Avoiding tax errors

The IRS has just sent out a directive (Tip 2010-52) that points out the following errors to avoid during this tax season. Any one of these errors may impede the processing of your tax return and delay the receipt of your refund.

Your tax professional should already be aware of the errors and should have already incorporated steps to ward off such errors. None the less we are human, and sometimes errors happen. If you are doing your taxes yourself, please be aware of the following common errors.

1) Incorrect or missing social security numbers. Because of e-filing, the missing social security number is usually never an issue. Without a ss # the return would never be allowed to be transmitted. With an incorrect ss#, the return can be submitted, but would result in a reject, and an additional fee for re-transmittal.

2) Incorrect or misspelling of dependent’s last name. You must review your tax return (if you can) before it is transmitted. If you are with your preparer at the time of processing, they should be asking you to review your return, before the transmitt, or concluding of your appointment.

3) Filing status. Make sure the correct filing status has been used for your situation. You may fall into more than one status, but your preparer should use the filing staus that results in the best benefit for you.

4) Math errors. This usually happens when a preparer or tax payer are processing taxes by hand and not using a professional electronic system; none the less, a math error can and will delay your receipt of a refund if you are due one.

5) Computation errors. Same deal here. If you are manually processing your tax return, or your tax practitioner is, this could be a costly error. A computation error is when one looks at and uses the wrong figures from the tax table, W2s, EIC tables...or any documents, or tables used where figures need to be entered.

6) Incorrect bank account numbers for Direct Deposit. Make sure you and or your practioner are looking at your check while entering your bank account information (that's if the refund is to be deposited into your checking account). Your refund can be deposited into your savings account or money market as well. Transmitting the incorrect information will cause a reject by your banking institution, which delays the receipt of your refund.

7) Forgetting to sign and date the return. Any paper return must be signed by the taxpayers. In the case of married filing jointly, both spouses must sign.

8) Incorrect Adjusted Gross Income information. When an individual (taxpayer) transmits their own return (files electronically), they need to have a pin # (personal identification number), and inorder to sign electronically, you need to know your exact AGI (Adjusted Gross Income), from the prior tax year. This is done to ensure your identity.

9) Claiming the Making Work Pay Tax Credit.....This is the exact wording of the IRS...Taxpayers with earned income should claim the Making Work Pay Tax Credit by attaching a Schedule M, Making Work Pay and Government Retiree Credits to their 2009 Form 1040 or 1040 A. Taxpayers who file Form 1040-EZ will use the worksheet for Line 8 on the back of the 1040-EZ to figure their Making Work Pay Tax Credit. The credit is worth up to $400 for individuals and $800 for married couples filing jointly. Many people who worked during 2009 are slowing down the processing of their tax return by not properly claiming this credit.

As always....
Always affordable tax preparation, always free efile and direct deposit.
I look forward to being your tax professional.

Your questions are always welcomed.

Blessings Always
Wanda E Green (Uigei)
wandaegreen@yahoo.com
323.898.2330