File format and structure errors

These errors occur when the file structure does not match the expected format.

Empty file error

Error message: "The uploaded file '[filename]' appears to be empty. Check the contents and try again."

This error occurs when the uploaded file contains no data.

Unknown delimiter error

Error message: "File was not delimited properly, use semicolons"

This error occurs when the file does not use semicolons (;) as delimiters.

Column mismatch error

Error message: "Column is an unexpected type"

This error occurs when columns do not match the expected format or when there are fewer than three columns. The file requires a minimum of three columns: TinType, TIN, and Name.

Data-specific validation errors

These errors occur when individual data values do not meet the required format or constraints.

Invalid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) error

Error message: "Tin is invalid"

This error occurs when the TIN is not exactly nine digits, contains non-numeric characters, is empty or blank, or is an invalid test TIN such as 111111111 or 000000000.

Invalid TIN type error

Error message: "Tin type does not match known types"

The TIN type must be one of the following values: 1 for Social Security Number (SSN), 2 for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or 3 for Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Invalid name error

Error message: "Name is invalid"

This error occurs when the name is empty or blank when required, is fewer than two characters long, or is missing when required.

Invalid reference number error

Error message: "Reference number is invalid"

This error occurs when the reference number exceeds 128 characters.

Line too long error

Error message: "Column is an unexpected type"

This error occurs when the total line length (TinType + TIN + Name + 3) exceeds 100 characters.

File processing and system errors

These errors occur during file processing or due to system configuration issues.

Settings not found error

Error message: "Settings not populated. Contact Tincheck Support."

This error indicates a system configuration issue. Contact TINcheck Support for assistance.

Too many duplicate records error

Error message: "Too many duplicate TIN/Name records. ([count])"

This error occurs when the file exceeds the maximum allowed duplicate entries. The default limit is 250 duplicate TIN and Name combinations per file. Avoid duplicates to help prevent the IRS from rejecting the file.

Processing error

Error message: "Unable to process this file at this time."

This is a generic error for unexpected processing failures. Try uploading the file again or contact TINcheck Support if the problem persists.

Business logic errors

These errors occur due to access permissions or file processing status.

Bulk access not allowed

If you do not have proper bulk access permissions, you are redirected to an unauthorized page. Contact your administrator to request bulk access permissions.

File already processing

If a file is already being processed, additional uploads may be blocked. Any files that are processed are billable.

File format requirements

To avoid validation errors, ensure your bulk file meets the following requirements.

• Use semicolons (;) as delimiters.
• Format each row as: TinType;TIN;Name;ReferenceNumber (reference number is optional).
• Use the correct TIN type value: 1 for SSN, 2 for ITIN, or 3 for EIN.
• Enter the TIN as exactly nine digits with no dashes or spaces.
• Enter a name that is at least two characters long when required.
• Keep the reference number to 128 characters or fewer.
• Limit duplicate TIN and Name combinations to 250 per file. Ideally, avoid duplicates entirely to prevent IRS rejection.