1040 occupation field left blank

[Anonymous]

I just transmitted a tax return and realized the occupation field was left blank. Is this bad, are there repercussions, or am I just paranoid and there's nothing to worry about. Thanks.

[IRonMaN · Accepted solution]

I thought I heard the sirens from cop cars heading your way.  

Yeah, you are a little paranoid.  I wouldn't lose a lot of sleep over that one.

[JOFI]

I am surprised you were able to transmit the return because ProSeries usually returns an error alert when that field is left blank.

But, yes, why the IRS even has this line on a tax return is beyond me.  It is frankly none of their business.

[Just-Lisa-Now-]

Ive seen new clients bring in prior year returns from other preparers with the Occupation box empty, I didnt think ProSeries let us do that, its always prompted me for an entry.

At any rate, it will be fine.

[IRonMaN]

Yeah, I have never tried e-filing with it blank to see what happens.  But for the record, I have an extremely high number of brain surgeon clients.  Well at least that's what their occupation is deemed to be when they don't provide me with an occupation 😬