Created August 16, 2010
One of the worst feelings in the world has to be dropping your tax return into the black hole of the mail slot and then realizing that you forgot to sign it. Well, the state of New York has listed the most common filing mistakes on New York personal income tax returns so you can avoid doing just that. The most frequent errors range from using the wrong social security number to not paying the required taxes. The full list of top mistakes are:
- Forgetting to sign the paper return. Both spouses must sign a joint return.
- Not including the total amount of tax withheld during the year. Be sure to add the tax withheld from all of your W-2 statements.
- Not indicating on the return if you owe New York City or Yonkers tax
- Using an incorrect identification number on your return. This should be your social security number or taxpayer identification number from the IRS. If your W-2 has an incorrect number on it, contact your employer to change it.
- Forgetting to include New York City and Yonkers tax if required.
- Missing required schedules or tax credit forms.
- Using the incorrect mailing address.
- Filing late. New York state returns are due by April 15th. If you can’t get your return in by then, you have to file an extension request by April 15th to avoid a late filing penalty. Remember, extension requests only give you extra time to file your return, your estimated taxes still have to be paid by the due date.
For more accurate tax returns the state recommends that you E-file your return and pay electronically. That way the system will detect most errors before you submit your return. And for faster and more secure refunds sign up for direct deposit.
Source: New York Department of Taxation and Finance