Every year, people get ready to file their taxes. But in a hurry to finish, many make small mistakes that cause big problems. Some end up losing money, while others face delays or letters from the IRS. We’ve seen these things happen often.
Through our tax preparation service Staten Island, we help people fix these errors daily. And because we see the same mistakes repeatedly, we want to share the top 10 with you. Knowing them can also save you time, stress, and money.
Wrong Filing Status: Consult Experts Providing Tax Preparation Service
Choosing the wrong filing status changes how much tax you pay. Some people select “Single” when they should use “Head of Household.” Others choose the wrong option after a divorce or marriage.
We take the time to look at your full life situation. That way, your filing status fits your real life. Because the IRS uses your status to decide what you owe or get back, it’s very important to get it right first.
Tip: A correct status could help lower your taxes or raise your refund.
Missing or Incorrect Social Security Numbers
One digit can make a big difference. Many people type their Social Security Number (SSN) incorrectly. That one number can also stop your whole return from going through or cause delays in your refund.
We always double-check SSNs for every person listed on the tax return. Whether it’s for you, your spouse, or your child, we ensure it’s entered correctly every time. That helps avoid problems later on.
Not Reporting All Income Streams
Sometimes, people forget to include money they made from side jobs or freelance work. Others leave out small payments from interest or investments. However, the IRS doesn’t miss these because they get copies of the forms.
We make sure every dollar you earn is included. As an accountant Staten Island, we ask for all your tax forms, even the ones from small jobs. That way, there are no surprises, and your return stays safe from audits.
Overlooking Deductions You Qualify For
Deductions are costs that can help lower the amount of tax you owe. But many people don’t know which ones they can claim. They skip student loan interest, medical bills, or home office expenses.
We go through your documents with care. As an accountant Staten Island, we help find the deductions that match your situation. We don’t guess—we check the rules and help you get what you deserve.
“Missing a deduction means giving up money you could have kept.”
Filing Too Early—or Too Late
It’s tempting to file immediately, but filing too early can lead to mistakes. You may not have received all your forms yet. On the other hand, waiting too long can lead to penalties if you owe the IRS.
With our tax preparation service Staten Island, we help you find the best time to file. We wait until you have everything ready. At the same time, we make sure you don’t miss the deadline.
INSIGHT: Waiting for the right documents helps you file a complete and correct return.
Claiming Ineligible Dependents
Knowing who you can list as a dependent is not always easy. Some people think they can claim a child who lives part-time with them, or a parent they help support, but rules apply.
We’ve helped many who searched “CPA firms near me” after the IRS rejected their return because of this mistake. We go through each case carefully to see if the person qualifies. That way, you only claim who you’re allowed to.
Here’s a quick guide:
| Situation | Can You Claim Them? |
|---|---|
| Your child, under 18, lives with you | Yes |
| College student under 24, you pay bills | Yes |
| A friend who lives with you | Usually not |
Errors in Bank Details or Direct Deposit Info
Many people type in the wrong bank account number when setting up direct deposit. That small error can cause your refund to go to someone else—or be returned to the IRS.
When you use our tax preparation service Staten Island, we carefully check all your bank details. We don’t rush this step. We also know how important it is for your refund to go into the right account.
Also, we even help you set up safer deposit methods if you prefer.
Misunderstanding Tax Credit Eligibility
Tax credits reduce the amount you owe, so they’re very helpful. But not everyone qualifies for the same ones. Some people wrongly claim the Child Tax Credit or the Earned Income Credit.
We take time to explain which credits fit your situation. We don’t guess. Also, we follow the IRS rules and ask the right questions. That way, your tax return is accurate, and your credits stay safe.
When in Doubt, Ask a Pro
We understand that tax rules can feel confusing. You may not know what forms you need or which choices are best. But instead of guessing or using tools that don’t explain things clearly, you can work with someone who walks you through it.
Many who search “CPA firms near me” are looking for someone they can trust. We don’t just file your taxes—we explain everything and ensure nothing is missed.
If something’s confusing, we take the time to explain it clearly.
The Best Way to Avoid Mistakes
You don’t have to guess when it comes to taxes. We fix these common errors every year for people just like you. We handle everything from checking your income and deductions to ensuring your return is signed and sent.
With our tax preparation service Staten Island, we focus on making sure your return is correct, on time, and ready for the IRS. We ask questions, check details, and never rush through the important parts.
At Shibu P Thomas, EA, MBA, MS – Licensed IRS Enrolled Agent, we help you avoid mistakes, file confidently, and understand what’s happening every step.
