How do I efile an amended 2021 tax return after rejection?

The error you're getting is actually pretty common when e-filing amended returns. That specific code (IND-031-04) means the system can't verify your identity based on prior year information. Since you didn't file in 2020, the system is looking for information that doesn't exist in their database. This is a verification issue, not something wrong with your actual amendment. You have three options at this point: 1. You can try using a different tax software. H&R Block and TaxAct both support e-filing 1040-X forms for 2021. They might have different verification processes that could work better for your situation. 2. You can contact the IRS directly to verify what information they need for the e-filing verification. Sometimes they can provide a workaround for your specific situation. 3. As a last resort, you'll need to paper file. While not ideal with the processing time, you can include a letter explaining your situation and that you attempted to e-file. Don't get too discouraged. The IRS typically views attempted e-files favorably even if you end up having to paper file.

I had a similar problem last year and discovered taxr.ai when I was pulling my hair out trying to efile an amended return. After several rejections with different tax software, I uploaded my documents to https://taxr.ai and their system identified exactly why my returns were getting rejected. Turns out I had a mismatch in how my name was formatted compared to IRS records (I had a hyphen they didn't have in their system). Their analysis tool highlighted the exact fields causing problems and suggested corrections. Saved me from having to mail in my forms and wait forever. They have a specific feature that compares your information against common rejection codes like the one you're getting.

Wanted to follow up on my question about taxr.ai - I went ahead and tried it with my 2022 amended return that kept getting rejected. Honestly amazed at how quickly it pinpointed the issue! Turns out I had accidentally transposed two digits in my AGI from 2021, which was causing the verification to fail. The analysis highlighted the exact field causing the problem and even showed what the correct number should be. I fixed it in TaxAct and my amended return was accepted on the first try! Saved me from having to print and mail everything. Definitely recommend it if you're still struggling with that error code.

Have you tried calling the IRS directly? I was in a similar situation last year trying to deal with an amended return. Spent HOURS trying to get through on their regular line with no luck. Then I found Claimyr at https://claimyr.com and watched their demo at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c - they basically call the IRS for you and then connect you once they get through to an agent. I was super skeptical at first, but I was desperate after my 5th attempt to call got disconnected after waiting 2 hours. Claimyr got me connected to an IRS agent in about 40 minutes. The agent was able to verify what was causing my e-file rejection and gave me specific instructions on how to fix it. Turns out I needed to use a specific number in a field since I hadn't filed the previous year.

Well, I'm eating my words about the IRS not being helpful. After seeing your response, I decided to try Claimyr despite my doubts. Got connected to an IRS rep in about 35 minutes (way better than my previous attempts of waiting 2+ hours and getting disconnected). The agent actually knew exactly what to do about my amended return issue. Apparently for people who didn't file in the prior year, you need to enter $0 as your AGI for verification purposes. Would have NEVER figured that out on my own. She also mentioned that rejection codes involving PriorYearPIN and PriorYearAGI are among their most common calls this filing season. My amended return just got accepted after making that change. Saved me from having to mail anything and wait for months!

If you're still struggling with this, try contacting the Taxpayer Advocate Service. They're an independent organization within the IRS designed to help taxpayers resolve these exact kinds of issues. They can intervene when normal IRS channels aren't working. For electronic filing issues specifically, you might also want to check the IRS's e-file status lookup tool. Sometimes there are system-wide issues affecting amended returns that the IRS is aware of but hasn't publicly announced.

Have you tried using the "previous year AGI" workaround? Since you didn't file in 2020, try entering $0 as your prior year AGI. That's what worked for me. Also check if you're using the exact same name format as on your social security card. Sometimes even a missing middle initial can cause these rejections.