en   An official website of the U.S. Govt
Popular search terms:
Published:   |   Last Updated: October 25, 2024

Return Rejected

Where am I on the Roadmap?

Overview

Submitting your tax return electronically ensures greater accuracy than mailing your return, and also results in faster processing of any refund due to you. The e-file system often detects common errors and rejects your tax return, sending it back to you for correction. This could save you delays in processing your tax return. For more information, see e-file options.

I need more information

1
1.

What does this mean to me?

You haven’t filed if the IRS rejects your return. If your return is rejected, you must correct any errors and resubmit your return as soon as possible.

If your return is rejected at the end of the filing season, you have 5 days to correct any errors and resubmit your return.

2
2.

Free File Fillable Forms

Free File Fillable Forms closes at the end of the filing season, in mid-October (usually October 15), each year.

After it closes, you will not be able to access your account to e-File, print or review your return information. Avoid any last-minute stress.

Prepare, e-File, and print your tax return right away.

3
3.

After you submit your return

You should receive an email from customer_service@freefilefillableforms.com, indicating whether the IRS accepted or rejected your federal return. The email will be sent to the email address you used when you created your account.

If the IRS rejects your return, the email will list the reasons for rejection (error) and provide a link you should use to resolve the rejection issue.

If your corrected return is not accepted by the end of the filing season in mid-October, mail in your printed copy.

Where can I get additional help?

Return Rejected

If you used Free File Fillable Forms and your return is rejected go to Rejected Return. 

Read More

General Resources

Understanding your notice or letter

Get Help topics

Browse common tax issues and situations at TAS Get Help

If you still need help

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS. TAS helps taxpayers resolve problems with the IRS, makes administrative and legislative recommendations to prevent or correct the problems, and protects taxpayer rights. TAS helps all taxpayers (and their representatives), including individuals, businesses, and exempt organizations. You may be eligible for free TAS help if your IRS problem is causing financial difficulty, if you’ve tried and been unable to resolve your issue with the IRS, or if you believe an IRS system, process, or procedure just isn’t working as it should.

TAS has offices in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. To find your local advocate’s number:

Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) assist individuals whose income is below a certain level who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. They also provide education, outreach, and information on taxpayer rights to individuals who speak English as a second language. LITCs represent taxpayers in disputes before the IRS and courts and help taxpayers respond to IRS notices and correct account problems. Services are offered for free or a small fee. LITCs are independent from the IRS and TAS. For more information or to find an LITC near you, see the LITC Page or Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List. You can also request Pub. 4134 by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

View our Interactive Tax Map

Let us help you navigate your way through the IRS. Visit our interactive tax map to see where you are in the tax process.

Taxpayer Roadmap
icon

Did you know there is a Taxpayer Bill of Rights?

The taxpayer Bill of Rights is grouped into 10 easy to understand categories outlining the taxpayer rights and protections embedded in the tax code.

It is also what guides the advocacy work we do for taxpayers.

Read more about your rights