IRS Warns of Common Filing Mistakes That Could Delay Your Refund
If you expect to get a refund this year from the IRS, the last thing you need is an unnecessary delay.
The IRS has identified some of the most frequent errors that delay tax returns-and they are easier to avoid than you may think.
1. File Electronically
Filing on paper slows everything down. The IRS strongly recommends e-filing and choosing direct deposit for your refund. Generally speaking, electronic returns are processed much faster, and they cut way down on errors. You can still mail in your tax return, but you’ll have to wait a little longer.
2. Double-Check Your Personal Information
One of the most common errors? Typos in Social Security numbers, names, or birth dates. If anything gets typed in wrong, the IRS might reject your return, or at least delay your refund.
3. Choose Your Filing Status
Filing as the wrong status can lead to miscalculations or even IRS rejection. Not sure whether you should file as Single, Married Filing Jointly, or Head of Household? Use the IRS’s Interactive Tax Assistant to find out before you submit your return.
4. Report All Income
The IRS receives copies of your W-2s, 1099s, and other income statements, so leaving off any can raise a red flag. That includes side gigs, freelance work, the sale of stocks, and even gambling winnings. If you don’t report income, expect a delay—or even an audit.
5. Enter your bank information correctly.
Want your refund in the shortest time possible? If you use direct deposit, take a little extra time to double-check your bank routing and account numbers. A single mistake can land your refund in someone else’s account-or bounce it back to the IRS, delaying your refund for weeks.
6. Sign and Date Your Return
Yes, people forget that! If you are filing jointly, you both need to sign. An unsigned return is invalid. This means the IRS will not process it until you fix your mistake.
7. Beware of Math Errors
But even with tax software, mistakes are made. Double-check your calculations, in particular, when claiming deductions or credits. If you input the wrong numbers, that means the IRS will have to review and correct your return, which could significantly delay things.
8. Claim Credits Properly
Tax credits, like the Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit, can inflate your refund amount, but if you claim them improperly, it will delay your return while the IRS investigates the claim. First, you should make sure that you meet all eligibility requirements before applying for any credit.
9. File Before the Deadline
Procrastinating can backfire. The sooner you file, the sooner you’ll get your refund. Filing early also reduces the chance of tax identity theft, in which scammers file a return in your name in order to steal your refund.
Avoid Delays and Get Your Money Faster
- If you want your refund without any delay, then follow the following:File electronically with direct deposit.
- Check your Social Security number, name, and filing status.
- Report all your income, including that from freelance work and side gigs.
- Double-check your bank information and signature.
- Avoid math mistakes; take deductions correctly.
You can check on the status of your refund by using the IRS tool, Where’s My Refund?. Just follow these straightforward steps to avoid taking any undue delays and to get your cash in no time.
