By: Dylan Mosher
Every tax season, we see the same trend: most filing issues aren’t caused by complicated tax law. They come from small, preventable mistakes. Unfortunately, small mistakes can lead to big inconveniences, such as delayed refunds, IRS letters, amended returns, or extra time spent tracking down documents after the fact.
Here are the filing mistakes we see most often, ranked in the order that tends to cause the biggest problems for taxpayers.
1) Filing Before You Have Every Tax Document
One of the fastest ways to create a tax headache is filing “as soon as possible” before all tax forms are in.
It’s common to receive tax documents in waves throughout the season, especially if you have investments, retirement income, side income, or multiple accounts. Filing too early can mean you unintentionally leave something out, and then you’re dealing with IRS mismatches or having to amend your return later.
What to do instead:
Wait until you’re confident you have everything, including any corrected forms that might be issued.
2) Missing Income (or Entering the Wrong Amount)
The IRS matches the income reported on your tax return to the income reported by employers, banks, brokerages, and other payers. If the numbers don’t match, returns can get delayed or flagged for follow-up.
Common items that get overlooked include:
- interest and dividends
- stock sales
- 1099 work or side income
- retirement distributions
- unemployment income
What to do instead:
Use a complete checklist of forms and verify each amount before filing.
3) Choosing the Wrong Filing Status
Filing status impacts your tax rate, standard deduction, and eligibility for certain credits. Selecting the wrong one can create both tax calculation issues and compliance problems.
This often comes up when someone is:
- Newly married
- Separated or divorced
- Supporting children or other dependents
- Unsure whether they qualify as Head of Household
What to do instead:
Double-check your filing status rules before filing, especially if your household changed during the year.
4) Mistakes With Credits and Deductions
Credits and deductions can be some of the most valuable parts of a tax return, but they’re also where errors happen most frequently.
We commonly see issues with:
- Child Tax Credit
- Child and Dependent Care Credit
- Earned Income Tax Credit
- Education-related tax benefits
Sometimes taxpayers miss these entirely. Other times, they claim them incorrectly, and the return gets delayed while the IRS requests additional support.
What to do instead:
Make sure you understand what you qualify for and keep documentation in case the IRS asks questions later.
5) Using the Wrong Bank Account Information for Your Refund
Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive a refund, but it’s only fast if the bank information is correct.
One wrong digit in an account number can delay your refund significantly or send it to the wrong place.
What to do instead:
Confirm the routing and account numbers directly with your bank or on a check, not from memory.
6) Social Security Number Errors
Social Security numbers have to match exactly for you, your spouse, and any dependents. Even a small typo can create processing issues.
What to do instead:
Verify Social Security numbers against official records before filing.
7) Name Mismatches (Especially After Marriage or a Life Change)
Names on the tax return must match the records tied to the Social Security numbers. If a name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or another life event but the Social Security Administration has not been updated, your return may be delayed.
What to do instead:
If your name has changed, confirm your Social Security record is updated before filing.
8) Math Errors and Simple Data Entry Problems
Even though most people use tax software today, we still see errors caused by incorrect input, especially when information is manually entered or transferred.
What to do instead:
Electronic filing and reputable tax software reduce these issues, but the best protection is a careful review before hitting submit.
9) Forgetting Signatures or Required Authorizations
An unsigned return is not valid, and for joint returns, both spouses must sign.
What to do instead:
If e-filing, complete the signature step carefully. If paper filing, confirm signatures are included before mailing.
10) Working With the Wrong Tax Preparer
This may not be a “tax form error,” but it’s one of the most costly issues we see.
There are preparers who promise large refunds, charge hidden fees, or file returns without asking the right questions. Even if someone else prepares your tax return, you’re still responsible for what’s submitted.
What to do instead:
Work with a trusted preparer (CPA, enrolled agent, or another qualified professional) who will explain your return, confirm details, and support you if questions come up later.
Final Thought: A Clean Return Saves You Time, Money, and Stress
Most tax issues can be avoided by doing two things:
- Slow down and gather everything before you file.
- Review your return like it matters… because it does matter.
If you’re not sure whether you have the right documents, the right filing status, or the best strategy for your situation, working with professionals like our advisors here at Burke can make the process far smoother and help you avoid costly surprises later.