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                    </figure><p><i>IRS</i></p><p>WASHINGTON — With only a few days remaining before the April 18 
filing deadline, the Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers 
how to avoid common errors on their federal tax returns and help get 
possible refunds sooner.</p><h2>Gather all tax documents</h2><p>Taxpayers should gather all documents, such as <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/what-to-do-when-a-w-2-or-form-1099-is-missing-or-incorrect">Forms W-2 and 1099</a>,
 and any documents to support tax deductions or credits like education 
credits or mortgage interest payments. Taxpayers should also have their 
prior-year tax return available; they may need it.</p><h2>File electronically</h2><p>The IRS encourages taxpayers and their tax professionals to file their tax returns electronically through IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a>&nbsp;or other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">e-file</a>&nbsp;service
 providers. Electronic filing helps reduce math errors and identifies 
potential tax credits or deductions the taxpayer may be eligible to 
claim. Taxpayers should always review their tax return for accuracy. 
Filing electronically and choosing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>&nbsp;is the fastest and most secure way to receive a refund.</p><h2>Use the correct filing status</h2><p>Tax software, including IRS Free File, also helps prevent mistakes 
when selecting a tax return filing status. If taxpayers are unsure about
 their filing status, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a>&nbsp;on IRS.gov can help them choose the correct status, especially if more than one filing status applies.</p><h2>Double-check name, birth date and Social Security number</h2><p>Taxpayers must correctly list the name, date of birth and Social 
Security number for each person they claim as a dependent on their 
individual income tax return. Enter each SSN and individual's name on a 
tax return exactly as printed on the Social Security card.</p><p>If a dependent or spouse does not have a SSN and is not eligible to get one, list the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/taxpayer-identification-numbers-tin">Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)</a>&nbsp;instead of a SSN.</p><h2>Answer the digital assets question</h2><p>Forms 1040 and 1040-SR for tax year 2022 ask whether, at any time 
during 2022, the taxpayer received (as a reward, award or payment for 
property or services), sold, exchanged, gifted or otherwise disposed of a
 digital asset (or financial interest in any digital asset). Taxpayers 
should not leave this field blank but should check either "Yes" or "No."</p><h2>Report all taxable income&nbsp;</h2><p>Remember, most income is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-525">taxable</a>. Under-reporting income may lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalties">penalties</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/interest">interest</a>.&nbsp;This includes <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc418">unemployment income</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc403">interest received</a> and income from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/gig-economy-tax-center">gig economy</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayers-must-report-tip-money-as-income-on-their-tax-return">service industry</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/digital-assets">digital assets</a>. See <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p525.pdf">Publication 525</a>PDF for more information.</p><h2>Double check routing and account numbers</h2><p>Taxpayers can request&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>&nbsp;of
 a federal refund into one, two or even three accounts. Make sure the 
financial institution routing and account numbers entered on the return 
are accurate. Incorrect numbers can cause a refund to be delayed or 
deposited into the wrong account.</p><p>Taxpayers can also use their refund to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/now-you-can-buy-us-series-i-savings-bonds-for-anyone-with-your-tax-refund">purchase U.S. Savings Bonds</a>.</p><h2>Mail paper returns to the right address</h2><p>Taxpayers and tax professionals are encouraged to file electronically
 if possible. For those who need to file a paper tax return, they should
 confirm the correct address of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-paper-tax-returns-with-or-without-a-payment">where to file</a>&nbsp;on IRS.gov or on Form 1040 instructions to avoid processing delays.</p><h2>Sign and date the return</h2><p>If filing a joint return, both spouses must sign and date the return.
 When taxpayers are self-preparing their taxes and filing 
electronically, they must sign and validate their electronic tax return 
by entering their prior year's adjusted gross income (AGI). Taxpayers 
can review&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/electronic-filing-pin-request">Validating Your Electronically Filed Tax Return</a> if they have questions.</p><h2>Keep a copy of the tax return</h2><p>When ready to file, taxpayers should make a copy of their signed 
return and any schedules for their records. Copies help them prepare 
future tax returns and make math computations if they need to file an 
amended return. Generally, taxpayers must <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/how-long-should-i-keep-records">keep their records</a>
 that support an item of income, deduction or credit shown on their tax 
return until the period of limitations for that tax return ends.</p><h2>Request an extension, if needed</h2><p>Taxpayers who need more time to file can easily request a six-month filing extension to Oct.16 and prevent <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/failure-to-file-penalty">late filing penalties</a>. Use IRS Free File or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4868">Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return</a>
 by April 18. Keep in mind that, while an extension grants additional 
time to file, tax payments are still due on April 18 for most taxpayers.</p><p>Taxpayers can also request an extension by paying all or part of 
their estimated income tax due and indicating that the payment is for an
 extension using&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a>, or a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-taxes-by-credit-or-debit-card">debit or credit card or digital wallet</a>. This way taxpayers don't have to file a separate extension form and will receive a confirmation number for their records.</p>

IRS: Key steps to avoid processing delays, tax refund adjustments