Here's How You Can Avoid Three Major Tax Filing Errors

INDIANAPOLIS – As tax season begins, the Indiana Department of Revenue is providing taxpayers with advice.

“If taxpayers have any questions, just don’t hesitate to contact us,” said Amanda Stanley, spokeswoman for the Indiana Department of Revenue.

Tax season is an area that many people can struggle with. Stanley said they see three common errors among taxpayers.

• Simple math errors that typically occur when people file by paper.
• Claiming deductions or credits that they aren’t eligible to receive.
• Forgetting to send attachments, such as a W-2 form.

Stanley said the best way to prevent these errors is by filing electronically. The software calculates math for taxpayers and helps prevent those errors. The software will also ask questions to ensure that taxpayers claim the deductions and credits for which they are eligible.

Another benefit – e-filers can received their refunds quickly.

“Faster refunds, that’s everybody’s favorite part of tax season. It’s the refund if you are eligible to receive one. E-filers can receive their refunds as quickly as two weeks, but it can take up to 12 weeks to receive your refund if you file by paper,” said Stanley.

Once you have filed for your tax return, you are able to check the status of your refund on the Indiana Department of Revenue’s website.

Stanley said e-filing provides an extra sense of security because fewer people can view taxpayers’ information when filing electronically. The software also can suggest deductions or credits that taxpayers may not have noticed otherwise.

Federal and state tax returns can be filed together using the electronic system.

“More than two million tax payers in Indiana are eligible to file their federal and state returns for free, using the Indiana freefile program,” said Stanley.

If you plan to use a tax preparation service, Stanley recommends doing research on the company’s reputation.

“We just encourage all tax payers to make sure that they are selecting a tax preparer who they can trust and that will be there for them after tax season,” said Stanley.

To find out more about e-filing or general tax information, please visit www.in.gov/dor/.

Anastasia Gentry is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.