Before filing your return, make sure it's correct and complete. It's important that you review your entire return, even if you have someone else prepare it, because you are responsible for all of the information entered on your return and any errors may delay the processing of your return. The following checklist may help you avoid common errors: Submitting your tax return electronically ensures greater accuracy than mailing your return. The e-file system often detects common errors and rejects your tax return, sending it back to you for correction. This could save you delays in processing your tax return. For more information, see e-file options. Did you clearly print your name, taxpayer identification number, and current address, including your ZIP code, directly on your return? Did you choose only one correct filing status? See What is my filing status? Did you enter the correct dependent information? Did you check the box to show that your dependent qualifies for the child tax credit or credit for other dependents? Did you enter the names and taxpayer identification numbers for everyone listed on your return? If using Social Security numbers, enter the names and numbers exactly as they 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 attach Schedule 1 (Form 1040), Additional Income and Adjustments to Income PDF, if necessary? Did you calculate deductions and credits correctly, put them on the right lines, and attach the necessary forms or schedules? Did you put parentheses around negative amounts? If you're taking the standard deduction and checked any box indicating either you or your spouse are age 65 or older or are blind, did you find the correct standard deduction? See How much is my standard deduction? Did you figure the tax correctly? If you used the tax tables PDF, did you use the correct column for your filing status? Did you sign and date the return? If it's a joint return, did your spouse also sign and date the return? If you received an IP PIN (identity protection PIN) from the IRS, see "identity protection PIN" in the instructions for your form and Get an identity protection PIN (IP PIN). Do you have a Form W-2 from each of your employers and did you attach Copy B of each Form W-2 to your return? If you have more than one job, combine the wage and withholding amounts from all Forms W-2 you received and report those amounts on one return. Did you attach each Form 1099-R that shows federal tax withholding? Did you attach all other necessary schedules and forms in the order of the sequence number shown in the upper right-hand corner? Did you use the correct mailing address from your tax form instructions? Did you use the correct postage on the envelope? If you owe tax, did you make a payment? There are different methods for paying taxes that may be available to you. For additional information, refer to Topic no. 158 and Make a payment. If you're 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?
