Incorrect filing status . Some taxpayers choose the wrong filing status. The Interactive Tax Assistant on IRS.gov can help taxpayers choose the correct status especially if more than one filing status applies. Tax software also helps prevent mistakes with filing status. Math mistakes .

When to choose the correct tax filing status?

Choosing the Correct Filing Status. When taxpayers file their tax return, it’s important they use the right filing status because it can affect the amount of tax they owe for the year. It may even determine if they must file a tax return at all. Taxpayers should keep in mind that their marital status on Dec. 31 is their status for the whole year.

Can a US tax return be considered incorrect?

US tax can be tricky – especially if you’re a nonresident who is not familiar with the American tax system. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) knows the tax code is complex, and that people make mistakes. A tax return can be considered ‘incorrect’ or ‘incomplete’ for a variety of different reasons.

What to do if you make a math error on your tax return?

Math errors are common on returns prepared without the help of tax software. If you prepare your return by hand, double-check that you’re using the most up-to-date version of the IRS tax tables and triple-check your math. If you’re using tax preparation software, it handles the calculations for you.

What are some common errors on a tax return?

Mistakes can result in a processing delay, which can mean it takes more time to get a refund. Here are some common errors to avoid when preparing a tax return: Missing or inaccurate Social Security numbers. Each SSN on a tax return should appear exactly as printed on the Social Security card. Misspelled names.

Why is there a backlog of tax returns?

But this year is complicated by several issues, including a backlog of 2019 paper tax returns that the IRS was unable to process after shuttering its offices during the coronavirus pandemic. A recent notice from the IRS said that some people may experience a longer than average wait for their payments.

Are there any problems with tax filing for 2020?

Despite the IRS’s overall success in managing the 2020 filing season and accurately distributing the vast majority of the 160 million stimulus payments included in the first round of coronavirus relief, some taxpayers experienced major problems — and the agency was not always fully transparent about its struggles, Collins wrote.