How to Fix Rejects in E Filing

E-filed tax returns are quickly rejected for erroneous and inaccurate information. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reports that the most common e-file errors are related to inaccurate or mismatched Social Security numbers and employer identification numbers. The rejected return is accompanied by one or several rejection codes, which must be addressed before resubmitting the return.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Print the rejected return and review the error report for the accompanying rejection codes. Match the Social Security number on the return to the Social Security number on the rejection report to ensure accuracy.
   • 2
     Locate the applicable error codes on the IRS Official Error Reject Codes list. Review each code description to identify the cause, or causes, of the rejected return. Review all error codes that correlate to the rejected return before making changes, as some error codes may be interrelated.
   • 3
     Review the rejected return to locate the identified errors. Make the appropriate corrections to the return and verify the changes for accuracy. Be sure to check and re-check numbers that have forced the return to be rejected, such as the Social Security number, date of birth and employer identification number.
   • 4
     Pull the taxpayer’s file to verify the required information, if required. Contact the taxpayer, if necessary, to obtain the information needed to correct the return. Request the taxpayer to present documents needed to verify the information, such as a social security cards, W-2s, 1099 and previous year returns.
   • 5
     Make any additional corrections required and then resubmit the return in the e-filing system. Check for the updated return status in the upcoming batches. Allow one to two transmission cycles for the return to update. Take note of the Declaration Control Number (DCN) once the rejected return is accepted.
   • 6
     Repeat the verification and correction process if the returned is rejected again. Contact the Social Security Administration if SocialSsecurity numbers are verified as correct but continue to cause the return’s rejection. Contact the IRS customer service department for additional assistance if other information verifies correctly but continues to generate a rejection code. Take note of the information provided by the IRS representative as the representative will provide details on the steps needed to correct the rejection.