Common Errors To Avoid At Tax Time

Many taxpayers experience a delay in the processing of their tax return due to simple, common errors that can be avoided with a little double checking.

According to the IRS, here are nine of the most common errors that can unnecessarily delay your tax return:

Incorrect or missing Social Security Numbers – When entering SSNs for anyone listed on your tax return, be sure to enter them exactly as they appear on the Social Security cards.

Incorrect or misspelling of dependent’s last name – When entering a dependent’s last name on your tax return, ensure they are entered exactly as they appear on their Social Security card.

Filing status errors – Make sure you choose the correct filing status for your situation. There are five filing statuses: Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, and Qualifying Widow(er) With Dependent Child. See Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information to determine the filing status that best fits your needs.

Math errors – When preparing paper returns, review all math for accuracy. Remember, when you file electronically, the software takes care of the math for you!

Computation errors – Take your time. Many taxpayers make mistakes when figuring their taxable income, withholding and estimated tax payments, Earned Income Tax Credit, Standard Deduction for age 65 or over or blind, the taxable amount of Social Security benefits, and the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

Incorrect bank account numbers for Direct Deposit – If you are due a refund and requested direct deposit, be sure to review the routing and account numbers for your financial institution.

Forgetting to sign and date the return – An unsigned tax return is like an unsigned check – it is invalid.

Incorrect Adjusted Gross Income information – Taxpayers filing electronically must sign the return electronically using a Personal Identification Number. To verify their identity, taxpayers will be prompted to enter their AGI from their originally filed 2008 federal income tax return or their prior year PIN if they used one to file electronically last year. Taxpayers should not use an AGI amount from an amended return, Form 1040X, or a math error correction made by IRS.

Claiming the Making Work Pay Tax Credit – Taxpayers with earned income should claim the Making Work Pay Tax Credit by attaching a Schedule M, Making Work Pay and Government Retiree Credits to their 2009 Form 1040 or 1040 A. Taxpayers who file Form 1040-EZ will use the worksheet for Line 8 on the back of the 1040-EZ to figure their Making Work Pay Tax Credit. The credit is worth up to $400 for individuals and $800 for married couples filing jointly. Many people who worked during 2009 are slowing down the processing of their tax return by not properly claiming this credit.

To help avoid these and other errors while completing your return, you have a number of resources. First the IRS has published this checklist. Second, we have a complete Guide to Taxes on our site at this link: http://knsfinancial.com/taxes/

Also, please consult this article for more information regarding the Making Work Pay Tax Credit.

To schedule your appointment with KNS Financial for tax preparation, please send an email to taxes@knsfinancial.com or use our contact form located here: http://knsfinancial.com/contact-us/

______________________________________________________________________________

Enter your email address to receive updates from KNS Financial:

Or, to subscribe to our RSS Feed click here.

© 2010, KNS Financial, LLC. All rights reserved.

Tagged as: efile, IRS, Taxes