Checklist of Common Errors When Preparing Your Tax Return

Before filing your return, review it to make sure it is correct and complete. The following checklist may help you to avoid common errors:

• If you submit your tax return electronically, the e-file system often detects common errors and rejects your tax return, sending it back to you for correction. This could save you delays in processing your tax return.

• Did you clearly print your name, Social Security number, and current address including your ZIP code directly on your return?

• Did you choose only one correct filing status?

• Did you check the appropriate exemption boxes for your personal, spousal and dependency exemptions? Did you enter the total number of exemptions?

• Did you enter the names and Social Security numbers for everyone listed on your return exactly as those names and numbers appear on each person’s Social Security card? If there have been any name changes, be sure to contact the Social Security Administration at SSA.gov or call them at 800-772-1213.

• Did you enter your income on the correct lines?

• Did you calculate deductions and credits correctly, put them on the right lines and attached the necessary forms or schedules?

• Did you put brackets around negative amounts?

• If you are taking the standard deduction and checked any box indicating either you or your spouse were age 65 or older or blind, did you find the correct standard deduction using the chart in the Form 1040

• Did you figure the tax correctly? If you used the tax tables, did you use the correct column for your filing status?

• Did you sign and date the return? If it is a joint return, did your spouse also sign and date the return?

• Do you have a Form W-2  from each of your employers and did you attach Copy B of each Form W-2 to your return? If you have more than one job, combine the wages and withholdings from all Form W-2s you receive and report those amounts on one return.

• Did you attach each Form 1099-R  that shows federal tax withholding?

• Did you attach all other necessary schedules and forms in sequence number order as shown in the upper right-hand corner?

• If you filed a paper return, did you use the correct mailing address from your tax form instructions?

• Did you use the correct postage on the envelope?

• If you owe tax, did you enclose a check or money order made payable to the “United States Treasury” with your return and include your name, address, Social Security number, daytime telephone number, tax form, and tax year on the payment?

• If you are due a refund and requested direct deposit, did you double-check your routing and account numbers for your financial institution?

• Did you make a copy of the signed return and all schedules for your own records?

It is important that you review your entire return, even if you have someone else prepare it, because any errors may delay the processing of your return.