Why Personal Tax Returns Go Wrong (And How to Avoid It)
Examples below are for educational purposes only and are not based on any specific individual. Any resemblance is purely coincidental.
Filing your personal tax return isn't just about submitting numbers — it's about making sure nothing is missed, no benefit is left unclaimed, and you avoid future penalties. Based on common patterns we’ve seen during tax season, here are a few realistic scenarios to help you understand how to stay ahead.
⚠️ Missed Income Sources
Example: One client submitted their W-2s but forgot about the 1099-NEC they received from a part-time gig. The IRS doesn't forget — and that triggered a notice.
Lesson: Gather all forms: W-2, 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, 1099-K, interest statements, dividends, or any side income.
💊 Overlooked Medical Deductions
Example: A taxpayer had over $6,000 in unreimbursed medical expenses, including prescription drugs, but didn’t submit any receipts because they didn’t think it mattered. That meant missing out on potential deductions.
Lesson: Keep track of prescriptions, copays, dental, eye care, and long-term treatments.
🏦 HSA Contributions
Example: A client contributed to their HSA through payroll but also added $500 directly. They only submitted their W-2. The $500 was never claimed, and they lost the deduction.
Lesson: Report both payroll and direct contributions with supporting Form 5498 or personal bank records.
📬 Missed IRS Notices
Example: One filer assumed they could still claim EITC without filing Form 8862 after previous issues. This delayed their refund.
Lesson: If you were previously denied EITC or CTC, you may need Form 8862 before you can claim them again.
❌ Social Security Numbers & Return Type
Example: A taxpayer had an SSN not valid for employment but still wanted to file a return. This requires specific handling.
Lesson: If your SSN is marked “not valid for employment,” you may be limited in which credits you can claim, and may need to file a “filing-only” return.
Use this to make sure you’ve got it all:
- Social Security Numbers (self, spouse, children)
- Photo ID (Driver’s License or State ID)
- W-2s from all employers
- 1099-NEC / 1099-MISC / 1099-K
- 1099-INT / 1099-DIV / 1099-B
- 1099-G (unemployment)
- 1099-R (retirement)
- SSA-1099 (Social Security)
- 1098-T (education tuition)
- K-1s from partnerships or S corps
- Cryptocurrency income summary
- Childcare expenses + provider info
- Medical expenses (prescriptions, copays, etc.)
- Student loan interest (1098-E)
- HSA Contributions (W-2 Box 12 + personal amounts)
- Charitable donations
- Property taxes / Mortgage interest (1098)
- Rent paid (some states)
- IRA/401(k) contributions (if not via employer)
- Last year’s tax return (if we didn’t prepare it)
- IRS/State letters or notices
- Bank account details for refund direct deposit
- Any pending credits (EITC, CTC, 8862 required?)
How We Make It Easy: Secure Document Collection
Every client at our firm receives a dedicated email address where they can simply forward their tax documents. No uploads, no confusion — just send the files as email attachments.
These documents are then:
✅ Automatically saved in a secure client portal
✅ Organized by document type and year
✅ Available to you anytime — encrypted and protected
💬 You email → We store → You access securely
📥 Ready to make this tax season stress-free?
Just forward your documents to your dedicated email and we’ll handle the rest — accurately, securely, and on time.
