Last-minute tax filing mistakes: 11 things to avoid
In the聽聽our taxes, we're often prone to making crucial mistakes on our paperwork ().听
To be sure you get on time, take a deep breath and check out this list by the :听
File electronically.聽Filing electronically, whether through聽听辞谤听, vastly reduces tax return errors, as the tax software does the calculations, flags common errors and prompts taxpayers for missing information. And best of all, .
Mail a paper return to the right address.聽 filers should check the appropriate address聽聽in IRS.gov or their form instructions to avoid processing delays.
Take a close look at the tax tables.聽When figuring tax using the聽, taxpayers should be sure to use the correct column for the filing status claimed.
Write information clearly.聽When entering information on the tax return, including Social Security numbers, take the time to be sure it is correct and easy to read. Also, check only one filing status and the appropriate exemption boxes.
Review everything.聽While software catches and prevents many , math errors remain common on paper returns.
Get the right routing and account numbers.聽Requesting direct deposit of a federal refund into one, two or even three accounts is convenient and allows the taxpayer access to his or her money faster. Make sure the institution routing and account numbers entered on the return are accurate. Incorrect numbers can cause a refund to be .
Sign and date the return.聽If , both spouses must sign and date the return. E-filers can sign using a self-selected personal identification number (PIN).
Attach all required forms.聽Paper filers need to attach W-2s and other forms that reflect tax withholding, to the front of their returns. If requesting a payment agreement with the IRS, also attach聽聽or Form 9465-FS to the front of the return. Attach in sequence number order shown in the upper right-hand corner.
Keep a copy of the return.聽Once ready to be filed, taxpayers should of their signed return and all schedules for their records.
Request a Filing Extension.聽For taxpayers who cannot meet the April 17 deadline, requesting a filing extension is easy and will prevent late filing penalties. Either use Free File or聽. But keep in mind that while , tax payments are still due April 17.
Owe taxes?聽If so, a number of聽聽options are available. Or send a check or money order payable to the 鈥�United States Treasury.鈥� For more on what to do when you can't to pay, .
