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Common Mistakes

Client-facing posts that warn taxpayers about common tax mistakes and position your office as the expert.

25 Common Mistakes Templates

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Common Mistakes

Mistake #1

Wrong Filing Status

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Filing status affects your refund more than most people realize. Head of Household has specific rules, and getting it wrong in either direction can be costly.

Not sure which status fits you? Book an appointment with us.

#TaxMistakes #FilingStatus #HeadOfHousehold #TaxTips

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Common Mistakes

Mistake #2

Missing the EITC

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Many eligible workers never claim the Earned Income Tax Credit. If your income is low to moderate, it's worth checking.

Let us see if you qualify. Schedule your appointment today.

#EITC #TaxCredits #TaxMistakes #TaxTips

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Common Mistakes

Mistake #3

Math Errors

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Math errors are among the most common problems on tax returns. E-filing does the calculations for you.

Let a professional prepare and e-file your return. Contact us today.

#TaxMistakes #EFile #TaxTips #TaxPrep

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Common Mistakes

Mistake #4

Name Doesn't Match SSN

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Got married or changed your name? If Social Security hasn't been updated, your return can be rejected. Update the SSA first.

Questions before you file? Give us a call.

#NameChange #TaxMistakes #SocialSecurity #TaxTips

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Common Mistakes

Mistake #5

Skipping Side Income

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Gig platforms report your income to the IRS. Leaving it off your return can lead to a notice with penalties and interest.

Drive, deliver or freelance? Let us help you report it right.

#GigWorkers #1099 #TaxMistakes #SelfEmployed

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Common Mistakes

Mistake #6

Missed Business Deductions

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Self-employed? Mileage, a home office and business phone use are some of the deductions people often miss.

Make sure you're claiming what you're entitled to. Book with us today.

#SelfEmployed #Deductions #TaxMistakes #SmallBusiness

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Common Mistakes

Mistake #7

Wrong Bank Numbers

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One wrong digit in your routing or account number can delay your refund for weeks. Double-check or bring a voided check.

We'll help you get it right the first time. Schedule today.

#DirectDeposit #TaxRefund #TaxMistakes #TaxTips

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Common Mistakes

Mistake #8

Missing the Deadline

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If you owe and file late without an extension, the failure-to-file penalty can reach 5% per month, up to 25%. File on time, even if you can't pay in full.

Need help meeting the deadline? Contact us.

#TaxDeadline #TaxMistakes #Extension #TaxTips

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Common Mistakes

Mistake #9

Double-Claimed Dependents

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When two people claim the same child, the second return gets rejected and refunds are delayed. Talk it through before you file.

Questions about dependents? Book an appointment with us.

#Dependents #TaxMistakes #TaxRefund #TaxTips

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Common Mistakes

Mistake #10

Ignoring IRS Letters

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IRS letters come with response deadlines. Ignoring them can turn a fixable problem into a much bigger one. Open it and respond.

Got an IRS letter? Bring it to us.

#IRSNotice #TaxMistakes #TaxHelp #TaxTips

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Common Mistakes

Mistake #11

Early Retirement Withdrawals

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Early retirement withdrawals can come with income tax plus a 10% additional tax in many cases, and withholding often doesn't cover it all.

Took an early withdrawal? Let us help you plan for it.

#Retirement #401k #TaxMistakes #TaxTips

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Common Mistakes

Mistake #12

Skipping Quarterly Estimates

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Self-employed without quarterly payments? April can bring a big bill plus penalties. Four smaller payments are easier to manage.

Let us help you set up estimated payments.

#EstimatedTaxes #SelfEmployed #TaxMistakes #SmallBusiness

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Common Mistakes

Mistake #13

Undocumented Donations

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Donations of $250 or more need a written acknowledgment, and non-cash gifts over $500 need Form 8283. Keep your receipts.

Questions about charitable deductions? Ask us.

#CharitableGiving #Donations #TaxMistakes #TaxTips

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Common Mistakes

Mistake #14

Messy State Returns

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Moved mid-year or worked in another state? State returns get tricky, and state notices can show up months later.

Let a professional handle your state returns. Schedule today.

#StateTaxes #MultiState #TaxMistakes #TaxTips

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Common Mistakes

Mistake #15

Panic Amendments

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Found a mistake after you filed? Some errors are corrected by the IRS during processing. Know when to amend and when to wait.

Ask us before you file an amendment.

#AmendedReturn #TaxMistakes #TaxHelp #TaxTips

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Common Mistakes

Mistake #16

Never Updating Your W-4

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Marriage, kids, raises and side jobs all change your withholding. An outdated W-4 can mean an April surprise.

Let us help you review your withholding.

#W4 #Withholding #TaxMistakes #TaxTips

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Common Mistakes

Mistake #17

Hobby Losses as Business

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Losses year after year without a real profit motive can be treated as a hobby. Keep records that show you're running a business.

Questions about your side business? Contact us.

#SmallBusiness #HobbyLoss #TaxMistakes #TaxTips

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Common Mistakes

Mistake #18

Missing Education Credits

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The American Opportunity Credit is worth up to $2,500 and the Lifetime Learning Credit up to $2,000. Don't leave education credits on the table.

In school or paying tuition? Let us check what you qualify for.

#EducationCredits #CollegeStudents #TaxMistakes #TaxTips

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Common Mistakes

Mistake #19

Filing on Paper

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Paper returns take much longer to process than e-filed returns. E-file for faster confirmation and fewer errors.

Let us e-file your return. Book today.

#EFile #TaxRefund #TaxMistakes #TaxTips

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Common Mistakes

Mistake #20

Ignoring Crypto

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The digital asset question on Form 1040 must be answered, and many exchanges report to the IRS. Report your transactions.

Bought or sold crypto? Let us help you report it correctly.

#Crypto #DigitalAssets #TaxMistakes #TaxTips

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Common Mistakes

Mistake #21

Spending Before It Arrives

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Refunds can be reduced to pay certain past-due debts. Don't spend your refund until it's actually in your account.

Questions about your refund? Contact us.

#TaxRefund #MoneyTips #TaxMistakes #TaxTips

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Common Mistakes

Mistake #22

The Free Software Trap

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Free tax software often upgrades to paid tiers after you've spent hours entering data. Know the real cost before you start.

Compare that to working with a professional. Book with us today.

#TaxSoftware #TaxMistakes #TaxPro #TaxTips

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Common Mistakes

Mistake #23

Never Reviewing Your Entity

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As your business grows, a different structure may make sense. Review your business entity with a tax professional.

Growing business? Let's talk.

#SmallBusiness #LLC #TaxMistakes #BusinessOwner

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Common Mistakes

Mistake #24

The Document Scramble

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Missing 1099s and lost receipts lead to rushed returns. Start a tax folder in January and save yourself the April panic.

Ready to get organized? Schedule your appointment today.

#TaxOrganization #TaxMistakes #Receipts #TaxTips

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Common Mistakes

Mistake #25

Choosing by Price Alone

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Choose your preparer carefully. Someone who won't sign your return or promises a huge refund before seeing your documents can cost you later.

Work with a professional you can trust. Contact our office today.

#TaxPreparer #TaxMistakes #TaxScams #TaxTips

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Common Mistakes

25 Common Mistakes Templates

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