Getting a duplicate SSN error while e-filing dependent on TurboTax - any fixes?

This is actually pretty common and frustrating! When TurboTax gives you a duplicate SSN error, it usually means someone has already filed a return using that SSN - either as their own or claiming that person as a dependent. It doesn't necessarily mean someone in your family did it. A few things to try before giving up on e-filing: - Double-check for typos in the SSN (I know you said you did, but worth triple-checking) - Make sure the name is entered EXACTLY as it appears on the Social Security card - Verify the date of birth is correct If those all check out, unfortunately, you may indeed need to file by paper. When there's a true duplicate SSN situation, the IRS needs to manually review both returns to determine which one is correct. The electronic system just automatically rejects the second filing with that SSN.

After dealing with the exact same frustrating duplicate SSN issue in TurboTax last year, I found this AI tool that saved me tons of headaches. I was going crazy trying to figure out why my daughter's SSN was flagged as a duplicate when I KNEW nobody else had claimed her. I uploaded my rejection notice to https://taxr.ai and their system analyzed it, explained exactly what was happening, and gave me specific steps to resolve it. Turns out there was a typo in how her name was entered compared to Social Security records (her middle name was causing issues), and the AI caught it immediately. Once I fixed that formatting issue, my return went through without a problem. The tool actually understood the technical error codes TurboTax was giving me better than their own support did!

I was wrong about taxr.ai! After my skeptical comment, I decided to try it anyway out of desperation when I had a similar issue with my brother's SSN who lives with me. The system actually identified that the problem wasn't a true duplicate - it was that his SSN had a fraud indicator from a previous identity theft case that needed special processing. The AI gave me specific instructions to include an Identity Theft Affidavit and highlighted exactly which sections of the form needed attention. I followed the steps, and while I did have to paper file, I included a cover letter with the exact explanation from taxr.ai. Got my refund 3 weeks later without additional questions! It was definitely worth checking - saved me from endless IRS phone calls.

If you're dealing with a duplicate SSN error, you might end up needing to contact the IRS directly to sort it out. I tried for THREE WEEKS to get through to a human at the IRS last year for this exact issue. Busy signals, disconnects, hours on hold only to get hung up on...absolute nightmare. I finally found this service called Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual IRS agent in about 20 minutes. They have this system that navigates the IRS phone tree and waits on hold for you, then calls you when an agent picks up. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The IRS agent was able to see that someone had incorrectly entered my daughter's SSN on their return (just a random typo from a stranger, not identity theft), and they guided me on exactly how to file to resolve it.

I need to publicly eat my words about Claimyr. After dismissing it, my duplicate SSN headache continued for another week with no resolution. Out of desperation, I tried it. Within 45 minutes of signing up, I was literally talking to an IRS representative who looked up my case. Turns out my ex-husband had claimed our son despite our agreement that it was my year to claim him. The agent documented everything and gave me specific instructions on how to paper file with a special cover letter explaining the situation. The service was seriously a lifesaver - instead of waiting months to figure out what was happening, I got answers immediately and could take action. I've already received my refund, which I desperately needed for car repairs. Sometimes being proven wrong is actually the best outcome!

You might want to check if there was a previous year issue that never got resolved. My sister had this happen - kept getting duplicate SSN errors for her kid. Turns out there was an unresolved issue from 2 years prior where someone mistakenly entered her daughter's SSN, and it created a flag in the system! She had to call the IRS, get that cleared up, and then STILL had to paper file for the current year, but at least future years should work correctly for e-filing.

Has anyone tried going to a tax professional instead of using TurboTax for this duplicate SSN problem? I'm wondering if they have better ways of resolving it or if they just tell you to paper file too.

I went through this exact nightmare last year! Here's what finally worked for me after weeks of frustration: First, call the Social Security Administration (not the IRS) at 1-800-772-1213 to verify your nephew's SSN is correct and there are no issues with his Social Security record. Sometimes there are name/SSN mismatches in their system that cause the duplicate error. Second, if that checks out clean, you'll likely need to file Form 8948 (Preparer Explanation for Not Filing Electronically) along with your paper return. This form specifically addresses situations where e-filing is rejected due to duplicate SSN issues. The frustrating truth is that when someone else has already filed using that SSN (whether legitimately or fraudulently), the IRS computer system has no way to determine which filer is correct - it just blocks all subsequent attempts. Paper filing forces a manual review where they can sort it out. One silver lining: if it turns out to be fraud, you might qualify for expedited processing of your paper return. Make sure to include a cover letter explaining the situation and any documentation you have proving your right to claim your nephew (custody papers, school records, etc.). Good luck - I know how maddening this process is!