What is an IRS reject code?

An IRS reject code is the identifier attached to an electronically filed return that was not accepted. The code usually points to the person, form, field or identity-verification item that needs review. A rejection is not the same as an IRS notice after processing; the return generally must be corrected and successfully retransmitted, or otherwise filed using the applicable IRS procedure.

Always use the full code and full rejection message. Similar-looking codes can apply to different people or conditions.

Look up a common IRS rejection

New: Each code below now has its own detailed RefundIQ guide with the meaning, what to check, common questions and official IRS sources.

Find a code below to see what it means, whose information to check and the next filing step. Use the complete code and the full explanation from your software. This directory covers ten verified examples; it is not a complete list of IRS or state codes.

IND-031-04 · Primary taxpayer AGI or prior-year PIN

Who to check: Primary taxpayer.

Meaning: The prior-year identity-verification information for the primary taxpayer does not match IRS records.

First step: Check the prior-year AGI or signature PIN entered for this person. The IRS also describes a valid IP PIN option when the prior-year information is unavailable; the standalone Form 9465 exception still applies.

Read the full IND-031-04 guide → IRS source: IND-031-04

IND-032-04 · Spouse AGI or prior-year PIN

Who to check: Spouse.

Meaning: The prior-year information used to verify the spouse does not match IRS records.

First step: Review the spouse’s prior-year AGI or signature PIN entry. Do not assume that correcting the primary taxpayer’s field fixes the spouse’s field. The IRS also describes an IP PIN option, except for standalone Form 9465.

Read the full IND-032-04 guide → IRS source: IND-032-04

IND-181-01 · Primary taxpayer IP PIN

Who to check: Primary taxpayer.

Meaning: A valid IRS-issued Identity Protection PIN was not provided for the primary taxpayer.

First step: Retrieve and enter the correct six-digit IP PIN for the primary taxpayer, then resubmit. An IP PIN is different from the five-digit electronic-signature PIN.

Read the full IND-181-01 guide → IRS source: IND-181-01

IND-183-01 · Spouse IP PIN

Who to check: Spouse.

Meaning: A valid Identity Protection PIN was not entered for the spouse whose SSN has an IP PIN requirement.

First step: Use the spouse’s own six-digit IRS-issued IP PIN in the spouse field. A primary taxpayer’s IP PIN does not replace the spouse’s PIN.

Read the full IND-183-01 guide → IRS source: IND-183-01

IND-507-01 · Dependent SSN already used

Who to check: Dependent.

Meaning: A dependent’s Social Security number appears on another accepted return for the same tax year.

First step: Check the dependent’s number and who is entitled to claim them. For the applicable duplicate-dependent e-file route, the primary taxpayer uses a valid IP PIN; include the dependent’s own IP PIN too if one was assigned. See the guide for the tax-year rules.

The IRS dependent-claim guidance explains this route beginning with 2024 Forms 1040, 1040-NR and 1040-SS. Acceptance does not decide who may legally claim the dependent.

Read the full IND-507-01 guide → IRS source: IND-507-01

IND-517-02 · Dependent SSN used as taxpayer or spouse

Who to check: Dependent and the earlier return.

Meaning: A dependent SSN appears as the primary or secondary SSN on another return.

First step: Check the number and dependency answers, including whether the dependent filed their own return. Review the code-specific paper-filing and amendment instructions before applying a different duplicate-dependent procedure.

Read the full IND-517-02 guide → · IRS source: IND-517-02

R0000-500-01 · Primary taxpayer name or SSN mismatch

Who to check: Primary taxpayer.

Meaning: The primary taxpayer’s name or Social Security number does not match IRS records.

First step: Compare the number and name spelling with the Social Security card. Correct entry errors before resubmitting. A name/number mismatch is different from a notice that the SSN was already used.

Read the full R0000-500-01 guide → IRS source: R0000-500-01

R0000-503-02 · Spouse name or SSN mismatch

Who to check: Spouse.

Meaning: The spouse’s name or Social Security number is missing or does not match IRS records.

First step: Check the spouse information required for the filing status, including the correct name fields and SSN. After a name change, confirm the name on record. If the entries are correct, the IRS directs you to contact the Social Security Administration.

Read the full R0000-503-02 guide → IRS source: R0000-503-02

R0000-504-02 · Dependent name or SSN mismatch

Who to check: Dependent.

Meaning: A dependent’s last name and Social Security number do not match the IRS record supplied by the Social Security Administration.

First step: Check each dependent’s name and number, then contact the Social Security Administration if the record needs correction. Follow the IRS source for resubmission timing and filing-deadline options.

Read the full R0000-504-02 guide → IRS source: R0000-504-02

F8962-070 · Missing Form 8962

Who to check: Return / Marketplace coverage.

Meaning: Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit, is missing from the return.

First step: Review Marketplace coverage and the relevant 1095-A forms. Complete Form 8962 when required. If you believe it is not required, follow the supported explanation process in the guide before resubmitting.

Read the full F8962-070 guide → IRS source: F8962-070

Common IRS reject-code categories

  • AGI / prior-year identity verification: examples include IND-031-04 and IND-032-04.
  • IP PIN: examples include IND-181-01 and IND-183-01.
  • Dependent already claimed or SSN already used: examples include IND-507-01 and IND-517-02.
  • Name / SSN mismatch: examples include R0000-500-01, R0000-503-02 and R0000-504-02.
  • Marketplace / Form 8962: F8962-070 is a common example.

Name and SSN mismatch: what to check

A mismatch code points to the combination of a person’s name and number. A duplicate code points to information used on another return. Identify which problem your acknowledgment describes before changing the return.

  • Check the exact person named in the rejection: taxpayer, spouse or dependent.
  • Compare the entry with the Social Security record, including spelling and any recent name change.
  • Correct typing errors. If the information is correct but the record differs, use the Social Security Administration steps linked in that code’s IRS source.
  • If the message instead says a number was already used, review our SSN already used guide.

AGI, signature PIN and IP PIN are different

IND-031-04 and IND-032-04 concern prior-year identity-verification information. IND-181-01 and IND-183-01 concern the IRS-issued IP PIN. Read the field label carefully before entering a number.

The IRS IP PIN guidance says to use the current calendar year’s IP PIN for returns filed that year, including prior-year returns. Use our AGI guide for prior-year AGI questions and our IP PIN guide to recover an issued PIN.

After you find the code

  1. Read every error. More than one correction may be needed.
  2. Check the tax year and person. Do not apply spouse instructions to the primary taxpayer or a dependent.
  3. Make supported corrections. Use accurate records and the linked IRS guidance.
  4. Review and retransmit when appropriate. Some cases require an IRS response or paper filing instead; follow the relevant guide.
  5. Save the new acknowledgment. Confirm federal acceptance and check the state return separately.

A rejection does not mean the return was successfully filed. Keep the rejection date and address filing deadlines promptly. For paper filing after a rejection, consult the IRS timing and documentation instructions.

What if your code is not listed?

Keep the full code, including any suffix, and read the accompanying message. A similar-looking code may concern a different person or condition. Ask your preparer or software provider for the matching explanation.

If you use IRS Free File Fillable Forms, its official Error Search Tool requires the complete latest rejection text, including its Submission ID and all errors. Follow those instructions on the IRS site. Other software has its own help process.

When contacting RefundIQ, start with the tax year and reject code. Do not send your full SSN, IP PIN, bank details or complete return in an ordinary website message.

Common questions about IRS reject codes

Does an IRS reject code mean my tax return was denied?

No. An e-file rejection generally means the return was not accepted for processing in the form submitted. The reject code identifies what needs review before the return can be accepted or otherwise properly filed.

Can one tax return have more than one reject code?

Yes. Read the complete acknowledgment because more than one issue can appear at the same time. Correcting one code does not guarantee that every other rejection has been resolved.

Should I search only the numbers in the code?

Use the complete code, including letters, hyphens and suffixes when possible. Codes that look similar can refer to different people, forms or conditions.

What if my IRS reject code is not listed here?

Keep the exact code and message from your filing software. Use the IRS or software-provider explanation that matches the full rejection, and do not substitute instructions for a similar-looking code.

Can RefundIQ help me understand a reject code?

Yes. Start with the tax year and the complete reject code. Avoid sending Social Security numbers, IP PINs, banking information or complete tax documents in an ordinary website message.

Sources and review date

Each code links to its IRS explanation. Sources checked October 7, 2026. IRS Free File Fillable Forms pages may refer to that program’s screen numbers or buttons; use the equivalent fields in your own software. Review current instructions for your tax year before filing.

Published by RefundIQ Tax Help · Editorial standards. General information; the correct response depends on the complete rejection and your circumstances.