Filing your taxes can be stressful enough without the added frustration of a delayed refund. Yet, millions of taxpayers unknowingly make simple mistakes that can put their money on hold for weeks—or even months.
Whether it’s a small typo, missing income, or filing the wrong way, these errors can slow down the IRS processing time.
The good news? Avoiding these common tax filing mistakes can help you get your refund faster. Here are five errors to watch out for—and how to prevent them!
1. Filing a paper return instead of e-filing
While paper tax returns are still an option, they take significantly longer to process than electronically filed returns. The IRS encourages e-filing with direct deposit, as it speeds up refund processing and reduces errors.
In contrast, paper returns must be manually entered, increasing the chances of delays due to mistakes or backlogs.
If you still prefer to file a paper return, expect longer wait times—sometimes several months—before receiving your refund. To avoid unnecessary delays, opt for electronic filing and choose direct deposit for the fastest turnaround.
2. Forgetting to sign and date your return
It may sound like a simple mistake, but forgetting to sign and date your tax return can bring the entire process to a halt. The IRS considers an unsigned return invalid, meaning they won’t process it until they receive a properly signed copy. This is especially common for joint filers when both spouses need to sign.
If you’re filing electronically, you’ll typically sign with an e-signature or a PIN, reducing the chance of this mistake. However, if you’re submitting a paper return, double-check that all required signatures are in place before mailing it in.
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3. Entering incorrect personal information
One of the easiest ways to delay your tax refund is by making mistakes in your personal details. A simple typo in your name, Social Security number, or bank account information can cause your return to be flagged for manual review. If the IRS can’t verify your identity, your refund may be delayed for weeks or even months.
Before submitting your return, double-check all personal details against your official documents. If you recently changed your name due to marriage or divorce, ensure it matches what’s on file with the Social Security Administration to avoid processing delays.
4. Failing to report all sources of income
If you forget to report income from a side gig, freelance work, or investment earnings, the IRS can catch the discrepancy—and your refund could be delayed while they investigate.
Employers, financial institutions, and payment platforms like PayPal and Venmo send tax forms (such as 1099s) directly to the IRS so that any missing income may raise a red flag.
Gather all your income-related documents, including W-2s from employers, 1099s from freelance clients, and any forms related to dividends, rental income, or stock sales. Double-check that your reported earnings match what the IRS expects to avoid unnecessary delays.
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5. Making errors in your tax credits and deductions
Tax credits and deductions can reduce your taxable income or increase your refund, but claiming them incorrectly can put your return on hold. Common mistakes include claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit without meeting the eligibility requirements.
If the IRS finds discrepancies, they may request additional documentation, delaying your refund while they verify your claim. To avoid this, carefully review IRS guidelines for each credit or deduction you plan to claim and keep any supporting paperwork handy.
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Get your money faster
A delayed tax refund can be frustrating, but most hold-ups are preventable. By double-checking your personal information, reporting all income accurately, and filing electronically, you can avoid unnecessary delays and get your refund as quickly as possible.
Taking a little extra time to review your return now can save you weeks—or even months—of waiting!
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