When you e-file your return, the information has to be specifically formatted so that the IRS and state processing systems can properly handle your return when it is received. One of the conditions of this formatting is that the data cannot contain special characters, with the exception of a hyphen. Apostrophes or other special characters are not permitted.
When the IRS receives your information, they verify your SSN (Social Security Number) against the first 4 letters of your last name. To ensure that your return is accepted by the IRS, you may want to contact them (or the Social Security Administration) to see what they have on file for your last name. The IRS can be reached at 1-800-829-1040. The Social Security Administration can be reached at 1-800-772-1213.
Once you know what they have on file you can then enter that information into your account. If a dash or hyphen is included in what they have on file, you should include this character. If your name contains other special characters please leave a space where the character would be.