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Last-minute tax filing mistakes: 11 things to avoid

Last-minute tax filing can lead to plenty of costly mistakes. If procrastination got the better of you this year, here are 11 last-minute tax filing blunders to avoid.

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Kristen Mullen/The Citizens' Voice/AP
Last-minute tax filing? Robin Epps, of Liberty Tax Service, waves to motorists on River Street in Plains Township, Pa., Monday, April 16, 2012. Tuesday is the last day to file 2012 tax returns.
  • By Mandi Woodruff Business Insider

In the mad dash to file our taxes, we're often prone to making crucial mistakes on our paperwork (and on the road, too). 

To be sure you get your refund on time, take a deep breath and check out this list by the IRS of taxpayer pitfalls: 

File electronically. Filing electronically, whether through e-file or IRS Free File, vastly reduces tax return errors, as the tax software does the calculations, flags common errors and prompts taxpayers for missing information. And best of all, there is a free option for everyone.

Mail a paper return to the right address. Paper filers should check the appropriate address where to file in IRS.gov or their form instructions to avoid processing delays.

Take a close look at the tax tables. When figuring tax using the tax tables, taxpayers should be sure to use the correct column for the filing status claimed.

Write information clearly. When entering information on the tax return, including Social Security numbers, take the time to be sure it is correct and easy to read. Also, check only one filing status and the appropriate exemption boxes.

Review everything. While software catches and prevents many errors on e-file returns, math errors remain common on paper returns.

Get the right routing and account numbers. Requesting direct deposit of a federal refund into one, two or even three accounts is convenient and allows the taxpayer access to his or her money faster. Make sure the financial institution routing and account numbers entered on the return are accurate. Incorrect numbers can cause a refund to be delayed or deposited into the wrong account.

Sign and date the return. If filing a joint return, both spouses must sign and date the return. E-filers can sign using a self-selected personal identification number (PIN).

Attach all required forms. Paper filers need to attach W-2s and other forms that reflect tax withholding, to the front of their returns. If requesting a payment agreement with the IRS, also attach Form 9465 or Form 9465-FS to the front of the return. Attach all other necessary schedules and forms in sequence number order shown in the upper right-hand corner.

Keep a copy of the return. Once ready to be filed, taxpayers should make a copy of their signed return and all schedules for their records.

Request a Filing Extension. For taxpayers who cannot meet the April 17 deadline, requesting a filing extension is easy and will prevent late filing penalties. Either use Free File or Form 4868. But keep in mind that while an extension grants additional time to file, tax payments are still due April 17.

Owe taxes? If so, a number of e-payment options are available. Or send a check or money order payable to the “United States Treasury.” For more on what to do when you can't afford to pay, click here.

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