Your taxes are likely rejected for AGI because the prior year's Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) you entered doesn't exactly match the IRS's records, often due to simple typos, rounding, using an amended return's AGI, or the IRS not processing your prior return yet. To fix it, double-check your previous year's return (Form 1040, Line 11) for typos and rounding, try entering $0 if you didn't file or it was late, or use a Self-Select PIN as an alternative.
TurboTax Online
Sign in to your TurboTax account and select Fix my return. On the Let's fix your returns and then refile screen, select Fix it now or Revisit. On the following screen, enter your 2024 AGI from your Form 1040, line 11. Be sure to enter the number exactly how it appears.
IRS return rejections often result from mismatched personal data or incomplete forms. Review the IRS rejection code or message carefully to identify the issue. Common problems include incorrect Social Security numbers, filing status errors, or missing signatures.
Can I file without my AGI? Yes, as a last resort, you can paper file your prepared return.
How do I correct the AGI?
Rejection Due to Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) If your return was rejected due to Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), your AGI from the prior year doesn't match the number in the IRS e-file database. Verify that the AGI you're using is from the original return and not an amended or corrected return.
Note: You can't get your AGI over the phone.
The biggest tax mistakes people make include filing late, math errors, incorrect personal info (like Social Security numbers), forgetting deductions/credits (like EITC), misreporting income, not signing forms, and making errors with bank details for direct deposit, all leading to delays, penalties, or missed savings, with using tax software or professionals helping avoid these common pitfalls.
The identity verification process from the IRS can be triggered on a random basis, or it could be due to suspicion that a tax return with your name on it is potentially the result of identity theft.
Should i wait a few days before trying again? Very odd-usually the IRS will force you to print and mail after 5 rejected e-file attempts.
For individual tax returns, call 1-800-829-1040, 7 AM - 7 PM Monday through Friday local time. The wait time to speak with a representative may be long. This option works best for less complex questions. For questions about a business tax return, call 1-800-829-4933, 7 AM - 7 PM Monday through Friday local time.
Key Takeaways. Make sure your name matches your Social Security number on tax forms to avoid e-file rejections. Double-check that your dependents' full names and SSNs match IRS records. If you claim a dependent already claimed on another return, or you'll need to resolve it with the IRS.
If you did not file a return last year, enter a zero into the AGI area. If last year's return was not processed by the early part of December last year, enter a zero into the AGI area. If you do not know what last year's AGI was, enter the PIN you used to sign last year's return in the designated area.
Some common culprits that could cause a rejection are mismatched names, SSNs, employer EINs, electronic signature numbers, or an expired TIN. File early. Another action to take is to file your return early. This gives identity theft criminals less time to file a fraudulent return using your information.
Reject code IND-031-04
This reject code indicates that the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) or the Personal Identification Number (PIN) used to electronically sign the return does not match IRS records.
The IRS $600 rule refers to a change in reporting requirements for third-party payment apps (like Venmo, PayPal) for taxable income from goods and services, where platforms must send a Form 1099-K if you receive over $600 in a year, intended to capture gig economy/side hustle income, though delays and phased implementation have adjusted the timeline, with current rules for 2024 using a higher threshold ($5,000) before fully phasing to $600 for future years, but remember all taxable income, regardless of form, must always be reported.
The IRS does not check every tax return. It does not check the majority of them, but the IRS implements methods that track certain factors that would result in a further examination or audit by them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in AGI Calculation
One of the most common mistakes in calculating AGI is overlooking eligible deductions or incorrectly reporting income. Staying informed about current tax laws and eligible deductions is crucial to avoid these errors.
If you did not file an income tax return last year, use “$0” as your AGI. If you're using ezTaxReturn, you will be asked “Did you file a tax return last year?”, select “No”. Our program will enter “$0” as your prior-year AGI.
For a new return, you can use tax software or calculate the AGI yourself.
One-time forgiveness, officially known as First-Time Penalty Abatement (FTA), is an IRS program that allows qualified taxpayers to have certain penalties removed from their tax accounts.
You know the IRS might be investigating you through official mail (first contact), phone calls (often with automated messages to IRS.gov), or in-person visits, but signs of a criminal probe include contact with IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) agents, subpoenas to you or your bank, questions to your accountant/bank, unusual account activity (freezing/refusing transactions), or agents suddenly going silent after an audit. Key indicators are official IRS letters, contact from CI special agents, third-party inquiries, and formal summonses for records, signaling serious scrutiny beyond a simple audit.