It’s that time of year again! Get ready to break out the calculator and pencils; dig out the enormous pile of receipts, tax forms, and pay stubs, and get to work. Whether you choose to go it alone, use a tax-prep computer program or hand it all over to an accountant, start with checking out our handy list of common mistakes people make on their tax returns.
1. Faulty math
One of the most common errors on filed taxes is math mistakes. A small miscalculation can throw off all your numbers and get you into trouble with the IRS. However you choose to prepare your taxes, be sure to triple-check the math before filing.
2. Name changes and misspellings
When preparing your taxes, you’re thinking about numbers, but don’t forget to pay attention to everything else on your form! If you use a name that’s different than the one the IRS has on file for your Social Security number, or even if you spell it wrong, that can mean trouble for you and your taxes. If you’ve recently changed your legal name, be sure to let the Social Security Administration know.
3. Omitting extra income
Many people neglect to include secondary sources of income on their tax forms. This may include freelance work and any other side work they may have done throughout the year. If you’ve taken any side jobs, fill out a 1099-MISC and file it along with your taxes.
4. Deducting funds donated to charity
Charity laws are complicated! First, only donations given to an organization with a tax-exempt status can be deducted from your taxes. Second, if you’ve donated food items or used clothing, they had to have been in decent shape to be eligible for a write-off. Finally, calculate the value of your non-monetary donations according to what they would be worth if you’d sell them now. Don’t forget to include those charity tax receipts when you file!
5. Using the most recent tax laws
Tax laws change frequently (sometimes even retroactively) so relying on last year’s knowledge can lead to missed credits or incorrect filings. Many people make the mistake of using outdated deduction limits, eligibility rules, or income thresholds. Whether you’re claiming education credits, child tax credits, or small business expenses, make sure you’re working with up-to-date information from the IRS or a trusted source. Taking a few minutes to confirm what’s changed this tax year can save you from costly errors or missed savings.
6. Signing your forms
If you’re filing through the USPS, be sure to put your signature wherever necessary and get a mailing receipt. If filing online, you can use a PIN instead. Most places that require a signature will need to be dated as well.
Check your forms for errors before submitting and file with confidence!
