With less than a month until the annual deadline to file federal taxes, it is time for all of us to dot our i’s and cross all the t’s to make sure our returns get processed as quickly and accurately as possible.

Every year my office receives calls for help from Arkansans whose refunds are delayed. In most cases, the delay relates to the IRS needing to verify a person’s identity. Sadly, this can happen because of an identity theft issue where someone files a return using someone else’s Social Security number. But, just as often the identity verification happens because of common errors that plague us all during this annual process. 

In an effort to reduce these and other common filing problems, officials at the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) recently shared their best tips to help ensure your return is processed smoothly and swiftly.

Among the most important is to triple-check that all the basic information is correct for you and your dependents. Many returns get delayed because of simple errors with dates of birth, misspelled names, a changed address and other identifying information that needs to match IRS records. This is equally important if someone is helping you file your taxes. It is just as easy for a tax-preparer to transpose a number, so be sure to proofread the final product for those details before you send in any tax return.

Another common slowdown can happen when filers try to use their pay stubs to verify their income. TAS officials say it is much better to use a year-end income tax statement such as a W-2 or 1099. In addition, be sure to complete all the necessary worksheets and include all the attachments to back up any credits and deductions you are claiming. Missing information could trigger a review and require you to do significant follow up with the IRS.

Over the years, E-filing has become the most efficient way to file. But even people comfortable with this process sometimes rely too much on the technology and end up suffering through a delay. Mostly importantly, make sure you are using data from the correct tax year. If you’ve used the same software before, it will likely import the prior year’s data automatically. You will need to make sure the numbers are correct for tax year 2024.

Another unfortunately common problem occurs because of the rash of identity theft. If the IRS has issued you an Identity Protection PIN for this reason, be sure to use it. Identity theft victims may receive a new IP PIN each year from the IRS and your return won’t go smoothly without the proper one.

If you need help with this process, the IRS has interactive tools and links to the IRS Free File, IRS Direct File and organizations that help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at IRS.gov/help.