Common Import Errors: SSN, Address, State & TIN Fields

These are the most common errors users encounter when importing data into BoomTax, and how to fix each one.

SSN / TIN Errors

"SSN must be 9 digits" or SSN is blank

Cause: Excel may strip leading zeros from SSNs. A value like 012345678 becomes 12345678 (8 digits).

Fix:

Format the SSN column as Text before entering or pasting data
Or, type an apostrophe before the number (e.g., '012-34-5678 ).

"Invalid TIN Type"

Cause: The TIN Type column contains a value other than the accepted: SSN, EIN, ITIN, ATIN, or NA.

Fix: Ensure the column contains only SSN, EIN, ITIN, ATIN, or NA . No other variations will be accepted.

TIN Validation Error (after e-filing)

Cause: The name + TIN combination doesn't match IRS records. Common with maiden vs. married names, hyphenated names, or transposed digits.

Fix: Verify TINs with the recipient. Use TINCorrect to check names and TINs against IRS records before filing.

Address Errors

"State or province is required" or "Invalid state"

Cause: State is spelled out instead of abbreviated, or is missing.

Fix: Use the 2-letter abbreviation: TX not Texas , CA not California .

"Street address is required"

Cause: Address field is blank for a row that has other data.

Fix: Every recipient/employee row must have a complete address (street, city, state, ZIP).

"Country code" error

Cause: Country code is missing or uses a non-standard value.

Fix: Use US for United States addresses.

Column & File Errors

"Could not find column X" (or similar)

Cause: You're using a custom spreadsheet that doesn't have the required column headers, or a column was renamed/deleted.

Fix: Use the BoomTax import template. All column headers must be present exactly as named, even if some columns have no data.

Import takes a very long time or hangs

Cause: Excel filters applied to columns, or extra blank columns/rows far to the right or below your data.

Fix: Remove all column filters, select all empty columns to the right of your data and delete them, and remove blank rows below your data.

ACA-Specific Errors

"All months in #14 must be completed"

Cause: Line 14 (Offer of Coverage) requires a code for every month. You must use either "All 12 Months" OR fill in each individual month (Jan-Dec).

Fix: Enter a code for every month. Use 1H for months the employee was not employed or not eligible.

"Plan Start Month" required

Cause: This field is required for 1095-C imports.

Fix: Enter the month number (1-12) when the employer's plan year begins (typically 1 for January).

1099-Specific Errors

"FATCA filing requirement" blank (1099 forms)

Cause: Some 1099 forms require this field to have a value.

Fix: Enter No if the FATCA requirement does not apply.

Sources: Common ACA Form Errors, Common 1099 Errors, Common 1095-C Mistakes, Import Spreadsheet Guidelines (blog.boomtax.com)