Resolving Transmission Failure 10, 703 or 720 errors in Lacerte

When attempting to e-file a return, the following Transmission Failure is occurring:

• "Validation Failure: Error 10, 703 or 720: Duplicate Social Security Number: A tax return with the same Social Security number has already been submitted."

This failure occurs when:

• A prior copy of the return has been e-filed and is either still processing, or has been accepted.
• The return was sent from a second stand alone machine such as a laptop. The e-file status would not match on the other machine since it is not part of the network for Lacerte. Check with other preparers in the firm to see if the return was sent from another machine.
• The first return did not appear to have been sent and a second transmission attempt is made.

To check the e-file status:

1. Go to the Clients list.
2. Highlight the client file.
3. Press F4 to open the Status window.
   • Alternatively you can go to the Client Menu, then choose Status near the bottom.
4. Select the e-file Status tab.
5. Click on the return abbreviation in the left-hand box. The statuses for that return will appear in the center box.

On the e-file Status tab, the transmission failure should be listed at the top. If you see any of the following statuses below the transmission failure, the return has been sent once already.

• Sent to Lacerte
• Received at Lacerte
• Sent to the IRS
• Sent to the State
• Accepted

If the transmission failure is for only the Federal return while state returns transmit successfully, it could be due to a state already submitted to the Lacerte e-file system is designated as a Piggyback state, and Lacerte is trying to transmit the return again, causing the Duplicate SSN message.

To check for a Piggyback state return:

1. Go to the Clients list.
2. Highlight the client file.
3. Click on E-file.
4. Select Step 2: Start e-File Return Wizard.
5. In the very first screen of the wizard, check for any red asterisk (*) next to state abbreviations.
6. If any red asterisk are present, right click on the state abbreviation and choose Send directly to state taxing authority.
7. Uncheck the boxes next to all states so that only the US checkbox is marked.
8. Click Next to proceed through the e-file wizard as normal.