With the tax deadline quickly approaching, it’s important to make sure that you not only file your federal tax return, but that you make sure you fill out your return correctly. If there is a mistake on your IRS tax return, this will delay your refund and the IRS may need to contact you to fix the mistake. Here are a few of the most common mistakes people make when filing their return.

Wrong or Missing Social Security Numbers

Your Social Security Number is very important, especially when filing your IRS tax return. When filling out your federal tax return make sure that your SSNs on the return are exactly the same as the ones on your Social Security Card. You must make sure that not only is your SSN correct, but also your spouse’s if you’re filing jointly, and you must have the correct SSN of any dependents you are claiming.

Wrong Name

It might seem unlikely that you would misspell your own name, but surprisingly, a large number of taxpayers do. Every year the IRS sees hundreds of tax returns with either the filer’s, the spouse, or one of the dependent’s names spelled wrong. The names on your IRS tax return should match the names as they appear on your Social Security card.

Filing Status Errors

Make sure to choose correctly when selecting your filing status. There are five filing statuses to choose from:

• Single: For people who are not married, divorced, or legally separated
• Married Filing Jointly: For married couples who want to file their tax return together as one
• Married Filing Separately: For married couples who want to file returns separately
• Head of Household: This status generally applies if you are not married and paid more than half the cost of maintaining a home for yourself and a qualifying person
• Qualifying Widow(er) with Dependent Child: This status applies if your spouse died in a previous year, you have a dependent child, and meet other certain criteria

Each has a specific definition for tax purposes, so make sure you choose the one most appropriate for your circumstances. If you’re not sure which filing status, you can use the Interactive Tax Assistant to choose the right one.

Math Mistakes

Make sure when you’re filing your federal tax return that you double check your math. This is one of the first things that the IRS will check. The figures on the first two pages of your IRS tax return are especially crucial and need to add up. This is where a professional or tax software comes in handy. Both can double check the math and make sure you didn’t make any mistakes.

Tax Credits & Deduction Errors

Tallying up all the right tax credits and tax deductions can be troublesome, especially when your using some for the first time. A lot of filers make mistakes figuring out their Earned Income Tax Credit or their standard deduction. It may appear that a credit or deduction may apply to you when in fact, you’re phased out due to income or some other restriction. You also may claim a deduction that is not available for your filing status. If you aren’t sure about which credits to take, hire or seek advice from a professional. They can help you decide which ones you are actually eligible for.

Incorrect Bank Account Numbers

If you e-file and use direct deposit, you can get your refund back quickly. But it won’t be as fast if you put down the wrong account or routing number. Make sure you put down the right bank, along with the right routing and account number. You can use a blank check to check the numbers or ask your bank for the numbers.

Not Signing Forms

You can get everything on your federal tax return correct, all the math right and all the information right, but if you don’t sign the forms, you won’t get processed. If you send in an unsigned federal tax return, it’s considered an invalid return. The IRS says this happens year after year and the return won’t be considered timely filed if you send it in and it’s not signed and you don’t fix it by the deadline. Remember you and your spouse must sign the return if you’re filing Married Filing Jointly.

If you need help filing this year’s individual tax return or need help filing income tax returns from previous years, Polston Tax can help. Our team of tax preparers can help file every IRS Tax Return or Business Tax Return you need. Call us today at 844-841-9857 or click below to schedule a free consultation!