Tax change basics

This year's US income tax forms contain a couple of simple changes that could trip up taxpayers.

First, the Internal Revenue Service no longer prints Social Security numbers on the mailing label when it sends out tax forms. That means you need to be sure to enter the number on the form yourself.

The IRS quit printing the numbers on address labels to prevent identity theft.

Also new this year, taxpayers should make out checks for any taxes they owe to the United States Treasury, rather than the Internal Revenue Service.

Checks addressed to the Internal Revenue Service, however, will still be accepted. The checks should no longer be stapled to your 1040 form, says IRS spokeswoman Susan Stawick.

One final note: The IRS also would like you to include your daytime phone number on your tax return in case they have questions.