Tax Extension Rejected by IRS - Is This Identity Theft Warning?

I just tried to file my tax extension online yesterday and got something really concerning in my email today. The IRS rejected my extension with this weird error code: "R0000-902-01 - Taxpayer TIN in the Return Header must not be the same as a TIN of a previously accepted electronic return for the return type and tax period indicated in the tax return." What is that even supposed to mean?? I'm freaking out because it sounds like someone already filed something using my social security number. Could this be identity theft? Or is it just because the IRS systems were glitching yesterday? I've heard their systems crash all the time during tax season. I've been checking my credit reports every few months and haven't seen anything suspicious at all. No weird accounts, no inquiries I don't recognize. Nothing looks off. But this rejection has me seriously worried now. Should I panic and start freezing my credit? File a police report? Or just try filing the extension again? Any advice would be really appreciated because I'm stressing out here.

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19 comments

Sophia Long

•8M

That error message is definitely concerning, but try not to panic just yet. The code R0000-902-01 typically means the IRS system believes a return or extension has already been filed using your SSN for this tax year. There are a few possibilities here: 1) You might have accidentally submitted the extension twice, and the second one was rejected 2) There could have been a system glitch on the IRS end (especially if they were having issues yesterday) 3) Someone else may have filed a return or extension using your information Here's what I would do immediately: Call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490. They can tell you if a return has already been processed under your SSN. Also, try calling the regular IRS customer service line (though it's often hard to get through) to ask specifically about your extension status. In the meantime, you should still make sure your taxes are extended properly. You can file a paper Form 4868 and send it via certified mail to create a paper trail showing you requested an extension before the deadline.

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Sophia Long

•8M

I wouldn't file a police report just yet - first confirm with the IRS if there's actually been a fraudulent filing. Many of these situations turn out to be system errors rather than actual identity theft. Yes, you should still file a paper extension as backup. Even if someone has fraudulently filed something using your information, your paper extension creates documentation showing you attempted to comply with tax deadlines. Be sure to send it certified mail with return receipt for proof. The IRS will eventually sort out the duplicate filings, but your immediate concern should be meeting the extension deadline to avoid penalties.

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Angelica Smith

•8M

I had almost the exact same issue last year and was freaking out too! After hours on hold with the IRS (nightmare), I discovered someone had actually tried filing with my SSN. What saved me was using https://taxr.ai to analyze my rejection notice and tax documents. It flagged the specific rejection code as a potential identity theft indicator and gave me step-by-step instructions for what to do next. The tool basically scanned my tax documents and the rejection notice, then explained everything in simple terms with a clear action plan. It helped me file an identity theft affidavit with the correct IRS forms and even generated a customized letter explaining my situation. Ended up saving me hours of research and probably thousands in potential tax problems!

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Angelica Smith

•8M

You only need to upload the specific documents related to your issue - in this case, just the rejection notice. The system uses AI to analyze the specific tax codes and rejection reasons, then matches them against IRS procedures. It's encrypted and they delete everything after analysis. The real value wasn't just identifying the problem - it was giving me the exact sequence of steps to fix it. When I called the IRS, I was totally prepared with the right information and forms already filled out correctly. The IRS representatives actually complimented how organized I was! They absolutely helped resolve my issue by giving me a clear roadmap when I was panicking and confused.

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Logan Greenburg

•8M

Just wanted to update after trying taxr.ai that @profile7 recommended. I was really hesitant at first about uploading my rejection notice, but I was desperate after waiting on hold with the IRS for 3 hours yesterday. The service instantly identified that my rejection was likely due to someone attempting to file fraudulently with my SSN. It gave me a complete checklist: file Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit), submit a paper extension via certified mail, and place a fraud alert on my credit reports. What really impressed me was how it explained the specific rejection code in normal human language and showed me exactly where on the forms to note that I was a victim of tax identity theft. Saved me hours of stressing and researching! My paper extension is now in the mail with all the proper documentation attached.

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Lucas Bey

•8M

When I had trouble reaching the IRS about a similar issue, I used https://claimyr.com and it was a GAME CHANGER. They got me connected to a real IRS agent in about 20 minutes when I had been trying for DAYS on my own. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was super skeptical at first because getting through to the IRS seemed impossible, but they use some technology that holds your place in line so you don't have to stay on hold forever. The IRS agent confirmed someone had tried filing with my info and immediately put protective measures on my account. Totally worth it because I was able to get everything sorted out in one call instead of waiting weeks for letters back and forth.

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Lucas Bey

•8M

They use an automated system that waits on hold for you and calls you back when an agent picks up. No special access - just technology that holds your place in line so you don't have to stay on hold for hours. It's basically like having someone else wait on hold while you go about your day. They don't promise instant access - just that you won't have to be the one sitting through the hold music for hours. When I used it, I got a call back in about 20 minutes, but they say times vary depending on IRS call volume. Much better than my previous attempts where I gave up after an hour on hold.

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Caleb Stark

•8M

Alright I need to eat my words. After seeing the responses here I decided to try Claimyr since I was desperate. I was totally prepared to come back and say "told you so" when it didn't work...but I got connected to an IRS agent in about 25 minutes yesterday. The agent confirmed someone HAD actually tried to file a fraudulent return using my SSN (not just an extension). They immediately put a special indicator on my account and told me exactly what documents to mail in. They're sending me an identity protection PIN for next year's taxes so this can't happen again. I've literally been trying to get through to the IRS for almost 3 weeks. Would have saved myself so much stress if I'd just done this sooner instead of being stubborn. Now I'm working with my accountant to get everything straightened out.

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