Avoid These Common Tax Filing Mistakes: Tips from a CPA

Last-Minute Tax Filing Tips

• ⏰ Today is the tax filing deadline, but some states have extensions due to natural disasters.
• 💡 Take a breather and review your prior year tax return to ensure all income and deductions are included this year.
• ⚠️ Double-check social security numbers and bank account information for accuracy to prevent processing delays.

Overlooked Tax Deductions

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Parents may be eligible for the child and dependent care credit for expenses like babysitting or summer camps.
• 👩‍🏫 Teachers can deduct educator expenses incurred for their classrooms.
• 💼 Small business owners can deduct health insurance costs on the front of the tax return without itemizing.

Filing an Extension

• 📄 If you can't meet the deadline, file for an automatic tax extension using Form 4868 on IRS.gov before the end of the day.
• 💰 An extension grants more time to file, but not to pay.
• 💸 If you expect to owe taxes, make a payment by the deadline on IRS.gov to reduce penalties, which are based on unpaid taxes.