We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, Trendy Mami may collect a share of sales or other compensations from the links on this page.
–
This year, make sure your tax return is error-free by avoiding these common tax filing mistakes. For many Americans, filing taxes can be a stressful process on its own. Between all the forms, deductions, and questions, it’s easy to overlook something on your return. On top of that, there’s the pressure of getting everything right. Even the smallest mistake could result in delays, missed deductions, or even costly penalties.
Regardless of whether you’re using a tax software or working with a professional, there are some common pitfalls to be aware of. In this article, we’ll share some of the most frequent tax mistakes and what you can do to avoid them.
Common Tax Filing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Incorrect or Missing Personal Information
Sometimes, it’s the easiest part of the form that is often entered incorrectly! Making a simple typo in your name or social security number can significantly delay the processing of your tax return. And in the worst cases, these mistakes can cause your return to even be rejected.
For this reason, you’ll want to ensure that all your personal information is entered correctly. That includes your name, birthdate, and social security number. It’s also important that this information matches exactly what’s on your social security card itself. And don’t forget to double-check your banking details! One wrong number and you might not get your refund back on time.
Filing with the Wrong Status
Choosing the right tax filing status(e.g., Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household) is important for maximizing your refund. But submit your form with the wrong status and you might risk how much you get back.
Before you enter this on your form, use the free IRS filing status tool online. This will help you determine which status to use based on your current situation. Even if you may fit into two different groups, the tool will pick which one will have the lowest tax rate.
Making Miscalculations
When you file your taxes, you’ll be asked to input a lot of different numbers for your income, deductions, and credits. But one math mistake and something might be very off on your tax form – even if you don’t notice it! This could result in the wrong refund amount or even a penalty from the IRS.
The best way to avoid making miscalculations is to use a tax filing service like H&R Block. While you have to enter some things manually, the software will do all the calculations for you. They also have an extra layer of security with their Accuracy Guarantee. If the program makes a math error that results in a penalty or fee, they’ll reimburse you up to $10,000!
Not Apply for the Right Deductions or Credits
As a taxpayer, you want to ensure you get as much money back from the IRS. A large part of lowering your taxable income is entering the right deductions and credits. However, there are lots of options, which can make it confusing to know which ones you are applicable for.
To help, make sure you have a good understanding of common deductions and credits. This includes medical expenses, retirement contributions, and education credits. And if you have children, you may be able to claim the Child Tax Credit, too.
Omitting Other Income
If you’re a paid employee, you’ll need to report your earned income (W-2) from your employer. But some people forget that taxes apply to ALL income earned throughout the year. This includes freelance work and side jobs. However, it also includes rental income, investments, dividends, and crypto transactions. Therefore, it’s crucial you report all sources of these income sources when filing.
Missing the Deadline
You can never start on your taxes too early! Missing the deadline and filing your taxes late can (and usually will) lead to penalties and interest. For 2025, the deadline is April 15th, although you can always submit your return earlier if completed. If you need more time, you can also file an extension via Form 4868. This will give you an extra six months to submit your form. But keep in mind that the extension only applies to the form and not your payment to the IRS. You will still need to pay your taxes to avoid penalties!
There are exceptions to the deadline for some Americans. People who live overseas, active-duty military personnel, and those in FEMA-declared disaster zones will have an automatic extension. Please consult the IRS website for the exact extension dates for the current tax year.
Not Signing and Dating your Return
Once you finish your tax return, give yourself a pat on the back! But before you send it off, there’s one final thing you want to confirm – signing your form! An unsigned return is considered to be invalid, and will therefore be rejected automatically by the IRS.
If you are mailing a paper return, you’ll want to make sure you’ve signed and dated everything in pen. Those who are filing through a software tool will go through an e-filing verification process. This will usually require your adjusted gross income (AGI) from last year’s tax form or a self-selected PIN number you created. If it’s your first time filing with a software, your verification will likely be your social security number.
We know that filing your taxes can be extremely stressful, especially if you’re worried about making common tax filing mistakes. But using a professional tax software can greatly reduce your chances of error. Either way, make sure you stay organized and double-check your information in order to avoid any hefty penalties or fees. If you are well-prepared for tax season, then you’ll be able to handle the process as smoothly and efficiently as possible!
