Common mistakes people make when filing income taxes

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - As tax deadline approaches, many consumers need to be aware of the common mistakes people make when filing their returns. 

The Internal Revenue Service reports one of the most common mistakes people make is forgetting to sign and date the return. 

Another common error is to forget to enter a social security number. 

"That is the one error that will cause the absolute stoppage of the processing of your tax return,” said IRS Spokesman David Stell. 

Other common errors when filing a tax return include the consumer forgetting to claim an earned income tax credit, entering the wrong amount from the tax tables in the booklet as well as basic math mistakes. 

One of the best ways to avoid these mistakes and headaches is the e-file.  The electronic system will double check the consumer’s work and help them receive their tax return faster.

“It will also check and make sure you're eligible for credits and claim them when you are eligible for them,” Stell said. 

Go to irs.gov to e-file.  

Top mistakes when filing taxes:

1)    Forget to sign and date return

2)    Forget to enter social security number

3)    Forget to claim earned income tax credit

4)    Enter the wrong tax table amount

5)    Math mistakes