TurboTax Support

Error 0505: "Employer identification number (Box b) ..." When Checking E-filing Status

This message occurs when checking the status of an e-filed return. Here's the complete message:

Error Code 0505: Employer identification number (Box b) of Form W-2 and/or W-2GU, payer identification number of Form W-2G, payer identification number of Form 1099-G, or payer identification number of Form 1099-R was issued during the current tax year.

How to resolve this error

You need to check the employer identification numbers on your W-2s, 1099-Rs1099-Gs and W-2Gs. Here's how:

  1. Open your return in TurboTax.
  2. Select the Federal Taxes tab, and then select Wages & Income.
  3. Check the employer ID numbers on each of your W-2s:
    • Select Update for the Wages and Salaries option.
    • Select the first W-2 in the list, and then select Edit.
    • Verify that the Employer's Federal ID No. matches the W-2 from your employer. Update it if it was entered incorrectly.
    • Select the Back button and repeat this for each W-2.
    • Select Done to return to the Your Income Summary screen.
  4. Check the ID numbers on each of your 1099-R forms:
    • From the Your Income Summary screen, select Update for the IRA, 401(k), Pension Plan Withdrawals (1099-R) option.
    • Select the first 1099-R in the list, and then select Edit.
    • Verify that the Federal ID No. matches your 1099-R. Update it if it was entered incorrectly.
    • Select the Back button and repeat this for each 1099-R.
    • Select Done to return to the Your Income Summary screen.
  5. Check the ID numbers on each of your 1099-G forms:
    • From the Your Income Summary screen, select Update for the Unemployment option and/or the State and Local Tax Refunds option and/or the Other 1099-G Income option (whichever is applicable).
    • Select the first item in the list, and then select Edit.
    • Verify that the Federal ID No. matches your 1099-G. Update it if it was entered incorrectly.
    • Select the Back button and repeat this for each 1099-G.
    • Select Done to return to the Your Income Summary screen.
  6. Check the ID numbers on each of your W-2Gs:
    • From the Your Income Summary screen, select Update for the Gambling Winnings option.
    • Select the first item in the list, and then select Edit.
    • Verify that the Federal ID No. matches your W-2G. Update it if it was entered incorrectly.
    • Select the Back button and repeat this for each W-2G.
    • Select Done to return to the Other Income screen.
  7. If the ID numbers were entered incorrectly, update the numbers, save your return, and then re-file. You will not be charged again to re-file the same return electronically.
  8. If the ID numbers were entered correctly, this return is not eligible to be filed electronically for the current tax year. You must print and mail your return.
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