Full Breakdown
Common Tax Filing Mistakes to Avoid This Tax Season
4/12/2026, 9:29:46 PM
Key Tax Filing Errors
As Tax Day approaches, millions of Americans are preparing to submit their tax returns, increasing the likelihood of costly mistakes. Common errors can lead to delayed refunds, IRS notices, or penalties. Here are five prevalent missteps to avoid:
1. Incorrect Filing Status
Choosing the wrong filing status can significantly impact tax rates, standard deductions, and eligibility for credits. Taxpayers often face confusion due to life changes such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. Misclassifying oneself as "head of household" can be particularly costly, as it requires meeting specific criteria. Taxpayers unsure of their status can utilize the IRS's online filing-status tool or consult tax software for guidance.
2. Missing Deadlines
While taxpayers can request extensions to file their returns, they must still pay any owed taxes by the April 15 deadline. Mike Faulkender, co-chair of American Prosperity at the America First Policy Institute, emphasizes the importance of estimating tax bills and making payments by the deadline to avoid additional penalties and interest.
3. Overlooking Credits and Deductions
Failing to claim eligible tax credits and deductions can lead to a higher tax bill or a smaller refund. Bill Sweeney, senior vice president of government affairs at AARP, notes that many taxpayers do not fully understand the available deductions. He advises against relying on previous years' returns due to recent changes in the tax code from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, urging taxpayers to reassess their financial situations annually.
4. Premature Filing
Filing taxes before receiving all necessary documents, such as W-2s or 1099s, can result in errors or incomplete returns. Faulkender recommends creating an account on IRS.gov to verify what has been reported under one's tax identification number before filing. This step can help ensure all income is accurately reported.
5. Incorrect Banking Information
When opting for direct deposit of refunds or direct debit for payments, providing incorrect bank account details can lead to delays or rejected payments. A single error in routing or account numbers can result in penalties and interest, making it crucial for taxpayers to double-check their information before submission.
Why It Matters
Understanding these common mistakes can help taxpayers navigate the complexities of filing their taxes, potentially saving them money and avoiding unnecessary complications with the IRS. By taking the time to prepare and verify their information, filers can ensure a smoother tax season.
Official Statements & Responses
Mike Faulkender highlights the necessity of timely payments, stating, "You have to actually send in a check or have the payment deducted from your account by the filing deadline." Bill Sweeney emphasizes the importance of being proactive, saying, "This would be a good year... to make sure not to assume that what you did last year will convey over to this year."
Verbatim Quotes
- “You have to actually send in a check or have the payment deducted from your account by the filing deadline,” — Mike Faulkender, Co-chair of American Prosperity
- “I think the top mistake people make is not fully understanding or taking the time to really research what are all the different deductions and the ways that you can put a little bit of extra money in your pocket that are available to you,” — Bill Sweeney, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at AARP
- “One of the things that I learned last year when I was IRS commissioner was that if you create an account on irs.gov, you can see everything that's been filed under your tax ID,” — Mike Faulkender, Co-chair of American Prosperity
- “This would be a good year, given that there are these changes to the tax code, to make sure not to assume that what you did last year will convey over to this year.” — Bill Sweeney, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at AARP
