Tax Tips |
Tax Tip
Overview
- 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:
An easy way to avoid common filing problems is to use an H&R Block online program, TaxCut software or the services of an H&R Block tax professional.
- 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)
An easy way to avoid common filing problems is to use an H&R Block online program, TaxCut software or the services of an H&R Block tax professional.
People Who Read This Also Read
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: I made an error when I prepared my federal return. How can I fix it?
Answer: You will need to file a 1040X to make the corrections. If the required changes result in an overpayment, you'll receive a refund. If the changes result in you owing additional tax, you'll have to pay the additional amount.
Question: How much time do I have to file an amended return?
Answer: To get a refund you generally must file Form 1040X - Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return within 3 years of the date you filed the original return or within 2 years after the date you paid the tax, whichever is later.
Question: My wife and I are married, employed and filing jointly. How do I avoid owing taxes when I file my return?
Answer: You may need to increase your Form W-4 withholding amount with your employer or consider paying estimated tax. Use our Withholding Calculator to determine the amount of additional withholding needed.
More Amended Return FAQs
Answer: You will need to file a 1040X to make the corrections. If the required changes result in an overpayment, you'll receive a refund. If the changes result in you owing additional tax, you'll have to pay the additional amount.
Question: How much time do I have to file an amended return?
Answer: To get a refund you generally must file Form 1040X - Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return within 3 years of the date you filed the original return or within 2 years after the date you paid the tax, whichever is later.
Question: My wife and I are married, employed and filing jointly. How do I avoid owing taxes when I file my return?
Answer: You may need to increase your Form W-4 withholding amount with your employer or consider paying estimated tax. Use our Withholding Calculator to determine the amount of additional withholding needed.
More Amended Return FAQs
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
Online automatically checks your return for errors.
We guarantee our calculations. If TaxCut makes a calculation mistake, we'll pay resulting IRS penalties and interest. Learn More
 |
 Ask a Tax Advisor |
Find an Office
|
|
Use DeductionPro Online Completely FREE! |