IRS Rejection Codes

If the IRS rejects your tax return, these codes will explain what went wrong

Getting your tax return rejected by the IRS can mark the outset of a serious freak-out session. Thankfully the process of correcting and re-submitting your return often turns out to be fairly painless.

When you attempt to e-file a return and it gets rejected, the IRS will send you a code which tells you exactly what’s wrong with your return so you can fix it and e-file it again.

This is just another of the many reasons why it pays to e-file. If there’s a problem with your return, you can correct and re-submit your return instantaneously not only ensuring accuracy but making sure that you get your refund as soon as possible.

If your return is rejected, find your rejection code either on the short list of common rejections below or on the complete list at the bottom of the page. Then correct the error on your return and re-submit it to the IRS.

Error Reject Code 0500

Primary SSN (SEQ 0010) and Primary Name Control (SEQ 0050) of the Tax Form must match data from the IRS Master File.

In this case your last name does not match what the IRS and Social Security Administration have on file.

Make sure that the spelling of your name as well as your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) are both correct and entered exactly as they appear on your Social Security card.

If you have multiple or hyphenated last names, refer to section 7 of IRS Publication 1346 [Electronic Return File Specifications and Record Layouts for Individual Income Tax Returns]. If you have changed your name, notify the Social Security Administration.

Error Reject Code 0503

Secondary SSN and Spouse’s Name Control of the Tax Form must match data from the IRS Master File or if filing status equals “4” and Exempt Spouse equals “X”, then the Spouse SSN and Exempt Secondary Name Control must match data from the IRS Master File.

Your return was rejected because the last name of the secondary taxpayer on the return, usually your spouse, does not match the IRS Master File and/or Social Security Administration records.

You need to go back into your account and make sure the spelling of their name and their Social Security number are both correct. Make sure they match your spouse’s Social Security card exactly.

If your spouse has multiple last names, this can also trigger the rejection. Refer to section 7 of IRS Publication 1346 [Electronic Return File Specifications and Record Layouts for Individual Income Tax Returns].

If your spouse has changed their name, make sure they update their information with the Social Security Administration.

Error Reject Code 0504

Dependent’s SSN of Form 1040/1040A and corresponding name control must match data from the IRS Master File.

In this case your return was rejected because the last name of one of your dependents does not match the IRS Master File and/or Social Security Administration records.

Oftentimes this rejection code results from a simple error. Make sure that your dependent’s name is spelled correctly, exactly as it appears on their Social Security card, and then re-submit your return.

The rejection can also be triggered if your dependent has multiple last names or a hyphenated last name. In this case refer to section 7 of IRS Publication 1346 [Electronic Return File Specifications and Record Layouts for Individual Income Tax Returns].

Error Reject Code 0510

Primary SSN and/or Secondary SSN where the SSN was claimed as an exemption and/or on the return and was also used as a Dependent’s SSN on Form 1040 or Qualifying Child on Form 1040-SS on another return.

Generally you will get this rejection if you claimed your child as a dependent and they filed their own return on which they claimed their own personal exemption. Each personal exemption can only be claimed once, otherwise the second return to be filed will be rejected.

The first thing to do is to make sure everyone’s names and Social Security numbers are correct. Sometimes this error can be triggered by a simple mistake.

But if everything is correct and your child or other dependent did in fact claim their own personal exemption, one of two things has to happen:

1. You file a paper return on which you continue to claim them as a dependent. They will then have to amend their return to reflect the fact that you are claiming them as a dependent.
2. You remove them as a dependent from your return and proceed to e-file as you normally would.

Error Reject Code 0515

Primary SSN was used as a Primary SSN more than once.

This means that your Social Security number has already been used on a return.

The first thing to do in this situation is to make sure that your Social Security number and those of your spouse and dependents are correct. If you are unsure of any of the numbers, make sure to double check your Social Security cards or confirm with the Social Security Administration. Often this rejection can be fixed just by correcting a minor error you made while entering your personal information.

However, if all of your Social Security numbers are correct, this may mean that someone else has filed a return using your SSN. In this case, you should call the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 1-800-908-4490.

You may have to mail in a paper return as well as Form 14039 [Identity Theft Affidavit] and proof of your identity. Please refer to this article for more information about identity theft.

Error Code 0522

Primary Date of Birth in the Authentication Record of an online return does not match the data from the IRS Master File.

In this case your return was rejected because your date of birth did not match what the IRS had on file. Your date of birth must match in order for the IRS to activate your Self-Select Personal Identification Number (PIN), which acts as your signature when you e-file.

Go back into your account and make sure you have entered the correct date of birth for you and your spouse. If your birth date is correct, and the one the IRS has on file is not, you should contact the Social Security Administration to correct the discrepancy.

If you received an error code other than one of those detailed above, you can find your rejection code on one of the pages listed below:

• 0001-0039
• 0040-0105
• 0106-0169
• 0170-0235
• 0236-0300
• 0301-0398
• 0399-0465
• 0466-0530
• 0531-0640
• 0641-0682
• 0683-0750
• 0751-0914
• 0915-1005
• 1006-1076
• 1077-1241
• 1242-1432
• 1433-9999

Photo via scott*eric on Flickr