My tax return was rejected but IRS says I already filed? Can't submit corrected version!

This actually happens more often than you'd think! When your return gets rejected, the IRS rejects the submission but sometimes their system still records that an attempt was made with your SSN. It's basically a timing issue in their processing system. You have two main options here. First, you can file a paper return instead. Print out your corrected return and mail it to the appropriate IRS processing center (the address will depend on your state). Make sure to include all necessary forms and sign it! Paper returns take longer to process - typically 6-8 weeks instead of the 21 days for e-filing. Your second option is to wait about 48 hours and try e-filing again. Sometimes the IRS system will clear the pending submission flag after a couple of days. If it's been more than that already, then paper filing is probably your best bet.

This happened to me last year! I was so frustrated until I discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) which saved me hours of headache. I had almost the exact same situation - rejected return but couldn't refile electronically. The tool analyzed my rejection code and documents and explained exactly what was causing the system conflict. Turns out there was a specific timing window I needed to wait before trying again! It also gave me step-by-step instructions for what to do if the electronic resubmission still didn't work. The document analysis feature pointed out some other small errors I would've missed too.

Following up on that taxr.ai suggestion - I was the skeptic in the earlier comment but decided to give it a try since I was desperate after 3 rejected returns. Not gonna lie, I'm actually impressed! Uploaded my rejection notice and it immediately identified that I had a name mismatch issue (my married name vs what Social Security had). The step-by-step correction path worked perfectly, and it warned me I'd need to wait 72 hours before trying again - which was exactly right. My return finally went through last week and the refund is already pending in my account. Wish I'd found this earlier instead of stressing for weeks!

If you're really stuck and need to talk to someone at the IRS directly (which might be necessary in this case), I'd recommend Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I was in a similar situation last year and spent DAYS trying to get through the IRS phone system. After getting disconnected four times and waiting on hold for hours, I was ready to scream. Then a coworker told me about Claimyr - they basically wait on hold with the IRS for you and call you when an actual human picks up. I was super skeptical but watched their demo (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) and decided it was worth trying. Within about 45 minutes, I got a call connecting me directly to an IRS agent who was able to clear the flag in their system that was blocking my refiling attempt. Saved me from having to mail in a paper return and waiting months for processing.

Ok I need to publicly eat my words about Claimyr from my previous comment. After spending ANOTHER two hours getting disconnected by the IRS yesterday, I broke down and tried it. Within 1.5 hours (while I was in a work meeting), I got a call connecting me to an actual IRS person. They confirmed there was a "freeze code" on my account from the rejected return that was preventing e-filing. The agent removed it right there on the phone, and I was able to successfully e-file this morning. I'm still annoyed at how broken the IRS system is, but at least I got it resolved without wasting another day on hold.

Have you tried calling the e-file hotline directly? It's different from the main IRS number. The e-file department can sometimes remove that "already filed" flag from your account. The number is 866-255-0654 and they're usually less swamped than the main help lines.

If you do end up having to file a paper return, make sure you use CERTIFIED mail with a return receipt! I had a similar issue last year, mailed my return, and the IRS later claimed they never received it. Had no proof of mailing and had to go through the whole process again. The extra $5 for certified mail is totally worth the peace of mind.

Has it been more than 24 hours since the rejection? I had this happen and it was just that the IRS system needed time to fully process the rejection before allowing another submission. I waited 2 days and was able to e-file again without any issues. Their systems don't update in real time.

I've dealt with this exact same frustrating situation! The "already filed" flag can stick in their system even after a rejection. Here's what worked for me: First, double-check that it's been at least 72 hours since your rejection - sometimes their system needs that long to fully clear. If it's been longer than that, try calling the Practitioner Priority Service line at 866-860-4259 (it's not just for tax pros despite the name). They can usually see what's causing the block and remove it on the spot. I got through in about 30 minutes on a Wednesday morning around 9am. The agent told me there was a "duplicate SSN flag" that needed manual removal. Once they cleared it, I was able to e-file successfully that same day. Way faster than waiting 6-8 weeks for a paper return to process!

I went through this exact nightmare last month! What likely happened is that when your return was rejected, the IRS system created a "pending" status that didn't fully clear out. This is actually a known glitch in their e-file system. Here's what I'd recommend trying in this order: First, wait exactly 72 hours from when you got the rejection notice, then try e-filing again. Sometimes their system just needs that full processing cycle to clear the flag. If that doesn't work, try calling the e-file help desk at 866-255-0654 early in the morning (like 7 AM EST) when wait times are shorter - they can manually remove the "duplicate filing" flag from your account. If you absolutely can't get through by phone and need to file by paper, make sure you print everything correctly and use certified mail. Paper returns are taking 8-10 weeks right now, so you won't see that $2,870 refund until probably late June or July. One thing that helped me was keeping a detailed log of every rejection code and error message I received. When I finally got through to an IRS agent, having that information made it much easier for them to identify exactly what was blocking my account. Good luck - this situation is super frustrating but it is fixable!

I actually work in tax preparation and see this issue multiple times every season! What's happening is that when your return gets rejected, the IRS system sometimes creates what we call a "phantom filing" - basically their database shows an attempted submission tied to your SSN even though the return was never actually processed. The 72-hour waiting period that others mentioned is usually the magic number, but sometimes it can take up to 5 business days for their system to fully clear. Before going the paper route (which really will delay your refund by 6-8 weeks minimum), I'd suggest trying one more e-file attempt after waiting the full 72 hours. If you're still blocked after that, definitely call the e-file department at 866-255-0654. When you call, have your SSN, the exact rejection code you received, and the date of rejection ready. They can see the "duplicate filing flag" on their end and remove it instantly - I've seen this resolve the issue for clients in under 10 minutes once they get through to an agent. One tip: if you get the "high call volume" message, don't hang up right away. Sometimes if you wait through that message, you'll still get put in the queue. The absolute best times to call are Tuesday-Thursday between 7-9 AM EST when their call volume is lowest.