It’s tax time! The IRS started accepting individual returns for processing on Jan. 31 — later than usual, but better late than never.

Last year, the IRS issued a useful list of the eight most common filing errors made by individual taxpayers. Many of the mistakes people make are incredibly easy to avoid — it just takes a little care and attention.

If the IRS owes you a refund, it could be delayed if your return contains an error like one of these:

1. Wrong or missing Social Security numbers: Your refund could be delayed simply because you made a mistake listing your Social Security number. The number on your return must match the number on your Social Security cards.

2. Names wrong or misspelled: You’ve got to spell your own name right, or the IRS will get confused. Again, your name on your return should match the name on your Social Security card.

If you’ve changed your name since you filed your last return, you need to notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) and obtain a new Social Security card before you file your taxes. The SSA will issue a new Social Security card with your new name, but will keep your old Social Security number. This way, the name on your tax return will match Social Security records.

– See more at: http://www.inman.com/2014/02/03/the-8-most-common-tax-filing-errors-and-how-to-avoid-them/?utm_source=20140203&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=dailyheadlinespm#sthash.LpVsBQUg.dpuf