Tax Preparation Advice

by M.E. Hansen, All rights reserved. Do not duplicate without permission

Avoiding Common Errors

People are human and make mistakes-the IRS knows this. But if you're aware of the most common mistakes, you may be less likely to make them.

Watch out for:

• An incorrect Social Security number
• Incorrect math
• No signature or, if you're filing jointly, only one signature
• Failure to include W-2s

Other areas prone to error are deductions for travel and entertainment, deductions for a home office and capital gains and losses. If you do make a mistake-minor or otherwise-you should amend your return by filing a 1040X.

Sending Your Return

Your return should be sent to the appropriate IRS processing center. Use the envelope provided by the IRS in the instructional booklet or find the appropriate address in the instructional booklets for the 1040EZ, 1040A or 1040 forms. Appropriate IRS centers are listed next to each state.

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