How do I fix e-file reject SEIC-F1040-506-04?
If you receive e-file reject code SEIC-F1040-506-04, it means someone else has already claimed the Earned Income Credit (EIC) for a child on your return.
Usually the custodial parent gets to claim the EIC, even if the non-custodial parent is claiming the Child Tax Credit under a divorce decree or other agreement.
There are a few ways to resolve this error.
Select your product and follow the instructions.
TurboTax Online
Step 1: Verify the dependent's information
Sign in to TurboTax and select Fix my return.
Go to the Personal profile screen.
Under Your household, select the affected child and then select Edit.
Answer the questions about your child. We'll tell you if your child qualifies as your dependent.
If your child doesn't qualify as your dependent, they may still qualify for other deductions and credits related to your family. You can review this in the You and Your Family section under Deductions & credits.
When your dependent's info has been entered correctly, select File to finish filing.
Step 2: Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA)
If the information you entered is correct, the issue is likely with the SSA's or IRS's records, or another person has claimed the child.
Have the taxpayer contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to verify the dependent's information or correct their records. You can also find a local SSA office on the SSA website.
Be aware that it may take up to 10 days for the SSA to notify the IRS after they update their files.
Step 3: Paper file or apply for an IP PIN
If the data continues to reject electronically after verification, you have two 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.
If you're the parent entitled to claim the EIC, paper-file your return instead of e-filing it. The IRS will then contact both parents to determine the eligible recipient of the EIC. The non-eligible parent will have to pay back any taxes, penalties, and interest for the duplicate claim.
To e-file (instead of paper file) your return, you’ll need to remove your child from the EIC and let the other parent claim them. This won’t affect your Child Tax Credit.
TurboTax Desktop
Open TurboTax and select Fix my return.
On the Welcome back to TurboTax screen, select Personal Info.
On the Your Personal Info Summary screen, select Edit next to the affected child.
Answer the questions about your child until you reach the How many months did [your child] live with you in 2025? screen.
Select 5 months (or less) and Continue.
Answer more questions about your child. We'll tell you if your child qualifies as your dependent.
If your child doesn't qualify as your dependent, they may still qualify for other deductions and credits related to your family. You can review this in the You and Your Family section under Deductions & Credits.
When your dependent's info has been entered correctly, select File to finish filing.
