Why Was My Return Rejected Due to a Date of Death Record?

This rejection occurs when IRS records indicate a date of death for the primary taxpayer that conflicts with the tax year for which the return is being filed. The issue must be reviewed and corrected before the return can proceed.

Here’s an overview of what we’ll cover—click any section to jump ahead.

• Error message:
• Why This Happens
• How to Resolve Step by Step
• Step 1: Verify the SSN
• Step 2: Contact the Social Security Administration (If SSN Is Correct)
• Step 3: Paper Filing May Be Required
• What You Need to Know
• Still Need Help?

Error message:

‘If Primary Date of Death has a value in the e-File database, then it must not be prior to the 'TaxYr' in the Return Header.’

Why This Happens

The IRS cross-checks taxpayer information against Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

This rejection typically occurs because:

• The IRS database reflects a recorded date of death for the SSN entered
• The SSN may have been entered incorrectly
• There is an error in the SSA records
• The taxpayer was previously marked as deceased in IRS systems

If the IRS shows a date of death prior to the tax year for which the return is being filed, the return cannot be electronically accepted.

How to Resolve Step by Step

Step 1: Verify the SSN

1. Log in to your MyExpatTaxes account.
2. Visit the SSN or ITIN section of your return.
3. Carefully confirm that the SSN entered is correct.
4. Click Save if any corrections are made.

Step 2: Contact the Social Security Administration (If SSN Is Correct)

If the SSN is correct, there may be an error in SSA records.

You will need to contact the Social Security Administration to correct the issue:

Social Security Administration (SSA)

Phone: 1-800-772-1213

The IRS relies on SSA data, so any discrepancies must be resolved directly with them.

Step 3: Paper Filing May Be Required

In many cases involving a date-of-death record mismatch, the return must be paper-filed rather than electronically filed.

Please contact our support team so we can advise you on the next steps.

What You Need to Know

• The IRS cannot override SSA death records through e-filing.
• If SSA records are incorrect, they must be updated before future e-filings will be accepted.
• Until the issue is resolved, electronic filing will continue to be rejected.

Still Need Help?

If you are unsure why this rejection occurred or need guidance on paper filing, please contact our support team, and we’ll review your case with you.