Dodge These 5 Tax-Filing Mistakes to Avoid a Rejected Tax Return

No one likes rejection, and when the IRS rejects your tax return, it’s no better. Since the tax deadline is next week, we’ve gathered some of the most common errors that people make and how to avoid them so that your last-minute taxes don’t turn into a nightmare.

Make sure you have the correct Social Security Number with the correct person

When you file, enter your Social Security Number and double check to make sure it’s correct and in the right box – especially if you’re married and filing a joint return. Mistyping a Social Security Number is incredibly easy to avoid, so it only makes sense to take a little extra time to get it right.

Names should match your Social Security card

This one can be easy to miss, especially if you don’t usually go by the name on your Social Security card or birth certificate. When you file, don’t shorten your name, and be sure to include your full name as it appears on your Social Security card.

The IRS gets their name database from the Social Security Administration (SSA), and the name you provide on your tax return must match that database or your return will not be accepted. If there have been any name changes – you got married, divorced, or simply changed your legal name – be sure to contact the SSA at SSA.gov or (800) 772-1213.

Be sure to report all taxable income

Sometimes you may forget about money like tips, ride-sharing, or those dog-sitting jobs you did for fun money last summer – but they are important to report along with other, more obvious income. Your return may not get rejected on the front end for missing income or inaccurate reporting, but it could delay processing of your return.

Be sure to have all your income documents (like Forms W-2, 1099-R, 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC) when you sit down to file to dodge penalties for not reporting that income. If you didn’t get an official tax document for some income, you can review bank account records to see how much you made.

Bank routing and account number

If you choose to have your refund delivered by direct deposit (which we highly recommend – it’s the fastest way to get your refund money), double-checking the long number sequences for your bank account information is a good idea. You want to make sure that your routing and account numbers are correct so that your refund isn’t delayed.

Keep a copy of your tax return for future reference

This is extra easy for 1040.com filers, because we keep your tax returns in your account for up to 3 years! You’ll need the information on prior-year tax returns for items like AGI to prove your identity (which we do automatically for you when you come back to file with us each year). You can even print a copy for your records by logging in and accessing the PDF for whatever year’s tax return you need.

Ready to file your taxes?

We’re ready to help you finish with flying colors for one flat $25 rate! The deadline is May 17, so hurry to sign up or log in to get started on your tax return before next Monday.