How do I fix e-file reject IND-517-02?
E-file reject IND-517-02 usually happens when you claim a dependent, but that person has filed a tax return and didn’t indicate that someone else can claim them as a dependent.
Less commonly, you can get reject code IND-517-02 if you entered your dependent's Social Security number incorrectly or if someone filed a return using your dependent's Social Security number.
First, double-check the Social Security number used on your return.
Verify the Social Security number with TurboTax Online
Go to the Personal profile screen.
Under Your household, select your dependent.
Compare your dependent's Social Security number to the number on their Social Security card. If it's wrong:
Select Edit to fix it.
Answer the questions until you get to the Let's get [dependent]'s SSN screen.
When you’ve updated the number, select Continue and refile your return.
Verify your Social Security number with TurboTax Desktop
Open TurboTax and select Fix my return.
When you see Welcome back to TurboTax, select the Personal Info tab.
On the Your Personal info summary screen, compare your dependent's Social Security number to the number on their Social Security card.
○ If it's wrong, select Edit to fix it, and select Edit again on the Your Children and Others You Support screen.Answer the questions until you get to the screen, Let’s Tie Up One More Thing.
When you’ve updated the number, select Continue, and refile your return.
Once, you've verified their Social Security number is correct, select the scenario that best matches your own:
I want to fix this rejection with the TurboTax Mobile App
To fix this rejection, you'll need to leave the TurboTax app and sign in to a browser.
Sign out TurboTax Mobile app by selecting the icon from the menu, then Sign Out.
Open your browser (either on your device or a computer) and sign in at MyTurboTax.com (use your app login).
Fix and refile your return in TurboTax Online using the instructions above.
My dependent's Social Security number is incorrect
Sign in to TurboTax and select File from the menu.
On the Welcome back screen, select Continue. (Don’t select Fix my return. You've already done that).
On the next screen, select Start next to Step 3, and follow the instructions to e-file your return.
To do this with TurboTax Desktop:
Open TurboTax and select File from the menu.
At the We’re ready to file your taxes screen, select Continue.
On the next screen, select Continue again, and follow the instructions to e-file your return.
If the Social Security number is correct, you have three options
Unless the other party amends their return to say that they can be claimed as a dependent, the IRS will eventually contact both parties to determine who gets to claim them.
Once they've figured it out, one of you will have to repay any additional taxes (plus possible penalties and interest) attributed to the duplicate claim.
1. Enter a valid Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) and e-file
For tax year 2025, if you are entitled to claim the dependent, you may be able to obtain an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) for them from the IRS website. This asserts your right to claim them and may allow the e-file to go through.
Locate your dependents 2025 IP PIN. If you don’t have one, you can visit Get an IP PIN.
Once you have the 6-digit PIN, visit the Was anyone on this return assigned an Identity Protection PIN? screen.
On the Add any Identity Protection PINs screen, select Add next to your name.
On the Add IP PIN screen, enter the IP PIN and select Save.
2. Remove the dependent from your return and e-file
You can also e-file by removing the dependent from your return altogether.
Go to the Personal profile screen. Under Your household, select the dropdown arrow for the dependent and select the trash can icon to remove the dependent that’s already been claimed.
Continue through the screens to refile your return.
3. Keep the dependent on your return and paper file
If you're unable to e-file by adding an IP PIN, and you want to claim your dependent, you’ll need to print and mail your return. The IRS will contact both claimants to determine who rightfully gets to claim the dependent. Once they decide, they'll adjust your refund or amount owed accordingly.
On the screen that lists your dependents and Social Security numbers, answer Yes and continue to print your return. We’ll include instructions on how and where to mail it.
TurboTax Mobile App
To fix this rejection, you'll need to leave the TurboTax app and sign in to 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.
TurboTax Desktop
To add an IP PIN and e-file:
Search for “IP PIN”.
Select Yes to Were you assigned an Identity Protection PIN? (Note: If the IP PIN is still needed, follow the instructions above to obtain an IRS IP PIN from IRS.gov.)
Once the IP PIN is added, follow the instructions to review and e-file return.
To remove a dependent and e-file:
Open TurboTax and continue past the Rejected message until you're back in your return.
Select the Personal Info tab and continue to the Your Personal Info Summary screen.
Select Edit next to the dependent, and then Delete on the next screen. Answer Yes and then Done.
Next, select Review and complete the review process.
When you’ve finished, we'll move you to the File section where you can e-file your return again.
To claim the dependent and paper file:
Open TurboTax.
At the Rejected message, select Help Me Fix It.
Confirm that the Social Security numbers are correct and follow the onscreen instructions to file a paper return.
My dependent's info is correct, but they didn't file a return
You'll need to print and file your return.
It may be that somebody filed a fraudulent return using your dependent’s information. Here are some helpful resources if that is the case:
IdentityTheft.gov (FTC)
