Optima Tax Relief Advises How to Avoid Tax Return Processing Delays

Taxpayers might be hurrying to gather all of their correct documents and submit their filings as the tax filing deadline draws closer. Rushing through this process, however, can result in mistakes on tax returns, which can delay processing and result in refund adjustments. To prevent these problems from arising and hopefully ensure a smoother tax filing process, Optima Tax Relief reviews useful tips on how to avoid tax return processing delays.

Before submitting the tax return, the IRS advises double-checking all of the information on it. This means checking the accuracy of all income, deductions, and credits as well as personal data such names and social security numbers. A minor error can cause processing to be delayed or the refund amount to be changed.

Using the proper filing status is another crucial step. Filing status can have a significant impact on tax liability and the amount of refund or tax owed. For instance, a taxpayer who qualifies for the head of household status might get a higher standard deduction and a lower tax rate than they would have gotten if they had filed as a single individual. By choosing the incorrect filing status, the tax liability may change, or processing may be delayed.

While submitting a tax return, the IRS also advises using the proper forms and schedules. Different forms and schedules are required for various sources of income and deductions. Using the wrong form or schedule can result in a delay in processing or an adjustment to the tax liability. Taxpayers can use the tools on the IRS website to assist them in choosing which forms and schedules to use. Taxpayers should also make sure they are utilizing the most recent versions of the forms and schedules. Although the content of these forms and schedules do not change often, it’s important to make sure to have the most updated version for when it does change. Using an out-of-date form or schedule may cause processing to take longer or result in a change to the tax liability.

Lastly, rather than submitting a paper return, taxpayers should think about filing their tax forms electronically. E-filing helps avoid errors and speed up the processing procedure. For qualifying taxpayers, the IRS also provides free online filing options.

In summary, taking the time to double-check information, using the correct filing status, forms, and schedules, ensuring that they are up-to-date, and e-filing can all help prevent processing delays and refund adjustments. By following these steps, taxpayers can help ensure a smoother tax filing process and potentially receive their refunds more quickly.