IRS Warning: 7 Mistakes That’ll Mess Up Your Tax Returns

Even minor or seemingly obvious mistakes can seriously complicate your tax filing, and the IRS has pointed out several key errors you’ll want to avoid.

With just over a month left before Tax Day on April 15, the 2025 tax filing season is well underway. Over 42 million people have already filed, collectively receiving more than $100 billion in refunds.

However, if you haven’t filed yet, you’re not alone. Whether it’s due to a busy schedule or a complicated financial situation, many people still have their taxes to do. But don’t worry — the IRS has issued a guide highlighting some of the most common mistakes, and you’ll want to avoid them to make sure your return is processed smoothly. Plus, be sure to check out the improvements to the Direct File program this year for tips to speed up the process.

Here are sevem key mistakes to steer clear of:

1. Social Security Number Errors – This one’s a big deal. If you enter the wrong SSN or forget it altogether, your return will face delays. Make sure you enter it exactly as it appears on your Social Security card.
2.  Getting Your Name Wrong – It might seem easy, but you’d be surprised how often this happens. The IRS advises that your name should be listed exactly as it appears on your Social Security card. Double-check for any typos or mistakes.
3. Incorrect Filing Status – If you’re unsure which filing status applies to your situation, the IRS recommends using their Interactive Tax Assistant tool. This can help clarify things, and if needed, you can also reach out to the IRS directly—assuming customer support isn’t affected by a government shutdown.
4. Know Your Eligible Credits and Deductions –  The Interactive Tax Assistant can also help determine which tax credits and deductions you qualify for. Trying to claim ones you’re not eligible for can cause delays and issues with your return.
5. Math Mistakes – While you probably won’t need to solve any geometry problems, you will need to be sure your math is correct. Every year, millions of returns are delayed due to math errors. Most e-filing software can catch these mistakes for you, which is why many experts recommend using it.
6.  Bank Account Numbers – Direct deposit is one of the fastest ways to receive your tax refund, or you might prefer paying any taxes owed via direct withdrawal. Just make sure your bank account and routing numbers are correct. As accounting experts at Mowery & Schoenfeld note, incorrect banking details can lead to delays, or worse, your refund could be deposited into the wrong account — which is a nightmare to fix.
7. Forgetting to Sign Your Return – The IRS cannot accept your return if you or your spouse (if filing jointly) don’t sign it. Even if someone else prepares your return, you’re still responsible for signing it. Fortunately, electronic filing makes this easier since you can sign it digitally. Your signature is what legally binds you to the return and makes you responsible for any mistakes, even if a professional prepared it for you.

As tax expert Jassen Bowman explained, “Under federal law, the taxpayer is always responsible for the content of their return, even if they pay someone else to do it. If the preparer makes an error, the taxpayer is still liable.”

For more details, check out how a government shutdown could impact your taxes this year.

 

Source: CNET