Why did I get this rejection?
The IRS requires Form 8862, Information to Claim Certain Refundable Credits After Disallowance, if your Earned Income Credit (EIC) was disallowed in a prior year and you’re now claiming it again.
This rejection means the IRS records show a previous EIC disallowance, and your return was filed without Form 8862. Until the form is included, the IRS won’t accept your return.
When Form 8862 is required
You generally need to file Form 8862 if:
You claimed the Earned Income Credit in a prior year and it was disallowed
The IRS later allowed you to claim the credit again
You’re now claiming the Earned Income Credit for the current tax year
The IRS uses Form 8862 to confirm you’re eligible to claim the credit again.
How to fix the rejection
To resolve this rejection, you’ll need to complete Form 8862 and resubmit your return.
Complete Form 8862
Form 8862 asks questions to confirm you meet all the requirements to claim the Earned Income Credit again.
In april:
Open the federal section of your return
Find and complete Form 8862
Answer all questions about your eligibility carefully and completely
Make sure all information is accurate before moving on.
Resubmit your return
Once Form 8862 is completed:
Review your return for accuracy
Save your changes
Resubmit your return electronically
The IRS won’t accept the return until Form 8862 is included.
If you’re not sure why your EIC was disallowed
If you’re unsure why the Earned Income Credit was disallowed in a prior year:
Review any IRS notices you received about the disallowance
The IRS typically sends a notice explaining when and how you can claim the credit again
If the return is still rejected
If your return is still rejected after completing Form 8862:
Double-check that the form is fully completed
Confirm you’re eligible to claim the Earned Income Credit this year
If the issue continues, you may need to review IRS guidance on claiming the Earned Income Credit after a disallowance.
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