Tax Tips for Avoiding E-file Rejections
The Internal Revenue Service can reject your e-filing for a wide range of reasons. However, if you implement some basic tips, you may be able to avoid unnecessary e-file rejections.
Key Takeaways
- Make sure your name matches your Social Security number on tax forms to avoid e-file rejections.
- Double-check that your dependents' full names and SSNs match IRS records.
- If you claim a dependent already claimed on another return, or you'll need to resolve it with the IRS.
- You must support the filing status you choose–married filing jointly, head of household, etc.–with the correct information.
E-file
Sometimes the most frustrating part of preparing your tax return is dealing with unsuccessful attempts to e-file. E-filing your return instead of mailing definitely has some benefits, especially receiving your refund much faster. The Internal Revenue Service can reject your e-filing for a wide range of reasons, which means you’ll need to figure out what went wrong and try again. However, if you implement some basic tips, you may be able to avoid unnecessary e-file rejections.
Taxpayer SSN mismatching
One of the easier e-file rejections to fix is the names reported on your tax forms. When you e-file, the IRS will check to ensure that your name matches the Social Security number (SSN) reported on the form. Therefore, you should always check your return for typos to avoid this type of e-file rejection. Moreover, if you file a joint return, you need to make sure that the SSN you report is for the primary taxpayer. For example, if you list your spouse as the primary taxpayer but use your SSN on all tax forms, you may encounter an e-file rejection since the name won’t match the SSN.
Another frequent mismatch occurs when there is a name change due to marriage or divorce. If you change your last name, you need to notify the Social Security Administration to get your SSN reassigned to your new name, or risk your e-file being rejected. If you aren’t able to get your SSN reassigned before preparing your taxes, you can avoid an e-file rejection by simply using the name that currently matches the number on your Social Security card, even if it is not the name you are using regularly.
Incorrect dependent information
When you claim dependents on your tax form it requires their full names, SSNs and the relationship you have with each of them. The IRS e-file system will verify that each dependent’s name matches the corresponding SSN by comparing the information to IRS master files. If it doesn’t match, the IRS will reject your e-filing. The only way to prevent this type of rejection is to verify the accuracy of your dependent information throughout the entire return before you make your first e-file attempt.
TurboTax Tip:
Verify that your reported income matches your W-2 and 1099 forms to avoid errors that can lead to penalties and interest.
Dependent claimed on another tax return
This frustrating situation is actually common. The IRS won't accept an e-filed tax return that reports a Social Security number already claimed on an e-filed tax return. Typically it occurs when your child e-files a tax return to recover withheld wages before you claim that child as a dependent on your tax return, or an ex-spouse, other parent or caregiver claims the same dependent child and e-files before you do.
To avoid the first situation, before you file ask your dependent if they have already electronically filed their return. If they have, you will need to mail your return. If you are filing returns for both you and your child the same rules apply. Only one of the returns can be electronically filed, the other must be mailed.
To avoid an e-file rejection when someone else has claimed the dependent, ask your ex-spouse, other parent or caregiver if they have already filed their return and claimed the dependent. If they have and you were claiming the dependent in error, simply remove the dependent from your return and e-file your return. If they have and you believe you have the right to claim the dependent instead, file your return by mail. The IRS will later determine who is entitled to claim the dependent deduction. The taxpayer who incorrectly claimed the dependent will be assessed any additional taxes and penalties, and be required to file an amended return.
Filing status problems
Certain tax return filing statuses require additional information on the return other than just marking the appropriate status box. If filing as Head of Household, for example, one of the eligibility requirements is that you claim at least one dependent on your return. Thus, if you forget to list your dependent or report your dependent's name or SSN incorrectly, the e-filing system will catch this error and reject your e-file submission. Again, the only way to avoid this type of rejection is to review your return for accuracy and completeness prior to filing. Similarly, if you choose to file a joint return but fail to report information for your spouse, an e-file rejection awaits you.
Income doesn't reconcile
To e-file your tax return, you’ll need to submit all your W-2 information electronically. The IRS will not usually reject your return just because the total income you report doesn’t match the amounts on your W-2 or other income forms. Instead, the IRS will typically accept the return but might follow up with a notice if they believe that you have underpaid your tax. Errors in accurately reporting your income can lead to future bills from the IRS including penalties and interest. As is the case with most tax return errors, some preliminary reviews, such as double-checking your math, is the best way to avoid problems.
When you use TurboTax to prepare your taxes, you’ll have the opportunity to import your W-2 directly into your tax return from thousands of employers. Directly importing your W-2 can reduce the opportunity for errors that would lead to an e-file rejection.
TurboTax also performs error checks before you file your return, to identify any areas that might cause a rejection.
To understand more about tax deductions, visit our Self-Employed Tax Deduction Calculator for Caregivers.
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