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Return Rejected

View our interactive tax map to see where you are in the tax process. It could help you navigate your way through the IRS.

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Station 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.

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.
  • 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.

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?

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 that helps taxpayers and protects taxpayers’ rights. We can offer you help if your tax problem is causing a financial difficulty, you’ve tried and been unable to resolve your issue with the IRS, or you believe an IRS system, process, or procedure just isn’t working as it should. If you qualify for our assistance, which is always free, we will do everything possible to help you.

Visit dev.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov or call 1-877-777-4778.

Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) are independent from the IRS and TAS. LITCs represent individuals whose income is below a certain level and who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. LITCs can represent taxpayers in audits, appeals, and tax collection disputes before the IRS and in court. In addition, LITCs can provide information about taxpayer rights and responsibilities in different languages for individuals who speak English as a second language. Services are offered for free or a small fee. For more information or to find an LITC near you, see the LITC page on the TAS website or Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List.