After preparing the tax return and discovering that a refund is on the way, one might start planning how to save or spend the money. Slow down for a moment! Mistakes on 1040 can delay the refund.

When the tax return is correct, the chances of getting a refund increase. Also, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) would not arrange an audit. That’s good news.
Mentioned below are a few common mistakes that can, unfortunately, halt the entire tax return process. Avoid them and receive the refund in no time.

Missing Ou to Sign the Return

A professional tax credit attorney said that sending an unsigned document is like sending no document. It is not valid. The IRS sends back the document. One must sign and send it back, which becomes part of the paper backlog.

Tax software has inbuilt prompts that would not let people file without a signature. This is another reason to file returns online.
If people forget about something unintentionally while filing returns online, the IRS will reject the return, but it can be fixed quickly. When something like this happens with paper returns, it takes months to resolve.

Filing Paper Return

A professional tax attorney in Palm Springs, CA, said one must always file online, not by mail. Doing so assures a timely refund. Almost all taxpayers who file returns with no problems usually receive the refund in 21 days. Of course, they have to e-file and select the direct deposit option. Filing paper returns results in a delay – more so in recent times when coronavirus inflicted multiple challenges.

Taxpayers must rely on software, a reliable tax expert, or the IRS free file. Even in a pre-pandemic world, electronic filing seemed like a good idea. With the pandemic, it is the only chance to get quick refunds.

Studies have shown that only 85% of people file returns electronically. Others complete them with pen and paper and then mail them. A handful prepares the return with software and then sends the printed document to the IRS. Do not hit print! Always hit send!

Getting refunds by direct deposit is considered beneficial. The IRS prefers directly depositing the refunds rather than sending out a paper check. This is faster, more secure, and less expensive.

Requesting Dependants Incorrectly

If one claims their children to be dependents, they should never be claiming themselves on a return they file. If that happens, the refund is delayed to a great extent. The parent or the child has to correct the mistake immediately. Divorced couples must ensure that only one parent claims the children as dependents.

Enter the proper social security number of each dependent. If one is paper filing, the return will get rejected. In the case of e-filing, one would not be able to move on if they entered the wrong social security number or transposed the numbers.

Accuracy is specifically significant this tax year. This year offers plenty of family-oriented benefits that one would love to claim.

According to a reputed attorney for IRS issues, sending the return to the wrong processing centre is another mistake one must avoid under all circumstances. The waits to get a refund are already quite long, and nobody would wish to double that wait just because they were not careful enough.