One of the most dreaded and arduous tasks looms over millions of Americans right now—tax day. Many people find it difficult to file their tax returns due to the complex rules and tax laws.
Reports suggest that preparing a tax return can be very stressful even under normal circumstances. If you’re rushing to meet the April 15 deadline, that pressure can increase. A combination of stress and haste can end up making expensive mistakes.
Amidst the increasing pressure to file before the deadline to avoid penalties and ensure all information is updated correctly, it is easy to make mistakes without realizing it, which can cost you dearly later.
Before the April 15 deadline, here’s a list of common mistakes:
1. Name: According to a USAToday report, while it’s true that people don’t forget to write their name, they do need to take care of how it’s written. Citing an accountant, it said the name on the return should be spelled exactly as it appeared on the last return and as it appears on Social Security statements and correspondence from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Ideally, the person’s name should match in all of the above documents. This includes matching letters, spaces, capital letters and initials.
“If you misspell your name, you can cause a delay in filing,” said Charlene Rhinehart, a Chicago CPA. “You want to make sure everything is consistent across the board.
2. Submission status: Another thing to keep in mind is the filing status and there are a few things to consider before choosing a filing status. If a person’s household situation has changed over the past year, it is likely that their status has also changed. Individuals should exercise caution when selecting a filing status. For married couples, accountants recommend filing jointly because those who file separately often receive fewer tax benefits. For example, the standard deduction for joint filers is usually double that of individual filers.
3. Social Security number: The social security number is one of the most important pieces of information when filing a tax return. It serves as a person’s tax identification number. Even though most people know their Social Security number by heart, accountants suggest they should still check to make sure the return is error-free.
4. Income: Ensure accuracy and thoroughness before filing your tax return. All income earned in 2025 should be reported when filing the return. For a salaried employee, the W-2 form is probably the most important. However, the person should secure all 1099 forms, forms that report income earned indirectly and not through an employer. There are different kinds of 1099s that cover income from interest, dividends, and other sources.
5. Direct Deposit Information: Direct deposit is the fastest and safest way to secure your refund in 2026. However, you need to make sure they enter the account and routing numbers correctly.
6. Signature: Considered as the last step, it is also important. People should sign and date their returns before submitting them, as the IRS cannot accept them without a signature.
