If you have an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) e-file rejection, here are some ways to correct your tax return and hopefully e-file it. Please keep in mind you can e-file as many times as necessary until the filing deadline, but it is recommended that you print and mail your tax return after five failed attempts for the same filing error. To remedy this error, you may need a few things.
- Your prior year tax return
- An IRS Tax Return Transcript
- An IRS Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN)
Background
The IRS uses the AGI (or more recently, an IP PIN) to prove identity for e-filing. If the AGI on your tax return does not match the AGI in the IRS database, your e-filed tax return will be rejected. The ultimate fix for this rejection is to print and mail your tax return because if you’re not e-filing there is no need for the AGI. Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) E-file Rejection Correction starts now…
Where to find your AGI
The AGI is found on line 11 of your prior year IRS form 1040. If you amended your tax return, you’ll find it on line 1c of the IRS form 1040X. It can also be found on your tax return transcript. The tax return transcript is 4-8 pages long. The AGI will be one of the final lines under the “Adjustments to Income” section. To receive a free IRS Tax Return Transcript, click here. You will need to create an IRS account (ID.me) if you don’t already have one. It should take 15 min or so, if all goes well.
Changes to your prior year tax return
This error can happen if there were changes to your tax return after filing or you filed late the prior year. Changes happen when the IRS sends you a correction letter in the mail or you amend your tax return. If there were changes to your tax return after you filed last year, please get a copy of your tax return transcript (Please see above for details and link to the IRS website). Enter the number you find on the transcript and re-e-file your tax return. If you filed late last year, please enter the number “0” for your AGI and re-e-file your tax return.
IRS IP PIN
The newest way to prove your identity with the IRS is to get an IP PIN. Again, you’ll need to create an IRS account (ID.me) if you don’t already have one. You will enter the IP PIN on the signature line of your tax return. All tax preparation software has a place to add the IP PIN. Please see the links below for a few software provider’s instructions.
- TurboTax, How do I add or remove my 6-digit IP PIN?
- TaxAct IRS Identity Protection PIN
- H&R Block Where Do I Enter My IP PIN in H&R Block Software?
Conclusion
Three ways for Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) E-file Rejection Correction. First, you’ll need to find out what AGI number the IRS is looking for using your prior year IRS form 1040 line 11 / 1040x line 1c if you amended, or a tax transcript under the Adjustments to Income section. After verifying the numbers, enter them and re-e-file. Next, if you filed late last year, please enter “0” for your AGI and re-e-file. Finally, please get an IP PIN from the IRS, enter it and re-e-file. If your tax return is rejected after these changes, please print and mail it. Some rejection errors can only be resolved by the IRS.
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