verify your Social Security number in TurboTax Online
Go to the Personal profile screen, select your Name, and compare the Social Security number listed to the number on your Social Security card.
If it's wrong, select Edit, then Continue. Continue through your return and file it with the updated Social Security number.
How to verify your Social Security number in TurboTax Desktop
Open your return in TurboTax.
After the screens Let’s fix your return and then the refile page, select Personal Info.
On the screen, Personal info summary, compare the Social Security number listed to the number on your Social Security card.
If it's wrong, select Edit, then Continue. Continue through your return and file it with the updated Social Security number.
What to do if you suspect identify theft
If you believe you have been a victim of tax-related identity theft you'll want to:.
Most importantly, follow IRS procedures for reporting a fraudulent return.
Monitor your credit reports through TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian for any suspicious activity.
File a police report with your local law enforcement agency.
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at Identitytheft.gov or the FTC Identity Theft Hotline at 1-877-438-4338 or TTY 1-866-653-4261.
If your Social Security number is compromised and you know or suspect you are a victim of tax-related identity theft, take these additional steps:
Respond immediately to any IRS notice; call the number provided.
Complete IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit and print and mail or fax according to the instructions.
Continue to pay your taxes and file your tax return, even if you must do so by paper.
How to e-file with Social Security and claimant info
You'll need to remove your exemption so the e-file server doesn't reject your return again. Removing your exemption will increase your taxes.
Go to the Personal profile screen, and select Edit under your name.
Continue to Let's check for some other situations and select Another taxpayer can claim me as a dependent on their tax return and Yes to Will this person claim you on their 2025 tax return?
Select Continue. Continue through your return and file it without your exemption.
How to claim an exemption
If your Social Security number was entered correctly, you know who claimed you, and you still want to claim your exemption, you have a couple options.
Print and Mail: You cannot e-file in this situation. You must print, sign, and mail your paper return to the IRS. The IRS will then investigate the duplicate claim and contact both parties to determine the correct filing status.
Obtain an IP PIN: The IRS now allows e-filing with certain dependent-related rejects if the primary taxpayer obtains an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN). You can get an IP PIN through your IRS online account. Once you have the PIN,
Go to the Was anyone on this return assigned an Identity Protection PIN? screen.
Select Yes and then follow the instructions to Add your IP PIN and attempt to e-file again.
How to re-file if you don't recognize your Social Security and claimant info?
You'll need to print and file. It's possible that somebody filed a fraudulent return using your information. Contact us for more help.
