Top Seven Errors Made on Tax Returns

Top Seven Errors Made on Tax Returns

From Andrew Stadler, EA

Errors made on tax returns will delay the processing of your tax return which means your tax refund will take several weeks or months to complete.

1. Incorrect or missing Social Security Numbers Entering the SSN exactly as they appear on the Social Security cards.

2. Incorrect or misspelling of dependent’s last name entering a dependent’s last name exactly as they appear on their Social Security card.

3. 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. Tax Law looks ate 31 Dec to determine your status. If you are married that day then you do a Married file Joint or Married file Separate. If single you then would do a Single or Head of Household if you have children that live with you.

4. Math errors Review all math for accuracy. If you e-file through a Professional Licensed tax preparer you should not have this problem.

5. Credits: Look at all the credits, there are over 200 credits but the most common are

* Earned Income Tax Credit

* Child Tax Credit

* Daycare Credit

* Retirement Savers Credit

6. Correct Bank Routing and Account number: be sure to double check the routing and account numbers for your direct deposit

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