Avoid Those Common Filing Errors

To avoid filing mistakes

Review your entire return.

Provide the correct mailing address if you choose to mail a paper return.

Choose an alternative tax preparation method, and avoid the most common errors.

Review your tax return for common errors that could delay the processing of your return and refund. Common mistakes include the following:

Incorrect filing status recorded

Social security number(s) incorrect, missing or don't match name(s)

Incorrect or missing forms and schedules

Return not signed

Claiming ineligible dependents

Failing to claim credits (Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Credit, etc.) or figuring credits incorrectly (because of not understanding credit eligibility or incorrect calculations)

Failure to report and pay domestic payroll taxes (if you are employing a housecleaner, in-home caregiver, nanny, etc.)

Forgetting to claim income that's not included on a Form W-2, Form 1099 or other return

Not filing a return when due a refund

Failing to figure whether or not you're liable for the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)

Entering the wrong amount of taxable Social Security benefits

Mailing your return to the wrong address

Math errors (according to the IRS, a math error is an incorrect number entered on the return — with or without a calculation — such as reporting wages of $29,472 as $24,972)

Standard deduction used when itemizing is more advantageous (the GAO estimates that more than 500,000 taxpayers could save by itemizing)

Related IRS Forms & Publications:


Form 1040X - Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
Form 1040X Instructions
Form 2441 - Child and Dependent Care Expenses
Form 2441 Instructions
Form 5129 - Questionnaire-Filing Status, Exemptions and Standard Deduction
Form 8812 - Additional Child Tax Credit
Form 8862 - Information to Claim Earned Income Credit after Disallowance
Form 8882 - Credit for Employer-provided Child Care Facilities and Services
Schedule 2 (Form 1040A) - Child and Dependent Care Expenses for Form 1040A Filers
Schedule 2 (Form 1040A) Instructions
Schedule EIC (Form 1040) - Earned Income Credit
Schedule EIC (Form 1040) - Instructions
Form W-5 - Earned Income Credit Advance Payment Certificate
Form W-5 (SP) - Earned Income Credit Advance Payment Certificate (Spanish version)
Publication 501 - Exemptions, Standard Deduction and Filing Information
Publication 503 - Child and Dependent Care Expenses
Publication 596 - Earned Income Credit
Publication 926 - Household Employers Tax Guide
Publication 929- Tax Rules for Children and Dependents
Publication 972 - Child Tax Credit