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Avoid Common Tax Filing Errors
February 24, 2020
Don’t forget, mistakes can result in a processing delay, which translates into more time to get your refund.

If you changed your tax software product, you may be asked to enter your prior- year adjusted gross income to validate your Self-Select PIN. If you did not retain a copy of your prior-year return, you may have to use Get Transcript Online or Get Transcript by Mail to obtain your prior-year AGI.

Make sure you report all your income, not just from your W-2 forms. If you did some freelance work and didn’t receive a 1099-MISC, you still need to report that income on your return. Keep track of all your 1099s either for interest or dividends received and report the amounts on your tax return on the appropriate lines.

If you are a paper filer, check the relevant info on IRS.gov or your tax form instructions for the appropriate address where to file to avoid processing delays. When figuring tax using the tax tables, be sure to use the correct column for the filing status claimed.

Make sure you have all your W-2 forms from each of your employers and that you attach Copy B of each Form W-2 to your federal return. If you have more than one job, combine the wages and withholdings from all Form W-2s you receive and
report those amounts on one return.

Paper filers need to also attach other forms that reflect tax withholding to the front of their returns. If requesting a payment agreement with the IRS, also attach Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request, to the front of the return. Attach all other necessary schedules and forms to the upper right-hand corner of the tax form in the order shown in the instructions.



If you itemize your deductions, keep track of your charitable gifts. Contributions over $250 require a letter from the charity to substantiate the deduction. Contributions in which something is received such as a dinner or merchandise can only be deducted to the extent the contribution exceeds the fair market value of goods or services received.

If you have a business of your own, keep track of your deductible business expenses and save all adequate records (receipts, invoices, checks, etc.)

Make sure you double-check the information on your tax return no matter your choice of filing, typo mistakes may turn into a mess. Once ready to be filed, you should make a copy of your signed return and attached schedules for your records.

A failure-to-file penalty may apply if you do not file by the tax filing deadline and if you did not pay all of the taxes you owe by the tax filing deadline. The failure-to-file penalty is generally more than the failure-to-pay penalty.

You should file your tax return on time each year, even if you’re not able to pay all the taxes you owe by the due date. You can reduce additional interest and penalties by paying as much as you can with your tax return. Make sure you explore other payment options available, such as getting a loan, or making an installment agreement to make payments.

On the other hand, if you're owed a refund and you don't file your taxes by April 15, you will not get a penalty.

But, if you wait to file your taxes because you think you are getting a refund and then find out you miscalculated and actually owe money, interest and penalties will have accrued on your debt by the time you do file.

So, good luck, be careful and stay safe!

Statistically, you are either a do-it-yourself adept who uses one of the soft programs available online (≈37%), you fill out a tax organizer for your tax pro (≈52%), or you are an old fashioned paper addict taxpayer. Whatever your preferred choice of filing tax returns is, mistakes still happen.


On the plus side, if there is a pattern of common tax-filing errors and mistakes, then there are also means to prevent them, so just take a little of your time and read this newsletter.

In short, here are some of the most common tax-filing errors to avoid:

  • Missing or inaccurate Social Security numbers. Each SSN on a tax return should appear exactly as printed on the Social Security card.

  • Misspelled names. Likewise, a name listed on a tax return should match the name on that person's Social Security card.

  • Incorrect filing status. Some taxpayers choose the wrong filing status. The Interactive Tax Assistant on IRS.gov can help you choose the correct status especially if more than one filing status applies. Tax software may also helps prevent mistakes with filing status.

  • Math mistakes. Math errors are one of the most common mistakes. They range from simple addition and subtraction to more complex calculations. You should always double check your math. Even if tax prep software does it automatically, we sometimes make our own calculations before entering numbers.

  • Figuring credits or deductions. You can make mistakes figuring things like your earned income tax credit, child and dependent care credit, and the standard deduction. You should always follow the tax forms instructions carefully. For example, a taxpayer who's 65 or older, or blind, should claim the correct, higher standard deduction if they're not itemizing. The Interactive Tax Assistant can also help determine if you are eligible for tax credits or deductions.

  • Incorrect bank account numbers. If you are due a refund, you should choose direct deposit. This is the fastest way for you to get your money. However, you need to make sure you use the correct routing and account numbers on your tax return.


  • Unsigned forms. An unsigned tax return isn't valid... period. In most cases, both spouses must sign a joint return. Exceptions may apply for members of the armed forces or other taxpayers who have a valid power of attorney. You can avoid this error by filing your return electronically and digitally signing it before sending it to the IRS.

  • Filing with an expired individual tax identification number. If your ITIN is expired, you should go ahead and file using the expired number. The IRS will process that return and treat it as a return filed on time. However, the IRS won't allow any exemptions or credits to a return filed with an expired ITIN. You will receive a notice telling you to renew your number. Once you renew the ITIN, the IRS will process the return normally.

Filing a tax return electronically reduces errors because the tax software does the math, flags common errors and prompts you for missing information. Using a reputable tax preparer – including certified public accountants, enrolled agents or other knowledgeable tax professionals – can also help avoid errors.
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