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By Aliss Higham
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Tax filing season is well underway, with millions of Americans filing their annual returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). But sometimes your return can be rejected, which can mean a delayed refund.
Nearly 18 million e-filed individual tax returns were rejected in fiscal year 2024. Understanding what a rejection means, the most common errors, and the precise deadlines for fixing them can keep your refund moving and help you avoid penalties.
Why It Matters
A rejected e-filed return is not considered filed, and if not acted on, it could cause you to miss the filing deadline, which is April 15 this year. As of February 13, the IRS reported an average refund of $2,476—up 14 percent year over year—o fixing mistakes quickly can help taxpayers receive money they may be counting on sooner.
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What To Do if Your Return Is Rejected
Most filers learn within 24 to 48 hours if the IRS accepted or rejected their e-filed return, and the system or software will display a reject code with instructions.
According to official IRS guidance, taxpayers whose returns are rejected should receive an explanation outlining the reason. In some cases, simple mistakes—such as entering an incorrect Social Security number, using the wrong payer identification number, omitting a required form, or misspelling a name—can be corrected and the return resubmitted electronically.
However, certain issues will require taxpayers to file by mail instead. To be considered timely after an electronic rejection, a paper return must be postmarked by the later of the original due date (including extensions) or 10 calendar days after the IRS notifies the filer that their electronic return was rejected.
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Taxpayers submitting a paper return following a rejection must also include an explanation for filing after the due date, attach a copy of the rejection notice, and provide a brief summary of any corrective steps taken. The IRS instructs filers to write “Rejected Electronic Return—(Date)” in red at the top of the first page, and to sign and mail the return.
If a rejection notice indicates that a return has already been filed under the taxpayer’s Social Security number—or that of their spouse—the IRS advises calling 800-829-1040 for further assistance.
Why Are Returns Rejected?
Returns can be rejected for a range of reasons. For tax year 2023, the top e-file rejection reason was a prior-year PIN or adjusted gross income not matching IRS records, followed by missing Form 8962, an invalid Identity Protection PIN, duplicate filing, and a primary name mismatch.
Other common issues include missing or inaccurate personal information, such as a name or number that does not match IRS records. For example, taxpayers who change their name after marriage must update their information with the Social Security Administration to avoid discrepancies. Even minor typographical errors can trigger a rejection.
Returns may also be denied if the IRS has already accepted a filing under the same Social Security number or taxpayer identification number, which in some cases could signal fraud or identity theft. The IRS advises contacting the agency immediately and, if identity theft is suspected, filing Form 14039 and considering a fraud alert with credit bureaus.
Another frequent issue arises when a dependent—such as a child—has already been claimed on another return. This can occur in situations involving divorced parents or when a dependent files their own return and claims themselves.
Returns may also be rejected if an electronic signature cannot be verified. When filing electronically, taxpayers must provide their adjusted gross income from the previous year or an Identity Protection PIN. If the information does not match IRS records, the return is likely to be declined.
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