Free File Fillable Forms Problems
Rejected Returns, Do the Math, Input Problems and Missing Forms
My Return Was Rejected! These are generally user input issues. The form causing the rejection usually appears in Xpath text or is fully described after the Business Rule number. Here are the most common reasons returns are rejected.
- Omitting Information and Making Typos - Check your electronic input against your paper Forms W2, W2-G and 1099-R for omissions and typos. Use the Tab Key to ensure you see all require input areas.
- Entering Information in the Grey areas - Most taxpayers have no reason to enter any data into those small grey box areas. Remove it, unless you are specifically instructed to place information there.
- Check Your Withholding Amounts - Your federal withholding is calculated from what you put in the electronic W2's, W2-G's and 1099-R's, plus what you put into Step 2 section 2 (Other 1099 withholding). These amounts must add up to the amount of withholding you claim on Form 1040, 1040A or 1040-EZ.
- Form 8863 - You need to complete Part III first. Click on the "Add" button to input student information.
- Need More Help? - Your rejection issue and solution may be in the Xpath Tool. If this tool doesn't help, use the Rejections and Corrections document and follow the directions to contact us.
Do the Math is Not Working! When “Do the Math” is not calculating the way you think it should, generally, you're missing data the program considers necessary. I's a good idea to follow the form directions, step by step. Here are the most common “Do the Math” issues we hear.
- Form 8863, line 15 - You are required to complete Part 1. If instructed to put a zero on a line, you must put a zero on that line.
- Schedule C, line 31 and Schedule C-EZ, line 3 - The business entity information must be entered before those lines will calculate.
- Schedule A, lines 23 & 28 - You must fill in the description & amount areas (those grey areas to the left) before those lines will calculate.
- Schedule E, line 23a, b, etc. - Part 1 must be completed before many lines will calculate.
- Schedule 8812, lines 9, 11, 12 and 13 - You must complete all the prior required lines, including the buttons on line 6, before these lines will calculate.
I'm Not Allowed to Enter Information on a Line! When you are not able to put data on a line, the program is looking to capture that information from another area. Sometimes you'll need to complete another form. Or maybe you need to put data in those little grey areas on that line. Here are the most common input issues:
- Form 1040, line 21 - To the left (in the grey “Tax Literal” areas) you must enter (1) a description of the income in the grey area farthest to the left and (2) the amount in the next grey area. You can view acceptable Description Tax Literals in the Rejections and Corrections document. Refer to the 1040 instructions and Publication 525.
- Schedule A, lines 23 and 28 - The grey areas to the left must be completed. On the same line, enter your Description in the first field and to the right enter the Dollar Amount in the next field.
The Form I Need is Missing! Generally, the problem is one of the following:
- The form is not supported - View the list of supported forms.
- Form 4562 and Form 8829 - You must add these from either Schedule C and/or Schedule E. You cannot add Forms 4562 or 8829 from the View/Add Forms icon.
- Forms W2, W2G, and 1099R - You must be add these forms from Step 2 section 1.
To ensure proper input, always review the Form 1040 Instruction for the forms and schedules you are using. To assist with navigating and accurate form input, consider viewing the tutorial.
