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Re-activateThe devil is in the details, the IRS wants you to know. Before you send off your return, either electronically or via mail, check your return's details. You'll avoid having your return bounce back due to error, or getting one of those scary-looking letters in May. Here are a few reminders:
• Check your family's Social Security numbers. This is a common mistake.
• If you're sending in a paper form, make sure you (and your spouse, if filing jointly) sign and date everything. Use the peel-off label if you got one in the mail with your tax materials.
• Check electronic transfer information. If you're authorizing the IRS to either electronically withdraw your payment or electronically deposit your refund into a bank account, make sure you have the right bank routing transit number and account number (it's on the front of your checks). By the way, you can authorize electronic payments of your refund even if you file by mail.
• Remember the Making Work Pay Credit. Most workers got the credit in their paychecks, and must report it on the new Schedule M.
For other ideas on avoiding common tax mistakes, as well as tax- and money-saving advice, check out our Consumer Reports Tax Information Guide.
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