Whether you’ve already filed your taxes or you’re procrastinating until April 18, keeping these common tax-filing mistakes in mind can prepare you for the future.
Using software can help you avoid errors, but it won’t ensure you’re transposing correctly. Refer to these tips as you file to avoid sending through a mistake that delays your return:
1. Inaccurate Social Security number
This may seem like an obvious tip, but it’s worth the mention – the Internal Revenue Service advises you make certain that all Social Security numbers you input while filing match the exact number found on your Social Security card. If you make this mistake, it will take longer for the IRS to process and deliver your return.
2. Incorrect filing status
Have you been married or divorced in the last year? These questions will come up while you’re filing your taxes, so be sure to fill out your status correctly.
“The filing status is determined by the current status on Dec. 31, author Abby Eisenkraft told AARP. “So if you got married on New Year’s Eve, you’re married all year. If you got divorced on New Year’s Eve, you’re single all year.”
Filing incorrectly can affect your tax bill and can result in a rejected return. If you’re unsure about your current status and you’re filling out a paper return, use the Interactive Tax Assistant tool. If you’re using tax software, follow the software prompts to determine your correct filing status.
3. Wrong routing or account number
If you fail to fill out your routing or account number for direct deposit correctly, you won’t receive your funds – and worse, they might deposit into someone else’s bank account.
“I’ve heard plenty of horror stories about the government depositing refunds into the wrong account,” he told AARP.
If the IRS notices the mistake, however, they may pull it back and send you a check instead, but this will delay your refund. If you notice a mistake, contact the IRS and your bank immediately.
4. Incorrect health care reporting
According to the IRS, health care reporting errors happen all of the time – one of the most common errors is failing to claim a coverage exemption. The site states that “If you don’t have qualifying health care coverage but meet certain criteria, you might be eligible to claim an exemption from coverage and avoid an unnecessary payment when you file your tax return.”
If you did not have coverage all year, review the exemptions carefully. There are exemptions for a surprising number of situations, and claiming one would reduce or eliminate your penalty.
5. Missing signatures
You might be so overwhelmed about filing that you forget to enter one of the most vital pieces of information – your signature. According to Bankrate, if your taxes are not signed and dated correctly – whether they’re written or e-filed – the IRS won’t process your return. If you’re using tax filing software and will be e-filing, you’ll be signing your document with a PIN (personal identification number). To confirm your identity from your PIN, you will be required to provide the previous years’ PIN and adjusted gross income. If you’re mailing a paper return, regardless of whether it was prepared by hand or using tax software, give the document a quick scan to ensure you’ve filled it out in its entirety and be sure you and your spouse, if this is a joint return, sign where indicated.
Do you have any questions regarding these tax-filing mistakes? Would you like to discuss the matter further? If so, please contact me, Amy Van Fossen, at 201-806-3364.
Common Causes of Partnership Disputes and How to Resolve Them
Business partnerships, much like marriages, function exceptionally well when partners are aligned but can become challenging when disagreements arise. Partnership disputes often stem from conflicts over business strategy, financial management, and unclear role definitions among partners. Understanding Business Partnership Conflicts Partnership conflicts place significant stress on businesses, making proactive measures essential. Partnerships should establish detailed […]
Businesses Are Facing Financial Headwinds—A Practical Guide
*** The original article was featured on Bloomberg Tax, April 28, 2025 — As a tax attorney who spends much of my time helping people and companies who have large, unresolved issues with the IRS or one or more state tax departments, it often occurs to me that the best service that I can provide […]
President Trump's Termination of Member Gwynne Wilcox
On January 28, 2025, the Trump Administration terminated Gwynne Wilcox from her position as a Member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or the Board). Gwynne Wilcox, a union side lawyer for Levy Ratner, was confirmed to the Board for an original term in 2021 and confirmed again for a successive five-year term expiring […]
Breach of Contract Explained: Types and Consequences
Breach of contract disputes are the most common type of business litigation. Therefore, nearly all New York and New Jersey businesses will likely have to deal with a contract dispute at least once. Understanding when to file a breach of contract lawsuit and how long you have to sue for breach of contract is essential […]
How to Dissolve a Corporation in New Jersey: A Step-by-Step Guide
Closing your business can be a difficult and challenging task. For corporations, the process includes formal approval of the dissolution, winding up operations, resolving tax liabilities, and filing all required paperwork. Whether you need to understand how to dissolve a corporation in New York or New Jersey, it’s imperative to take all of the proper […]
Gross Lease vs. Net Lease: Understanding the Key Differences
Commercial leases can take a variety of forms, which is often confusing for both landlords and tenants. Understanding the different types, especially the gross lease structure, is important when selecting the lease that best suits your needs. One key distinction between lease types is how rent is calculated and paid. This article addresses the two […]
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!
