Return Rejected - AGI Verification Failed But I Didn't File Last Year

Isn't this just the perfect tax season headache? When you didn't file last year, you're supposed to enter $0 as your prior year AGI. Did your software not mention this? And why would they be looking for a transcript from 2016? That's ancient history in tax terms. Have you tried calling the IRS to confirm your filing status for last year?

This is a common Authentication Protocol Rejection scenario. When e-filing requires prior year AGI verification but you didn't file, the system expects a $0 input in the AGI field. However, if you've already tried that and still experiencing rejection, there could be a Taxpayer Identity Verification issue. I'd recommend uploading your rejection code to https://taxr.ai - their system can analyze the specific rejection code and provide the exact resolution path. Their transcript analysis tool could also verify if you have any unreported income from previous years that might be causing the system to expect a non-zero AGI.

I might suggest a more direct approach. The IRS phone system is notoriously difficult to navigate, but there may be a better way. I've had some success using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to get through to an actual IRS representative. While I'm generally skeptical of third-party services, in this particular case, it might save you considerable time. They can connect you with an agent who can verify your filing status history and provide guidance on how to proceed with your current return. Given that your transcript history seems incomplete, speaking directly with an agent could clarify whether there are any unresolved issues from previous tax years.

I had this exact problem last year. Here's what worked for me: 1. First, I confirmed I truly didn't file by requesting a Verification of Non-filing Letter through the IRS website 2. Then I tried entering $0 as my previous year AGI 3. When that didn't work, I printed and mailed my return with Form 8948 (explaining why I was filing on paper) 4. My refund took about 8 weeks to process instead of the usual 3 weeks for e-filing The transcript from 2016 showing up is normal if that's the last time you filed. The system only displays years when you actually filed.

Ngl, the IRS system is weird w/ this stuff. Try this: go back to ur tax software and look for an option like "didn't file last yr" or "new filer" - most have this somewhere. If not, def try the $0 AGI trick. If that fails, might be an ID verify issue. Sometimes the IRS has old contact info and sends verify letters to wrong address. Check ur credit report too - sometimes tax returns filed in ur name w/out u knowing (happened to my cousin).

The IRS verification system is like a bouncer who doesn't believe your ID is real even when it is. If you've tried the $0 AGI trick and it's still rejecting, you might need to go old school. Print that return and mail it in. Yes, it's like sending a letter in 2024, but sometimes analog beats digital when the digital system is being stubborn. Include a cover letter explaining the situation. Your refund will take longer, but at least you'll get through the door.

One thing nobody's mentioned yet - check if you were claimed as a dependent on someone else's return last year. If your parents claimed you, for example, that could be causing the verification issue. The system might be looking for your AGI from a return you were supposed to file even if you didn't need to. And hey, if you end up having to paper file, at least you'll save the $30-40 that most tax software charges for e-filing! Silver linings, right? 😂

This situation reminds me of what happens with first-time homebuyers who have no credit history - the system doesn't know how to evaluate someone with no history. In your case, I'd recommend trying three things in this order: 1. Try entering $0 as others have suggested 2. If that fails, try using a different tax preparation software - sometimes the issue is with how the software formats the submission 3. If both fail, request an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS, which can sometimes override the AGI verification requirement The 2016 transcript appearing is actually normal - the system only shows years when you filed, not empty years.

I'm kind of in a similar situation, maybe? I didn't file for a few years and now I'm trying to catch up. Does anyone know if I need to file for all the missing years before I can file for 2023? And also, maybe this is a silly question, but does the IRS eventually tell you if you were supposed to file but didn't?