With Tax Day around the corner, it’s a good time to highlight the costliest mistakes that tax experts say we make in filing our taxes. Since 2009, the United Way network has helped some 1.2 million people nationwide save $250 million in filing fees, and bring back more than $1.7 billion in refunds to local communities through MyFreeTaxes.com.
United Way of Story County is committed to ensuring that people in our community can easily and accurately file their taxes to receive the refunds and credits they deserve. Using MyFreeTaxes®, you can file simple state and federal returns for free.
MyFreeTaxes is the largest free, online tax filing product offered by a nonprofit. United Way makes this service available as part of our fight for the financial stability of every person in our community.
In addition to using MyFreeTaxes for simple returns, tax experts offer the following tips to minimize mistakes and to maximize your refund this tax season.
1. Choose Carefully
One of the most common mistakes taxpayers make is selecting the wrong filing status. That can affect the credits and deductions you’re eligible for, the value of your standard deduction and even your tax bracket. When life gets complicated, taxes get more complicated, too.
For example, if a taxpayer with children is getting divorced, they may not be sure if they should file as “married filing jointly” or “married filing separately” or whether they qualify to file as head of household. MyFreeTaxes can help answer those questions. Use the Helpline to talk to a real person trained by the IRS. MyFreeTaxes’ Helpline is open from 10 am-10 pm EST daily to clarify things like filing status. Just call 1-866-698-9435.
2. Check Yourself
Always double-check the basics on your tax returns and make sure your name and the names of your spouse and/or dependents and Social Security numbers are right. Make sure to double check information you’ve pulled from your W-2 — transposing numbers or entering numbers in the wrong fields are common errors.
3. Find What You’ve Got Coming
Nearly 5 million Americans leave an average of $3,000 on the table each year by failing to claim common deductions and exemptions. MyFreeTaxes automatically screens for credit and deduction eligibility for things like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit and also lets you claim any missed stimulus payments.
Nearly 20% of eligible people don’t claim the EITC. Depending on income and number of kids, that could mean leaving $500 to $6,000 on the table. You may think you can’t get the EITC if you don’t earn enough money to file a return. Fortunately, you’re wrong. The EITC is a refundable credit, so even if you don’t owe taxes, you can still get the EITC. Check it out on MyFreeTaxes.com!
4. School Credit
Education credits are another often-overlooked benefit. Depending on the kind of academic program, what year the student is enrolled, income and other restrictions, a student may use the American Opportunity Credit of up to $2,500 or the Lifetime Learning Credit of up to $2,000. And know that MyFreeTaxes software screens for that automatically as it guides you through your returns.
MyFreeTaxes is open to everyone, regardless of your income level. If you made below $57,000 last year, MyFreeTaxes also offers filing assistance to ensure you get your maximum refund. Make over $57,000? The self-preparation software is free to use, with the IRS-trained Hotline available for any questions. With MyFreeTaxes, you can be confident that you’ll get all credits and deductions you qualify for.
For tax assistance resources outside of MyFreeTaxes, you can dial 211 from any phone and be connected to a specialist with a wealth of knowledge on services available in your area. United Way’s website will also be updated regularly as we hear of assistance offered in Story County. We want to ensure every person in our community has access to and the help they need to be financially stable.