Error: The field ‘VendorControlNum’ with value '0' data is missing
This validation error occurs when the EFIN entered in the locator isn't validated. This is a new requirement for TY 2025. EFIN verification has been required for returns for several years and extends this year to include business tax types.
Error message
Validation failed on [FILE_ID]: Form: ReturnHeader Error: The field 'VendorControlNum' with value '0', data is missing. Element Name: VendorControlNum XPath: /Return[1]/ReturnHeader[1]/FilingSecurityInformation[1]/VendorControlNum[1] XML Fragment: 0 Field Key: 0,1957,2,0,0,0,0,0,0 Error Code: [CODE] Error Reason: '0' violates length constraint of '16'. The element '{http://www.irs.gov/efile}VendorControlNum' with value '0' failed to parse.
Solution 1
If your originator type is
Large Taxpayer
, do the following to populate TR's Online Provider EFIN
and VCN
in the XML:- Go to .
- Remove the EFIN to ensure theElectronic filing identification number (EFIN)field is blank.
- SelectLarge taxpayerunder theType of Originatorsection.
- Do a full recompute, then recreate the e-file.
Solution 2
The IRS is enforcing return acceptance requirements tied to EFIN validation and inclusion of a Vendor Control Number (VCN) on e-file submissions. For Tax Year 2025 and forward, you can't e-file returns unless your EFIN is validated and the VCN can populate for filing.
note
If you're a new customer or received a new EFIN from the IRS, submit your e-file application summary to Thomson Reuters to file returns electronically. Only the person who received the EFIN from the IRS can access the e-file summary. For help with your IRS e-services portal or sign-in problems, call the IRS e-Help Desk.
- Go to .
- On theEFIN Validationscreen, complete all required fields:
- Contact name
- Email address
- 4-digit account number
- Product selection
- EFIN (6 digits)
- IRS Tracking Number
- Upload yourIRS e-file Application Summary. This document needs to match the information on file with the IRS for successful e-filing. TheApplication Summaryneeds to contain the Tracking Number and the EFIN. If you don't have theIRS e-file Application Summary, retrieve it through your IRS e-services access.
- SelectSubmitand monitor your email for confirmation that you're verified.
- Once complete, re-open the return, recompute, and recreate the e-file.
