The most common errors on tax returns

March 7, 2025 3:11 PM

Tax preparers never make mistakes filing returns, of course, but out of professional curiosity the question arises: What are the most common goofs on returns?

The Internal Revenue Service has compiled a list on that very subject.

"Electronically filing a tax return reduces errors because the tax software does the math, flags common errors and prompts taxpayers," the IRS said in its announcement of the list, adding (and this is nice to hear), "Using commercial tax software or a reputable tax preparer … can also help avoid errors."

Whether new clients plead to clean up a past mess (did they remember to photocopy what eventually was the problem return?) or a preparer wants to triple-check their own Ps and Qs, here's what the IRS suggests always warrants another glance.

(Social) Security issues

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Missing or inaccurate Social Security numbers kick off the list. It's amazing how folks don't remember that every SSN on a return must match what's on the Social Security card. The name on the return should match the name on that taxpayer's Social Security card. Ditto dependent information.

Married filing wrong

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Taxpayers sometimes choose the wrong filing status, eschewing even the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant to help choose (which is a good stop if more than one status applies). Taxpayers also often goof on the right standard deduction.

Additional problems — and subtractional ones

Blackboard full of equations - simple math

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Math errors are common, from simple addition and subtraction to complex calculations. (We're betting payment estimates and rate percentages are villains here.) Even when calculated correctly, income often winds up on the wrong lines of the form or the tax rate gets plucked from the wrong status column.

Bad credits

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The Earned Income Tax Credit or the Child and Dependent Care Credit seem to be real curveballs for taxpayers. Again, the Interactive Tax Assistant can help determine eligibility, and tax software of course does the blocking and tackling on credits' and deductions' calculations. Forms and schedules are often left off, too.

Held to account

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Taxpayers expecting a refund should choose direct deposit, the IRS says — that's especially good advice considering how many taxpayers mess up their own bank account numbers. Make sure clients, both new and established, verify account and routing numbers.

The dotted line

An unsigned tax return isn't valid, but you'd never know it from the number of taxpayers who forget to ink their 1040 (even Ralph Kramden), though exemptions do apply. E-filing nips this problem in the bud. Not so easy to correct, though, is the frequent mailing of the return to the wrong IRS address.

Expiration dates

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Many taxpayers file with an expired ITIN. To be honest, these numbers can be confusing: You can file with an expired one, for instance, and the IRS will process that return and consider it filed on time — but not allow exemptions or credits. These taxpayers will receive a notice telling them to renew their number before the IRS will process their return normally.