Top Tax Filing Errors
It's inevitable that people make mistakes. We're only human, after all. But if you make a mistake on your annual tax return, it can cost you time and money. The Internal Revenue Service's processing of your return is slowed down significantly by errors, meaning any refund you might be due will be delayed. To keep that from happening, the IRS recommends double- and even triple-checking your return — or make it easier by filing electronically.
Click ahead to find out which filing mistakes are the most common and how you can avoid them.
Posted 08 April, 2011
Source: IRS.gov
Incorrect or Missing Social Security Numbers
When entering Social Security numbers for anyone listed on your tax return, be sure to enter them exactly as they appear on the Social Security cards. If they're wrong, the IRS could disallow exemptions, credits, and deductions.
Source: IRS.gov
Filing Status Errors
Make sure you choose the correct filing status for your situation. Your filing status determines a number of tax benefits, so making a mistake here can affect the earned income tax credit, child tax credit, and dependent exemptions. There are five filing statuses: single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, and qualifying widow(er) with dependent child. The IRS recommends Publication 501 to determine the filing status that best fits your needs.
Source: IRS.gov