TaxEngine - Most Common Tax Return Mistakes

  1. Incorrect filing status recorded
  2. Social security number(s) incorrect, missing or don't match name(s)
  3. Incorrect or missing forms and schedules
  4. Return not signed
  5. Claiming ineligible dependents
  6. Failing to claim credits (child tax credit, earned income credit, etc.) or figuring credits incorrectly (Often because of not understanding credit eligibility or calculating incorrectly)
  7. Failure to report and pay domestic payroll taxes (if you are employing a house cleaner, in-home caregiver, nanny, etc.)
  8. Forgetting to claim income that's not included in a Form W-2, Form 1099 or other information return
  9. Not filing a return when due a refund
  10. Failing to figure whether or not you're liable for the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)
  11. Entering the wrong amount of taxable Social Security benefits
  12. Mailing your return to the wrong address
  13. Math errors (Note: According to the IRS, a math error is an incorrect number entered on the return. There need not be a calculation. Example: reporting wages of $29,472 as $24,972.)
  14. Standard deduction used when itemizing is more advantageous. (The GAO estimates that over half a million taxpayers could save by itemizing.)