Avoid Common Tax Return Errors

“The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax.” — Albert Einstein, physicist

At the close of each tax filing season, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) compiles a list of the most common errors taxpayers make when filing their tax returns. Believe it or not, incorrect mathematical calculations are not the number one error. The most frequent offense for the past several years is incorrect Social Security numbers being submitted on individual income tax returns.

According to the IRS, the eight common tax-filing errors to avoid are:

1. Wrong or missing Social Security numbers.
2. Wrong names.
3. Filing status errors (single, head of household, married filing joint/seperate, qualifying widow)
4. Math mistakes.
5. Errors in figuring credits or deductions.
6. Wrong bank account numbers.
   
7. Forms not signed or dated.
8. Electronic filing PIN errors.

                                                                                                                                     

Many of these errors can be avoided by e-filing the tax return.  If there is an issue with the return, the IRS e-file system will reject the return.  This may delay processing the tax return and receiving the refund ultimately. 

For more information, please visit:  IRS.GOV

Contacting Camala Templeton, EA is the easiest way to e-file.  Camala keeps current on tax law changes.

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This blog is not meant to offer legal or comprehensive advice.  You should consult a tax professional for questions regarding your unique situation.