Common Tax Season Mistakes—and How to Avoid Them
Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful, but each year we see a handful of common missteps that can lead to delays, confusion, or unexpected outcomes. The good news? Most are easy to avoid with a bit of preparation and awareness.
Here are some of the most common tax season mistakes—and how to steer clear of them.
1. Forgetting Income Documents
Missing income is one of the most frequent issues we encounter. This can include W-2s, 1099s, retirement income, or investment activity. Because these forms often arrive at different times, it’s easy to overlook something.
Providing complete and accurate information upfront helps reduce delays and ensures your return reflects your full financial picture.
Tip: If you had income from a new source last year, be sure you’re watching for the related tax form.
2. Assuming Last Year Will Be the Same as This Year
Even when life feels steady, taxes can change. Job transitions, retirement, investment activity, business income, or family changes can all affect your return.
Small changes can have meaningful tax implications, and assumptions based on prior years don’t always hold.
Tip: If anything changed during the year—even if it seems minor—it’s worth mentioning.
3. Overlooking Estimated Payments or Withholding
Unexpected balances often occur when income increases or withholding doesn’t keep pace. This is especially common for self-employed individuals, business owners, retirees, and those with investment income.
Addressing potential underpayment concerns early allows time to explore options and avoid last-minute surprises.
Tip: If you owed last year or your income shifted, it may be time to review whether your payments or withholding are still aligned with your income.
4. Missing State or Local Tax Obligations
State and local taxes can be easy to overlook, particularly if you moved, worked remotely, earned income in multiple states, or own a business or rental property. These situations can be more complex than they appear at first glance.
Tip: Be sure to mention any moves, remote work, or out-of-state income—even if it was temporary.
5. Waiting Too Long to Address IRS or State Notices
Tax notices can feel intimidating, but they don’t resolve themselves. Waiting too long can sometimes make them more difficult to address.
Notices often require careful review, timely responses, and clear communication. Having the appropriate professional support in place can make a meaningful difference in ensuring they’re handled properly.
Tip: If you receive a notice and aren’t sure how to respond, reaching out sooner rather than later can help ensure it’s addressed correctly.
6. Rushing the Process
It’s natural to want your return completed quickly, especially during a busy tax season. However, rushing can increase the likelihood of missing information or overlooking important details.
A well-prepared return takes time to ensure all information is entered accurately and that the completed return is reviewed and approved by a CPA before delivery. While many standard returns can be completed within a typical timeframe, more complex situations may require additional review.
Tip: Allowing adequate time helps ensure your return is prepared carefully, reviewed thoroughly, and delivered with confidence.
A Final Thought
Tax season doesn’t require perfection—just preparation. Sharing complete information, communicating changes, and allowing time for proper review all contribute to a smoother experience.
When in doubt, it’s always better to ask than assume.
We’re Here to Help
At Carlson Hearne CPA, we believe thoughtful planning and ongoing support are just as important as accurate tax preparation. Questions don’t always fit neatly into tax season, and proactive conversations throughout the year can often lead to better outcomes.
If you’d like support beyond filing season, our team is here to help. Call us at (307) 745-8134 or contact us anytime.