6 Common Tax Mistakes to Avoid
Authored By: Genisys Credit Union on 3/5/2025 
Tax season is here, which means it’s time to dust off the calculator, gather that mountain of receipts, and dive into the numbers. But before you rush to file, take a deep breath! A simple mistake could delay your refund, cost you money in penalties, or force you to redo all that hard work.
Whether you choose to go at it alone, use a tax-prep computer program or hand it all over to an accountant, begin by checking out our handy list of common mistakes people make on their taxes.
1. Faulty Math
Believe it or not, one of the most common errors on filed taxes are simple math mistakes. A small miscalculation can throw off all your numbers and get you into trouble with the IRS. Using an online program or a number-loving accountant may mitigate this problem, but it won’t assure you of anything. However you choose to prepare your taxes, be sure to triple-check all the math before filing.
2. Name Changes and Misspellings
When preparing your taxes, you’re thinking of numbers. It’s true that most of the information you’re submitting is in numerical form, but don’t forget to pay attention to everything else on your form! Details matter, and if you use a name that’s different from the one the IRS has on file for your Social Security number, your refund may be delayed or not processed at all. Similarly, if you spell your name wrong, it won’t match the one the IRS has in its system and it could mean trouble for you and your taxes.
If you’ve recently changed your legal name because of a marriage or divorce, be sure to let the Social Security Administration know. Otherwise, remember to use the correct spelling of your legal name on all your tax forms. Review every form carefully before filing to avoid frustration later.
3. Omitting Additional Income
Detailing your earnings from your day job is a given when preparing your taxes. Most of us even remember to include bonuses and extra commission earnings. But many people neglect to include other sources of income, such as freelance work, moonlighting as a consultant and any other side work they may have done throughout the year. If you’ve taken any side jobs, be sure to fill out a 1099-MISC and to file it along with your taxes.
4. Deducting Funds Donated to Charity
Everyone knows you can write off charitable donations as a deduction, but many people aren’t sure how to go about taking this step. Charity laws are complicated! First, only donations given to an organization with a tax-exempt status can be deducted from your taxes. Second, if you’ve donated food items or used clothing, they had to have been in decent shape to be eligible as a write-off. Finally, calculate the value of your non-monetary donations according to what they would be worth if you’d sell them now. Don’t forget to include those charity tax receipts when you file!
5. Using The Most Recent Tax Laws
When preparing your taxes, be sure to file according to the most recent laws. View all notable changes for 2025 here on the IRS website.
6. Signing Your Forms
Last, but definitely not least, don’t forget the most basic step of signing your name! If you’re filing through USPS mail, be sure to put your signature wherever necessary (and get a receipt for it). If filing online, you can use a PIN instead. Most signature lines will need to be dated as well.
Read through all of your forms before submitting to be sure you haven’t neglected anything or made mistakes. Being super-careful now will help you avoid any future aggravation. And best of all, this way, when you’re done filing, you can finally kiss that paper mountain goodbye!
Filing your taxes correctly can save you time, stress, and even money, but you don’t have to do it alone! Take advantage of our exclusive savings on tax prep services to ensure a smooth and error-free filing experience. Get the expert help you need and maximize your refund today! We are here to help when you need us. Please stop by any of our convenient branch locations or call 248-322-9800 extension 5 to speak with a representative today.
© Genisys Credit Union and www.genisyscu.org, 2025. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Genisys Credit Union and www.genisyscu.org with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
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