Facing a rejected tax e-file can be frustrating, especially when deciphering specific error codes like IND-031-04. This code signals issues that require immediate attention to ensure your tax return is accepted and processed without delay. Understanding the common causes behind this rejection is key to resolving the problem efficiently.
Personal Information Discrepancies
IND-031-04 happens when the prior-year Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) you entered, or the self‑select PIN from last year, doesn’t match IRS records; it is not caused by a name, SSN, or date‑of‑birth mismatch with the Social Security Administration. 1Internal Revenue Service. IND-031-04
Use the exact AGI from your originally filed prior‑year return (not from an amended return). If you did not file last year, enter 0. If your prior‑year return wasn’t processed by early December, enter 0. If you used the “Non‑Filers: Enter Payment Info Here” tool that year, enter $1 as your prior‑year AGI. If you still can’t match the AGI, try using last year’s self‑select PIN. Then resubmit once.
Expired or Incorrect Tax ID Numbers
This reject is not about ITIN, SSN, or EIN validity. Focus on fixing the prior‑year AGI or last year’s self‑select PIN you used to e‑sign, since those are what trigger IND‑031‑04.
If you recently changed your legal name, that won’t, by itself, cause IND‑031‑04. However, continue ensuring your current legal name appears on the return exactly as on your SSA record to avoid other types of rejects.
Duplicate Submission Conflicts
Multiple e‑file attempts don’t cause IND‑031‑04 by themselves, but repeatedly resubmitting with the same unmatched AGI or PIN will keep getting rejected. Make the correction first, submit once, and wait for the acknowledgment before trying again. Keep your e‑file confirmation for your records.
Clear communication with a tax preparer also helps. If someone files on your behalf, verify the exact prior‑year AGI or last year’s self‑select PIN they used before authorizing another submission.
Potential Data Entry Mistakes
Common slipups include transposing digits in the AGI, using the AGI from an amended return instead of the originally filed return, or entering a spouse’s information incorrectly. Enter the numbers exactly as they appeared on the return you originally filed last year.
If you can’t retrieve last year’s AGI or PIN and your e‑file keeps rejecting, you can still file by mail. Before doing so, double‑check you’ve tried the accepted entries for special cases (0 if you didn’t file or your return wasn’t processed by early December; $1 if you used the non‑filer tool that year) and that you’re using the originally filed figures.