Name Control individual - max number of characters

[LoveTax]

What is the max number of characters allowed for IRS for individual names. I have this suggestion diagnostic in PTO: "Taxpayer's name is being truncated in the e-file. The IRS may delay the posting of the taxpayer's return and, if applicable, any refund.".  Agent via Live Chat responded that 40 is the max number allowed. I have client totaling 37 characters including spaces (first name last name first name last name). Why diagnostic? and How to fix? Thank you

[itonewbie]

The most practical thing to do is to abbreviate the middle name(s) since the IRS' name control will only match the (first 4 characters of) the last name against the SSN.

[LoveTax]

My clients don't have middle names. Thank you for the first 4 characters tip!

[RMP]

My client's first name has 5 characters, last name has 8 and I am still getting this truncated message.

His wife's last name is different but the error is showing on his first name with the 5 characters.

These are the exact names used in previous tax returns.

Any suggestions would help!

[sjrcpa]

Try deleting his name and re-entering it.