Checklist of Common Errors When Preparing Your Tax Return

The IRS created the following checklist based on common

filing errors.

  • Did you choose the correct filing status?
  • Did you check the appropriate exemption boxes for

your personal, spousal and dependency exemptions?

  • Did you enter the total number of exemptions?
  • Did you enter the names and Social Security numbers

for everyone listed on your return exactly as those

names and numbers appear on each person’s Social

Security card? If there have been any name changes,

be sure to contact the Social Security Administration

at ssa.gov or call them at 800-772-1213.

  • Did you enter your income on the correct lines?
  • Did you calculate deductions and credits correctly,

put them on the right lines and attached the necessary

forms or schedules?

  • Did you figure the tax correctly?
  • Did you sign and date the return?
  • If you filed a paper return, did you use the correct

mailing address from your tax form instructions?

  • If you are due a refund and requested direct deposit,

did you double-check your routing and account numbers

for your financial institution?

  • Did you make a copy of the signed return and all

schedules for your own records?