Common eFile Mistakes or Rejected eFiled Tax Return

How Do I Correct an eFile Tax Return That Was Rejected by the IRS? 

Don't panic! In most cases a rejection is due to a simple typo or a math error. Just sign in to your tax return on efile.com and follow the instructions on how to fix the problem. Once you have corrected the error, you may efile your tax return again free of charge. You can resubmit your tax return until it is accepted by the IRS.

If you need to make changes to an accepted tax return, you will have to file a tax amendment. 

Learn more about amending your tax return.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My eFile Tax Return?

One of the benefits of filing electronically is that most simple mathematical errors will be found and corrected by the tax software. The IRS itself will often correct mathematical errors, and the service will contact you if you are missing any required information.

If YOUR RETURN HAS NOT YET BEEN SUBMITTED/ACCEPTED, or if YOUR RETURN HAS BEEN REJECTED BY THE IRS, you can still make changes. If you are a registered efile.com user, just go to www.efile.com and sign in to your account. Once you have signed in you will find detailed instructions on how to resolve any problems. Please resubmit your return; you can efile as many times as it takes until your tax return has been accepted.

ONCE YOUR RETURN HAS BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE IRS, you must allow them time to process it before making any changes. You cannot correct a mistake on an electronically filed federal tax return once it has been accepted. Instead, You will need to file an amended return using the paper Form 1040X (PDF), Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, and attach copies of any schedules and forms that have been changed or which you previously forgot to include. Although you cannot electronically file an amendment, you can use the efile software to prepare your 1040X and print it free of charge.

You can use Form 1040X to claim credits and deductions which you forgot or were not aware of when you filed your original return. An amended tax return can be filed up to three years after the day you filed your original tax return, or two years after the day you paid the income tax (whichever applies).

Learn more about amending your tax return.

Common IRS Error Reject Codes (ERCs)

Below is a list of commonly reported and easy-to-fix Error Reject Codes used by the IRS.

Note: In the below table, the term "incorrect" can be taken to mean that the data submitted does not match the data on record with the IRS.