Filing annual income tax forms is a tradition many do not look forward to each year. Tax forms can be complicated and require attention to detail. It can be easy to make mistakes if you are not careful in filling out the forms.

However, mistakes on your tax returns could slow a refund, and might even flag you for an audit. Make note of these common mistakes so you avoid them when filing your returns.

Mistake #1              Neglecting to Pay Attention to Details

There are so many details to filing income taxes that a mistake could easily be made. Any one of these mistakes will make the return incorrect. Some of the details to pay attention to when completing your tax return are: 

                        1) Check the math in your return. Watch out for:

- Numbers added incorrectly. Double check all additions or subtractions.

- Numbers transposed. Always check again.

- Amounts carried over incorrectly from other supporting forms or paperwork. Recheck.

- Numbers accidentally omitted. Check carefully that all needed blanks are filled in properly. 

2) Sign your forms. Make sure all required filers sign every form. Also, make sure you sign your name identically as recorded with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).  

3) Date your forms. 

4) Provide correct social security numbers, and make sure, for forms with multiple filers, that the correct social security numbers are next to the correct names. Do not omit social security numbers. 

5) Follow all instructions completely.

Larger details also matter when filing tax returns. Some of these are: 

- Make sure to file all the correct forms. 
- If claiming dependents, make sure they are eligible.  
- File for self-employment tax if self employed. 
- Correctly report any amounts paid during the year in estimated tax payments. 
- Make sure to claim the correct filing status.

MSNBC lists many items to be aware of while you file your returns. Paying attention to all these details – large and small – will speed your income tax processing.

Mistake #2              Failing to Inform the IRS of Changes in Status

You need to let the IRS know if any of the following has changed: 

- Your marital status 
- Your name 
- Your address

File form 8822 with the IRS to change your address, or consult your tax advisor or the IRS immediately after you have made any of these changes.

Mistake #3              Keeping Poor or Nonexistent Records

While it is not everybody’s idea of fun, keeping organized tax records throughout the year is crucial. Staying organized serves two purposes: 

- It will make your job of pulling together your return easier at the end of the year. If you use a preparer, you have made their job that much easier.  
- You will have supporting documentation should your preparer or the IRS have a question about your return or should you be audited.

While it is easy to be caught up in the details of keeping all supporting information organized, do not forget to make copies of your final tax return for yourself. Include copies of all forms you file. Past tax return copies may be needed in many instances, including: 

- Applying for a loan 
- Applying for student financial aid 
- Applying for a mortgage.

Getting copies of your past returns from the IRS may be difficult. In addition, if you have these forms on record at home, perusing them may make the next year’s filing go more smoothly and quickly.

Publication 522 from the IRS lists recordkeeping guidelines for individuals.

Mistake #4              Failing to Report All Income

Your income may include: 

- Dividends earned on investments 
- Interest earned on savings accounts or other accounts 
- Capital gains on investments 
- Tips 
- Unemployment benefits.

These amounts are reported to the IRS through the corresponding agency that handles your accounts or other income. Failing to report other sources of income could flag your return, and possibly result in criminal charges.

The IRS Web site has related links to information about certain kinds of interest and dividend income.

Mistake #5              Not Filing Because You Are Unable to Pay Taxes

File your tax returns on time, even if you are unable to pay your taxes. The IRS considers filing taxes and paying taxes as two distinct processes. It will penalize you separately in each case. Filing on time will alleviate one penalty.

File, and take these steps, if you cannot pay taxes:

• Contact the IRS immediately to let them know you cannot pay your taxes.
• If you are able to pay a portion of what you owe, send that with your return. The IRS will charge penalties and interest on the amount you are not able to pay by the April 15 deadline, so it benefits you to pay as much as you can by the deadline.