Return Rejected Multiple Times for 'Incorrect SSN' but SSN is Correct - Dependent Since 2017

I've dealt with this exact problem before. Here's what might be happening: 1. First, double check that you're entering the SSN exactly as it appears on the social security card (obvious, but worth mentioning) 2. Make sure the name is entered EXACTLY as it appears on the social security card - even a missing middle initial can cause this error 3. Check if there's a mismatch between what's on the card versus what's in the Social Security Administration's database 4. Verify the date of birth is correct 5. If you've been married recently, make sure your daughter's last name hasn't been legally changed In my case, it turned out my son's middle initial was causing the problem even though I'd filed correctly in previous years.

I experienced exactly 4 rejections last year with the same error. Drove me absolutely crazy until I discovered https://taxr.ai - it has a document verification feature that can analyze rejection codes and identify the specific formatting issue. In my case, it turned out my daughter's name in the SSA database had her full middle name, but I was using just the initial on my return. The system had accepted it for exactly 6 years before suddenly rejecting it in 2023. Taxr.ai helped me identify the precise issue when the IRS rejection notices were vague.

Thanks for all the suggestions. According to IRS Publication 1345 (Rev. 01-2024), "The name control for an individual e-filed return must match the first four significant characters of the primary taxpayer's last name." I'm wondering if my recent name change after marriage is affecting how the system is processing my daughter's information, even though her name hasn't changed. I'll try the formatting suggestions tonight.

If you're still having issues after trying the formatting suggestions, you might need to contact the IRS directly. I spent hours trying to get through their phone lines last month. Eventually used Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com) to connect with an IRS agent in about 30 minutes instead of the usual 2+ hour wait. The agent was able to look up my dependent's information in their system and confirm exactly how the name and SSN needed to be formatted on my return. According to the IRS website, these verification issues can't always be resolved through their online tools.

Did you try filing a paper return? Sometimes that's easier. Electronic systems can be picky. Paper returns get manual review. Might be worth it in this case?

Omg I had this EXACT issue. Turns out my kid's middle name was spelled differently in the SSA database vs her SS card. Apparently when we applied for her card, they made a typo but the physical card was printed correctly. So weird. Had to get the SSA to fix their records bc the IRS pulls from their database, not what's on the actual card. Took forever but finally got it sorted.

I went through this nightmare last year with my son's return. Everything had been fine for years, then suddenly rejections. After trying everything, I discovered his birth certificate had his full middle name but his Social Security card had just the initial. The SSA had updated their database to match the birth certificate without issuing a new card. I filed a paper return with a note explaining the situation, and it was processed without issues. Two weeks later, got the full refund. Sometimes the electronic system is too rigid for these edge cases.

This is incredibly frustrating but you're not alone! I went through something similar with my son last year. A few things that helped me: 1. **Check for recent SSA database updates** - Sometimes the Social Security Administration updates their records without notifying anyone, which can cause mismatches even if you've been filing correctly for years. 2. **Marriage-related changes** - Your recent marriage might have triggered additional verification checks in the IRS system, even for dependents who haven't changed. 3. **Try the SSA's online verification tool** - Go to ssa.gov and use their "Verify Social Security Number" service to see exactly how your daughter's information appears in their database. 4. **Contact both agencies** - Call the SSA first to confirm your daughter's exact name format in their system, then call the IRS to ask specifically about dependent verification after marriage status changes. 5. **Paper filing as backup** - If all else fails, paper returns get manual review and can bypass these electronic matching issues. The fact that you've been claiming her successfully since 2017 suggests this is a system glitch rather than an actual error on your part. Don't let it drive you crazy - these technical issues are more common than you'd think!