IR-2007-77, April 3, 2007 WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today urged taxpayers to review their tax returns for common errors that could delay the processing of their return and refund. Here are some ways to avoid common tax return errors:

• File electronically. If you choose to e-file, many of the common errors are avoided or corrected by the computer software. If your income is under $52,000 you may be able to e-file for free using IRS Free File.
• Use the peel-off label if you choose to mail a paper return. You may line through and make necessary corrections right on the label. Be sure to fill in your Social Security number in the box provided on the return. If you do not have a peel-off label, fill in all requested information clearly, including the Social Security numbers.
• Check only one filing status on the tax return and check the appropriate exemption boxes. Enter the correct Social Security numbers for each of those exemptions.
• Use the correct Tax Table column for your filing status.
• Double check all figures on the return. Math errors are common mistakes.
• Make sure that the financial institution routing and account numbers you have entered on the return for a direct deposit of your refund are accurate. Incorrect numbers can cause the refund to be delayed or misdirected.
• Sign and date the return. If filing a joint return, both spouses must sign and date the return.
• Attach all Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, and other forms that reflect tax withheld to the front of the return. Attach all other necessary forms and schedules.
• Remember to request the Telephone Excise Tax Refund.  Don’t short-change yourself, most households are eligible for a special one-time only Telephone Tax Refund, typically between $30-$60, that can be requested on the 2006 tax return.
• Do you owe tax? If so, enclose a check or money order made payable to the “United States Treasury” and Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher, if used. Or, you may choose to pay by credit card by contacting one of the credit card service providers.

Topic 303 - 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 avoid errors:

• Did you use the peel–off label and enter any corrections? If you used the label, did you enter your social security number in the space provided?
• If you do not have a label, or there are too many corrections, did you clearly print your name, social security number, and address, including zip code directly on your return?
• Did you enter the names and social security numbers for yourself, your spouse, your dependents, and qualifying children for earned income credit or child tax credit, exactly as they appear on the social security cards? If there have been any name changes be sure to go to www.ssa.gov or call at 1–800–772–1213.
• Did you check only one filing status?
• Did you check the appropriate exemption boxes and enter the names and social security numbers exactly as they appear on the Social Security Card, for all of the dependents claimed? Is the total number of exemptions entered?
• Did you enter income, deductions, and credits on the correct lines and are the totals correct?
• If you show a negative amount on your return, did you put brackets around it?
• 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 worksheet in the Form 1040 Instructions or the Form 1040A Instructions?
• 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 (PDF) from all of your employers and did you attach Copy B of each to your return? File only one return, even if you have more than one job. Combine the wages and withholding from all Form W–2's, on one return.
• Did you attach any Form 1099-R (PDF) that shows tax withheld?
• Did you attach all other necessary schedules and forms in sequence number order given in the upper right–hand corner?
• If you owe tax, did you enclose a check or money order with the return and write your social security number, tax form, and tax year on the payment? Refer to Topic 158 for more information, and
• Did you make a copy of the signed return and all schedules for your records?

A few of the most common errors are:

1. Incorrect or missing social security numbers.
2. Incorrect tax entered from the tables.
3. Computation errors in figuring the child and dependent care credit or the earned income credit. Also, missing or incorrect identification numbers for child care providers.
4. Withholding and estimated tax payments entered on the wrong line, and
5. Math Errors. Both addition and subtraction.

It is important that you review your entire return because any errors may delay the processing of your return.

Related Items:

• Tax Topic 303, Checklist of Common Errors When Preparing Your Tax Return 
• Telephone Excise Tax Refund
• Free File
• e-file