Income Tax Returns: Dumb -- and Dumber -- Mistakes to Avoid

There is no escaping death or taxes. There is, however, a way to escape common errors made on income tax returns. The days leading up to April 15^th can be stressful, so any of us is subject to slip-ups. When it's time to settle with your favorite uncle, Uncle Sam, avoid common income tax blunders by taking simple precautions.

Verify your social security number. The leading mistake made when filing an income tax return is omitting the social security number, writing it incorrectly, or transposing the numbers. Confirm every digit carefully.

Add postage and update your address. If you decide to go the "snail mail" route, use the return label provided by the Internal Revenue Service. Be like Santa and check it twice. Some people mistakenly think the government has included a postage-paid envelope. Not so.

Check the math like it's your seventh grade homework. Use a calculator to corroborate your handwritten income tax return. A more foolproof method is utilizing a software program such as TurboTax, which incorporates live help.

Choose the correct form. Claim all possible deductions. For example, use a 1040 form instead of the EZ form if you can itemize. Uncle Sam ends up with more than his fair share of revenue each year due to overlooked tax credits on individualized income tax.

Sign and date the return. The IRS mails over a million letters each year to individuals who haven't signed returns. If you're not careful, you may run to the mailbox, possibly hoping for a refund check, only to discover an information request from the IRS instead. Enlist a trusted friend to scan the document before mailing it.

Have Taxes Prepared Free. The IRS has a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) so that those earning $57,000 or less can have taxes prepared gratis. In addition, there is a tax counseling program for seniors. Call 1-800-829-1040 to locate community sites. The military has strong VITA programs as well. Additionally, free electronic filing is available at FreeFile, helping those who earn over $57,000 avoid tax mistakes.

File electronically. It's faster to file electronically, but it's imperative to ensure your direct deposit routing information is accurate. Otherwise, your refund check could end up bouncing around the banking system.

Wait patiently when expecting a refund. Desperate victims -- anxious for advance returns -- often fall prey to charlatans who offer advances on refunds and charge exorbitant interest rates.

If you find you've made a mistake -- dumb or otherwise -- on your income tax return, check the government's amendment information. Just avoid the biggest mistake of all...simply not filing a return.

Government's extended checklist of common tax mistakes
Information not intended to replace professional advice.