TurboTax E-File Rejected? The Real Fix for IND-031-04, FW2-502 & R0000-504-02

A rejected e-file feels alarming, but a rejection means the IRS computer bounced your return before processing it — nothing is filed, nothing is wrong with your refund yet, and you can usually fix and resubmit in minutes. The trick is decoding what the rejection code actually wants.

Check the exact rejection code before changing your return. Some errors can be corrected and e-filed again; other cases require additional identity verification or a paper return.

IND-031-04 — “Your AGI doesn’t match” (the #1 rejection)

What it means: the prior-year Adjusted Gross Income you entered to verify your identity doesn’t match what the IRS has on file for you.

The real fix:

• Use the AGI from your originally filed prior-year return — not an amended figure, not a corrected one the IRS sent you.
• Filed late last year (after mid-November)? The IRS database may not have your AGI yet — enter $0.
• Didn’t file at all last year? Enter $0.
• Still rejecting with the “correct” number? Pull your actual IRS transcript at irs.gov (Get Transcript) and use the AGI the IRS thinks you have — mismatches on the government’s end are common, and their number is the one that has to match.

FW2-502 — “Employer EIN doesn’t match”

What it means: the employer name or EIN you typed from your W-2 doesn’t match the IRS database.

The real fix: re-enter the EIN exactly as printed on the W-2 (box b) — the most common culprit is a typo or auto-import error. If the W-2 itself is wrong, your employer must issue a corrected W-2c; you can’t fix their mistake in TurboTax.

R0000-504-02 — “Dependent’s name/SSN doesn’t match”

What it means: a dependent’s name or Social Security number doesn’t match Social Security Administration records.

The real fix: check the dependent’s Social Security card and enter the name exactly as printed — including hyphenations and middle names. Recently married/changed names? SSA records lag; the return must match SSA’s current record, not the new name.

Duplicate claims: check the IP PIN exception

An already-claimed dependent is different from someone filing using your own SSN. For tax year 2024 and later, the IRS accepts e-filed Forms 1040, 1040-NR, and 1040-SS claiming an already-claimed dependent when the primary taxpayer on the second return supplies a valid IP PIN for the calendar year of filing. The dependent needs an IP PIN only if one was already issued to them. Obtain or retrieve the primary taxpayer’s IP PIN through the IRS, enter any required PINs in TurboTax, and resubmit only if you are entitled to claim the dependent. An accepted return does not decide who is entitled to the claim.

If the rejection says you or your spouse already filed, follow the IRS rejection/identity-theft instructions or contact the IRS; do not assume the dependent exception applies. If an identity-record mismatch cannot be resolved for e-filing, follow the IRS instructions for a paper return. Switching software will not correct the underlying IRS record.

Rejected after the deadline?

For a timely e-file rejected at the end of the filing season, TurboTax describes a five-day electronic correction and resubmission window. Taxes owed must still be paid by the applicable payment due date; a rejection does not extend it.

Paper filing has a separate rule: postmark the return by the later of the return’s due date including extensions, or 10 calendar days after IRS rejection notification. Include the rejection notice, an explanation of the late paper filing and any corrective actions; write “Rejected Electronic Return - (Date)” in red at the top of page one, sign, and mail it as the IRS directs.

FAQ

Does a rejection mean I’m being audited? No. The return was never processed — it’s a data-matching bounce, not a review.

Will I be penalized for a rejection? A rejection by itself is not a penalty. Correct the filing promptly under the applicable electronic or paper deadline above, and pay any tax owed by its payment deadline. Filing and payment deadlines are separate.

Should I switch tax software after repeated rejections? Only for unrelated reasons (price, features). The IRS rejects the data, not the software — though if you’re price-shopping anyway, free alternatives exist for simple returns.

Sources: TurboTax — What does my rejected return code mean?, TurboTax — Fix FW2-502, TurboTax — Fix R0000-504-02, TurboTax — Rejected after deadline

Additional sources: IRS — IP PIN FAQ, including duplicate-dependent e-filing · IRS — rejected-return paper-filing deadline