Overview

The RSN (Return Sequence Number) is a unique 16-digit number assigned by the transmitter to each return within a return transmission. The RSN consists of the following fields:

• Electronic Transmitter Identification Number (ETIN) of the transmitter (5 numeric characters)

• Transmitter Use Field, the value of which is determined by the transmitting electronic filer (2 numeric characters)

• Julian Day of Transmission (3 numeric characters) See Julian Date Calendar for details.

• Transmission Sequence Number for the given Julian Day (2 numeric characters (00-99))

• Sequence Number assigned to the return (4 numeric characters (0000-9999)

Function

Its practical function is to enable the software to identify the correct return to which an acknowledgment belongs.

"RSN does not match"

When you process acks, if the RSN on the acknowledgment does not match the RSN for a return in your EF database, you may see the error message RSN Does Not Match. Resolving this error requires assistance from Drake Support, (828) 524-8020, and may involve repairing your local EF database.

A common cause of this error is transmitting a return from one computer and picking up the acknowledgment on another. On the second computer, the software cannot find the original transmission file with the proper RSN. As a result, the acknowledgment will not post and cannot be viewed in the EF database (EF > Search EF Database). If the unposted acknowledgment is for a check, the check will not be available for printing.

RSN mismatch also can occur if an acknowledgment is picked up with prior or later-year software; e.g. a 2024 acknowledgment picked up by Drake Tax 2023.

If you did not transmit from more than one computer, you may be able to post the acknowledgment by completing the following steps:

• Go to Tools > Repair Index Files > Repair All.

• Select Continue.

• Check the first box Include prior year 2023 clients in the name index (checking the box for Include test/sample returns in the name index is optional).

• Click OK and confirm at the prompt.

• Check to see if acknowledgment was able to post by going to EF > Search EF Database.

• Enter the ID number.

• Click Go. Posted acks can be viewed at the bottom of the screen.

If you still do not see the ack posted, call Drake Software Support for assistance at (828) 524-8020.

Post Failed

The message may show as "one match for SSN but none had all correct data," or "one match for SSN, but data not complete." It is often produced if the software attempts to post a bank acknowledgment to the e-filing record, but the EF database on the computer does not show the IRS “A” acknowledgment for the return.

Complete the following steps:

• Go to Tools > Repair Index Files and choose Repair All.

• Click Continue.

• Check the first box Include prior year 2023 clients in the name index (checking the box for Include test/sample returns in the name index is optional).

• Click OK.

• Click Yes to the pop-up.

• When the process is complete, click Exit.

• Go to EF > Process Acks.

​For more assistance, contact Drake Support at (828) 524-8020. The acknowledgment can be “rehung” or re-sent to you. It is also possible that your firewall is blocking the ack from posting to your software.