4 mistakes to avoid when filing taxes

Although I’m not a fan of doing my taxes every year, using tax software makes it easy and helps avoid mistakes. I certainly never do them by hand, you’re just asking for trouble.

When preparing your taxes, there are many simple and easy mistakes that you can avoid with a little double checking and extra diligence. Also, one of the main reasons a tax refund is delayed is because of an error. Before you file your taxes, check out this list of common mistakes and correct them before you file:

1. Incorrect Social Security Numbers o Expired individual tax identification number

Re-verify your Social Security numbers (social Security number) before presenting. You must make sure you have the correct numbers for yourself and your spouse, as well as any dependents you claim. Each SSN on your tax return must appear exactly as it is printed on the Social Security card. Your Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other tax benefits related to dependents could be at risk if you have the wrong Social Security number for your child or dependent.

If you are using an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN), make sure the ITIN is not expired. Yes one expired ITIN used to file a tax return, the IRS will process that return and treat it as filed on time, but the IRS will not allow exemptions or credits for that tax return with an expired ITIN. This will delay the processing of the tax return and the IRS will send you a notice to renew your number so that the return can be processed normally.

Also, make sure the information about your tax return is legible. Instead of filling out the forms by hand, which makes it easier to confuse the number 8 with the number 3 on your SSN or ITINuse tax preparation software.

2. Forget the dependents

don’t forget about claim dependents. In many cases, you can claim college students. Also, if you have been caring for an elderly parent, you can often claim mom or dad as a dependent. Think about those to whom you have been providing material support, and do not forget to claim them as dependents.

Just make sure no one else is claiming them too. Each dependent can only be claimed on one tax return. Therefore, you should resolve claims with his siblings if you are his elderly parent, or with his ex if you are divorced.

3. Bypassing tax deductions and Credits

Review your expenses from last year and make sure you are not ignore deductions. You may be surprised at what you can deduce, from camp for your children a education expenses to learn a new skill, if it meets the correct criteria. Don’t pay more than you owe.

4. Not taking advantage of E-file

Filing electronically is a great way to file your tax return quickly (and make sure that don’t miss the April 18th deadline this year), as well as process your tax refund faster. In addition, there is a reduced possibility of errors by the IRS if me-proceedings.

If you are entitled to a tax refund, you can get it much faster when you me-proceedings. E-file combined with direct deposit is the fastest way to get your tax refund. The IRS estimates that 9 out of 10 tax refunds will be processed within 21 days. if there are no errors. Also, be sure to use the correct routing and account numbers on your tax return when you choose direct deposit.

Don’t worry about knowing these tax rules. Meet with a TurboTax expert who can prepare, sign and file your taxes, so you can be 100% sure your taxes are done correctly. Beginning Full Service TurboTax Live today, in English or Spanish, and finish your taxes and forget about it.