Why am I getting 2025 IRS e file rejection for name with special characters?

Forum|Forum|4 months ago
February 22, 2026
2 replies
17 views

I am getting an IRS e file rejection due to last name with apostrophe. the last name is the same as the one being used for the last 25 years using pro series every year.

Has something changed in name control at IRS when processing e file returns. Taxpayer does have a schedule C. I see the 1988 IRS notice assigning EIN to business does not reflect the Apostrophe in the last name. After 3 e file rejections from IRS I have changed Schedule C business name to remove apostrophe to make agree with the 1988 EIN assignment letter.

Since this is the first year with this type E file rejection. wondering if anyone else has this condition.

Called pro series support. They were unable to provide much help. rerun updates, etc.

I will post an update after the name change to Schedule C. Last resort will be to mail in the returns to IRS and State.

ProSeries Professional

Just-Lisa-Now-

Intuit Community Champion

so you think its cross matching the EIN and business name on Sch C? Never heard of such a thing.

Are you sure you don't have a character or a ghost space in the last name box that shouldn't be there?

Can you share the exact rejection message. From the EFCenter, hit F12 and scroll down to rejected returns and you can print the entire message

♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥Lisa♥¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪

J

johnocAuthor

Level 4

Code: X0000-005

Form: 0(00)

Description: (/efile:Return[1]/efile:ReturnData[1]/efile:IRS7206[1]/efile:NameLine1Txt[1])

Error Detail:TheXML data has failed schema validation. cvc-pattern-valid. Value 'ANTHONY A D'ALOISE' is not facet-valid with respect to pattern '[A-Za-z](

Error Resolution: This return has been rejected due to a special character in the taxpayer or spouse name. If there is an apostrophe in taxpayer or spouse name, this return can be efiled only if the apostrophe is removed.

Make sure you have the latest software updates. Make the necessary correction(s). Review for errors and resubmit the return for electronic filing. If the reject persists you will need t print this return and file by mail.

UPDATE. I am tired of dealing with this issue. So, I will mail Monday unless the correction mentioned goes through. The name mentioned in the message is not the client's name. But it's what the system reflected in its message.

BobKamman

Level 15

Is the apostrophe in the first four characters? That's all IRS looks at, most of the time. (Let me guess, is it O'Connor?) I don't think the Schedule C has anything to do with it. Probably just a program change that IRS didn't warn anyone about.

J

johnocAuthor

Level 4

Yes, it is O'C

But again, it's never been an issue for the last 25 years in pro series professional and IRS e file processes

for this specific client.

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