Title: How to Read Reject Codes Reject Codes are standardized, and issued by the IRS in acknowledgements. The tax software uses MeF (Modernized Electronic Filing) e-filing instead of older Legacy e-filing. This means that reject code numbers issued for MeF returns are different than reject codes that were issued for Legacy returns (ERC’s). A. What is an MeF reject Code? MeF rejects give names of locations that have incorrect entries on a return. For example the following reject message:  Reject Code: R0000-504-01 “Each \'DependentSSN\' and the corresponding \'DependentNameControl\' that has a value on Line 6c(2) of the return, must match the SSN and Name Control in the e-File database.” In this reject code instead of using SEQ values that were once used for Legacy e-filing, MeF reject codes name specific places; such as \’DependentSSN\’ and \’DependentNameControl\’. Specific places in question on a return are denoted with the \’ \’ symbols, with the name of the entry or check box in the middle of the symbols. Having names of specific places save preparers’ time. With the example it can be determined that the dependent’s SSN and name entries on the return, do not match what the IRS has on file. So in order to fix the reject code, the preparer would need to go to where the dependent’s information was entered, and verify the name and SSN of the dependents. (If the name and the SSN do not match you will have to contact the IRS or paper file that return.) B. What is a Return Header? The name of the form or schedule (with the entry causing the rejection) is usually on the reject message. However if the reject message references a Return Header, the reject message is referring to the Return Information and General Information sheets. The Return Information and General information sheets are the first two sheets a preparer sees when starting a new return, and are where basic information about the return/taxpayer/spouse/dependents are entered. C. What is a Submission ID? Another new term is Submission ID. A Submission ID is similar to a DCN, however DCN is used with Legacy returns and not MeF returns. MeF returns use a Submission ID instead of a DCN. A Submission ID is used by the IRS to reference a specific return. To quickly find a reject code in the PDF, use the find feature (figure 1), and type in what you are looking for.