The taxpayer's prior year Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) amount is used as an electronic signature for the e-filed return. This information helps the IRS confirm the identity of the person filing the return. Error codes IND-031 and IND-032 are issued when the AGI entered by the taxpayer does not match the information in the IRS e-file database.
These errors commonly occur when the taxpayer has used the current year AGI instead of the prior year AGI. You must use the original amount from last year's Form 1040 to sign this year's return. If you filed a joint return last year, each spouse must separately enter the same AGI amount (the entire original AGI; do not split the amount in half).
The AGI you should use to sign your 2014 return can be found on the following lines of your 2013 return (round this amount to the nearest whole dollar):
- Form 1040, Line 38
- Form 1040A, Line 21
- Form 1040EZ, Line 4
If you filed electronically last year, you can use your 2013 Personal Identification Number (PIN) instead of your prior year AGI to sign your return. If you used TaxACT last year, see TaxACT 2014 Electronic Filing PIN Information to retrieve your 2013 PIN. You can resubmit your return using the steps below.
If you cannot locate your prior year AGI or PIN, you have the option to use an Electronic Filing PIN issued by the IRS. You can request an Electronic Filing PIN on the IRS website, or by calling the IRS at 1-866-704-7388. If your error code is IND-032, be sure to request one for yourself and one for your spouse.
Note: There are three different PINs related to electronic filing. To avoid confusion, keep the following distinctions in mind:
- Your 2013 self-select PIN (step 3 below) is a five-digit number you choose to sign this year's return. You must enter this PIN to file electronically. This "signature" is authenticated using your prior year AGI or one of the following PINs.
- Your 2013 self-select PIN (step 2 below) is the five-digit number you used to sign last year's return if you filed electronically.
- Your 2014 IRS-issued electronic filing PIN (step 2 below) is a number you request and receive from the IRS this year to use in place of your prior year AGI to authenticate your e-file signature.
Once you have access to any of the three signature authentication options (2013 AGI, 2013 PIN, or 2014 IRS-issued electronic filing number), you can use the following steps to review and resubmit your return at no charge:
- From within your TaxACT return (Online or Desktop) click on the Filing tab, and then select E-file My Return.
- Continue through the screens until you are prompted to enter prior year information. Make the applicable change below.
- Enter your 2014 IRS-issued PIN(s) in the appropriate field(s), or
- Enter your corrected 2013 AGI in the appropriate field, or
- Enter your 2013 PIN in the appropriate field
See the images below for examples of where to enter the above information. Be sure to clear imported information from any unused field.
- On the electronic signature screen, enter a 2014 self select PIN using any 5 numbers. Be sure to enter one for your spouse if applicable. This PIN can be different than what you used to e-file initially.
- Continue through the remaining screens and click Submit to complete the e-filing process. After you have successfully e-filed, you will see a confirmation screen. If you don't see this screen, it means your return was not e-filed and you will need to repeat these steps.
If you choose to correct your 2013 AGI to sign your return, or to use your prior year PIN, click I have access to my 2013 tax return and enter the information in the appropriate field(s).
If you get a 2014 IRS-issued electronic filing PIN instead, select I do NOT have access to my 2013 tax return and enter your PIN in the field provided.
After e-filing your return, please wait 24-48 hours to check your e-file status at efstatus.taxact.com. If you have questions or need more information, please email us for free assistance.
If only the federal or state return is rejected, you do not need to resubmit the accepted return. If your state requires you to file piggyback, you will need to resubmit both returns after you have made corrections.
What if I did not file a return with the IRS last year?
If you have never filed before or you filed last year using an ITIN and have an SSN this year, select I am a first-time filer or I did NOT file a 2013 tax return on the screen titled E-Filing - Prior Year Information. If you are married filing jointly and only one spouse filed a 2013 return, you should enter the prior year AGI for that spouse and zero (0) for the spouse who has not filed before.
If your 2013 AGI was zero, you should use 0 (zero) as your prior year AGI when e-filing.
What do I use for the original AGI if my filing status has changed since last year?
If your filing status changed from the previous year to Married Filing Jointly, then each taxpayer will use their individual original AGI from their respective prior year return.
If the change is from Married Filing Jointly, then both taxpayers will use the same original AGI from last year's joint tax return.
What AGI or PIN do I use if I filed jointly with a different spouse last year?
If you filed jointly with a different spouse in the previous year, use the total AGI amount from the joint return filed with the ex-spouse.