Tax Return Review Hints

Prior to e-filing your tax return, you will need to review it. Here are some suggestions to ensure everything looks right.

The Basics

• • Confirm the basics for you, your spouse and your dependents: Double check the name, address, Social Security Numbers and proper identification of dependents that are under age 17.
• • Double check filing status.
• • Confirm your income amount. Start with the total income line. Does the amount seem reasonable? Next look at the individual areas that make up your income. Compare wages, interest, and investment income with your tax forms. This area is especially important if you own a small business.

Adjusted Growth Income

Most tax returns will not have many lines entered in this area, but some might need special attention:

• • Educators: look for your classroom expense deduction
• • Self-employed: look for your deductible self-employment tax
• • Contributors: check your HSA contributions and retirement plan contributions
• • Students: check possible student loan interest
• • Divorced: check for accuracy in any alimony or child support claims if they apply to you.

Taxes and Credits

• • Deductions: Mentally note whether you are taking the standard or itemized deduction approach. If standard: do the math. If itemized: review your Schedule A for accuracy.
• • Review the credits. Spend some time reviewing any other activity in this area of the 1040. If you see areas of entered credits, ensure you have a general understanding of what they are and why you qualify for them.

The Balance of the 1040

• • Confirm the accuracy of your withholding amounts, any estimated tax payments, and any refund carryovers.
• • If self-employed, double check the self-employment tax calculated here.
• • If taking the Earned Income Tax Credit, ensure a properly filled out EIC schedule is included with your tax return.
• • Review and confirm any other entries on the balance of the tax form
• • If due a refund, ensure your instructions are properly documented on your tax form
• • Sign your tax return or your e-file approval and send the form to the correct address. Without a signature, your e-file cannot be submitted and your tax return is not deemed to be filed.

Tax Return Review Hints: Article from CK Books & Billing. This article has been reprinted with permission from CK Books & Billing