Why Was My Return Rejected for My Spouse’s SSN or Name?

This rejection occurs when your spouse’s Social Security Number (SSN) and/or name do not match IRS records. The information must be corrected before the return can be resubmitted.

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

• Error message:
• Why This Happens
• How to Resolve
• Step 1: Update Your Spouse’s Last Name (If Needed)
• Step 2: Confirm with Support
• What You Need to Know
• Still Need Help?

Error message:

'Spouse SSN’ and ‘SpouseNameControl’ in the return must match the e-file database.’

Why This Happens

The IRS verifies your spouse’s SSN and last name against Social Security Administration (SSA) records when filing electronically.

This rejection typically occurs because:

• The spouse’s SSN was entered incorrectly
• The spouse’s last name does not match SSA records
• A recent name change has not yet been updated with the SSA
• There is a typo or formatting issue

The IRS database pulls directly from SSA records, so the information must match exactly.

How to Resolve

Step 1: Update Your Spouse’s Last Name (If Needed)

1. Log in to your MyExpatTaxes account.
2. Visit the SSN’s or ITIN’s on the software
3. Review and update your spouse’s last name to match Social Security records.
4. For SSN, review your spouse’s SSN for accuracy.
5. Click Save.

Step 2: Confirm with Support

After updating the information, please contact our support team so we can resubmit your return.

For this type of rejection, we can only resubmit once you confirm that your spouse’s SSN and name are entered exactly as they appear in Social Security records.

What You Need to Know

• Your spouse’s name must match their Social Security card exactly.
• If your spouse recently changed their name, it must first be updated with the Social Security Administration before e-filing.
• Even small differences (hyphenation, spacing, suffixes) can trigger this rejection.
• You can verify or update Social Security records here:
• Social Security Administration (SSA)

Still Need Help?

If you’re unsure which information is incorrect, or if you continue receiving rejections after updating your details, please contact our support team, and we’ll review your account with you.