7 Common Tax Filing Mistakes to Avoid

If you’ve been procrastinating about filing your taxes or you’ve filed for an extension and still need to fill out your paperwork, make sure you’re not making some of the most common tax filing mistakes. Many people who file their taxes on their own overlook some important details of the returns-filing process, and may end up paying fees or penalties. Making some of the bigger mistakes could also get you audited.

Whether you’re filing your taxes by yourself for the first time, or have been doing your own taxes for years, here are just seven common tax filing mistakes you need to avoid:

1. Putting incorrect names in fields. Make sure the names listed on the return or joint return are spelled out accurately and written in the right boxes. Check to see that the First Name section actually contains your first name, and not your last name or middle name. You are less likely to make this mistake if you use a tax software program.

2. Using outdated tax tables. If you are filing your tax return by hand and running all of the calculations yourself, make sure you are looking at the most current tax tables. The IRS lists the current tax tables on their website, and you will need to use only those numbers when calculating your taxes due.

3. Missing signatures on certain pages. Make sure you have signed and dated all areas that require your signature. If you are filing forms in addition to your regular tax return, double check to see if you need to sign somewhere at the bottom of each form. These can be easy to miss, and sending them through without a signature could mean the IRS will send your return right back for corrections.

4. Claiming unqualified dependents. If you are going to claim dependents on your taxes, make sure that they can truly be classified as dependents. If they are making enough money to support themselves and are living on their own, they will need to file their own tax returns and you won’t be able to claim them as dependents.

5. Selecting the wrong filing status. It’s easier to avoid this mistake when you are using tax preparation software, but if you are filing the return by yourself by hand, make sure you file with the right status. Remember you can only select one filing status during any given tax year.

6. Filing a joint return with the wrong Social Security number. If you are filing a joint return, you will need to put both you and your spouse’s information on the same return. If you are married filing separately, you will only need to include your name and Social Security number.

7. Not paying your taxes when filing an extension. Many people think that filing an extension means they don’t have to pay taxes owed until the new due date. Even when you file an extension and push your tax-filing due date back to October, you have to pay your taxes before the standard tax filing deadline. If you can’t make the payment, make sure you contact the IRS so that you can set up an installment plan.