Every tax season in Monroe and across Union County — from Indian Trail to Matthews, Waxhaw, and Wingate — people run into the same frustrations: last-minute filing, IRS letters marked “Error,” or delayed refunds over a single mistyped digit.

The good news? Almost all of these mistakes are completely avoidable if you know where people usually slip up.

Here are the 7 most common tax filing errors and how to make sure they don’t slow down your refund.

1. Incorrect Social Security Numbers

This is a classic mistake: an incorrect SSN for you, your spouse, or your child.

The IRS will not accept a return if the number doesn’t match their database — even a one-digit typo will stop everything.

How to avoid this:

Always check SSNs directly from the official Social Security cards.
Don’t rely on memory or last year’s copy.
If a child recently received an SSN, make sure it’s already active in the IRS system.

Example from practice:

A Monroe mother of three mistyped one digit from her youngest child’s SSN, her refund was delayed six weeks until the IRS verified the information.

Do: Double-check all numbers before submitting.

Don’t: Copy last year’s return “automatically.”

2. Name Mismatch With SSA Records

Many taxpayers don’t realize the IRS checks names, not just numbers.

If you changed your last name after marriage or divorce and didn’t update it with the Social Security Administration (SSA), the IRS may reject your return.

How to avoid this:

Make sure your first and last name match your SSN card exactly.
If you changed your name, update the SSA record before filing taxes.

Example:

Your W-2 says “Anna Petrova,” but your SSA record already shows “Anna Ivanova.”

The IRS cannot match your return and will send it back.

Do: Update your name with SSA ahead of time.

Don’t: Write the name you’re “used to” instead of the official one.

3. Wrong Filing Status

Your filing status determines your tax rate, refund amount, and which credits you can claim.

Choosing the wrong one can cost you money — and this happens a lot in Union County, especially for parents.

How to avoid this:

Your filing status is determined based on your situation on December 31.
Use the IRS Filing Status Calculator if you’re unsure.

Common mistake:

Filing as Single even though you support your child and qualify for Head of Household, which usually results in a larger refund.

Do: Confirm which status fits your situation.

Don’t: Choose “Single” just because it seems easier.

4. Missing Signature (Paper & Electronic Returns)

Every year, thousands of paper tax returns are rejected simply because…

the taxpayer forgot to sign.

Even e-filing in Union County requires a PIN or electronic signature.

How to avoid this:

For paper returns: sign every required page.
For e-filing: confirm your PIN or e-signature is properly submitted.

Example:

A family in Indian Trail mailed their return in March — but forgot the signature. The IRS sent it back, and by then the deadline had passed.

Do: Make signature checks part of your final review.

Don’t: Assume printing the form means it’s complete.

5. Calculation & Number Errors

It may be boring, but numbers are where most delays happen.

One wrong amount can freeze your refund for weeks.

This is especially common for taxpayers who fill out forms manually.

How to avoid this:

Use reliable tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, Cash App Taxes).
Double-check amounts from Forms W-2, 1099, and deductions.
Compare your totals with the previous year — if something looks unusually high or low, investigate.

Example:

You enter $2,000 in charitable donations, but your receipts show $1,750. The IRS will correct the numbers and reduce your refund.

Do: Use software with built-in error checks.

Don’t: Calculate by hand using a dollar-store calculator.

6. Missing Out on Tax Credits

This is one of the most painful mistakes — not claiming credits you qualify for.

People in Monroe and across Union County often miss the EITC, Child Tax Credit, or Education Credits simply because they don’t realize they’re eligible.

How to avoid this:

Use the IRS EITC eligibility tool — income limits change every year.
If you have kids, education expenses, or retirement contributions, there are likely credits available.

Example:

A single parent in Monroe earning $38,000 with two kids may qualify for up to $6,000 in EITC — but only if they claim it.

Do: Complete the IRS credit checklist.

Don’t: Assume “I probably don’t qualify.”

7. Filing Duplicate Returns

Sometimes a taxpayer submits a return, notices an error, and… submits a second one.

But the IRS sees this as two different returns and freezes both for review.

How to avoid this:

Wait for your IRS status to show “Accepted” before making corrections.
To fix mistakes, file Form 1040X (Amended Return) — not a brand-new return.

Example:

You forgot to include a 1099-NEC and decide to “just resend everything.”

The IRS receives two returns and your refund gets delayed two months.

Do: Use Form 1040X for corrections.

Don’t: Submit a “second attempt” return.