E-file Rejected: Employer EIN Doesn't Match
This rejection means the employer's EIN (Employer Identification Number) you entered from your W-2 doesn't match IRS records. The fix is almost always to re-enter the EIN exactly as it appears on your W-2 and re-submit.
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Symptoms
- •Your e-file is rejected with a message about the employer's EIN not matching.
- •The rejection references a W-2 entry or payer information.
- •Re-transmitting without changes keeps getting rejected.
What causes it
- ▸A typo when entering the nine-digit EIN.
- ▸You entered the EIN from a paystub instead of the official W-2.
- ▸The W-2 import pulled in an incorrect or outdated EIN.
- ▸The employer's EIN on file with the IRS differs from what you have.
How to fix it
1Re-enter the EIN exactly from your W-2
- Find your W-2 and locate the Employer Identification Number in box b.
- In TurboTax, open the W-2 entry and compare it digit for digit.
- Correct any mismatch so it matches the W-2 exactly, then re-submit.
2Avoid paystub or imported errors
- Use the EIN from your official W-2, not a paystub, which can differ.
- If you imported the W-2, double-check that the imported EIN is right.
- Delete and re-enter the W-2 manually if the import looks wrong.
3Confirm with your employer
- If the EIN matches your W-2 but still rejects, contact your employer or payroll department.
- Ask them to confirm the correct EIN and request a corrected W-2 if theirs is wrong.
- Re-enter the verified EIN and re-transmit.
Still stuck?
If the EIN matches your W-2 exactly but the return keeps rejecting, the issue may be on the employer's side or with how the IRS has the number recorded. Official TurboTax support at ttlc.intuit.com can help, and if e-file simply won't accept it, you can paper-file. Ask here for help with either path.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the EIN on my W-2?＋
It's the nine-digit Employer Identification Number in box b of your W-2, usually formatted with a dash after the first two digits.
Can I use the EIN from my paystub?＋
It's better to use the W-2. Paystub numbers can differ or be incomplete, which is a common cause of this rejection.
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