Tax filing day is Monday, April 18. Use the extra weekend to check your returns and prevent these common mistakes:
- Failing to sign and date your returns. You’d be surprised how often this happens. Remember–both spouses must sign when filing jointly.
- Checking the wrong filing status. Choose the right box: Single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, qualifying widower and head of household. Many wrongly claim head of household.
- Failing to report income. W-2 and 1099 income is not the only income you may have. Rental, self–employment and other forms of income must also be reported.
- Failing to pay and report payroll taxes. If you hire and pay a threshold sum to a house cleaner, nanny or home care giver, you may have to pay and report payroll taxes.
- Ignoring the Affordable Care Act. Tax returns now contain a box to confirm that you have minimum essential health coverage. If not, you must obtain an exemption (Form 8965) or pay a penalty.
Contact your FOS attorney for help with these or other tax issues.
