Return rejecting for already having filed when IRS 8821 transcript says no return filed?

Karl

I have a 24yo client whose return is rejecting, "Error IND-452: In an original filing, the Primary SSN in the Return Header must not be the same as the TIN of a previously accepted electronic Individual filing filed for the same tax period."

He is certain he hasn't filed elsewhere. I have 8821, I pull an account transcript for 2024: "No tax return filed."

First attempt to file was 5/14/2025, so it's been almost a month now.

I even had him get an IP PIN, just in case that might help it go through (I realize that was grasping at straws since that's designed for when a dependent is already claimed).

Is he stuck paper filing, or do you have any other ideas? He has a four-figure refund coming from states (CA & NY partial year res), so I want to get him his money asap (even though he wasn't in a rush to answer my questions or get me all of his tax forms).

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