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IDOR News & Updates - March 11, 2025 |
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Common Errors to Avoid When Preparing Tax Returns
Prevent these common mistakes that may cause delays, rejections, or penalties.
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Common Filing Errors to Avoid
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Incorrect Personal Information - Double-check names, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth to ensure they match the information on file with the Social Security Administration.
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Failure to Report All Income - Taxpayers are required to report all sources of income including wages, dividends, freelance work, and investment earnings, lottery and gambling winnings. Underreporting income can result in penalties and interest charges.
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Incorrect Filing Status - Wrong filing status can have significant consequences on tax liability and refunds.
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Mathematical Errors - Tax returns that include basic math errors, especially in calculations of credits, deductions, or taxable income, are flagged, resulting in delays.
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Missing Deductions or Credits - Taxpayers may be eligible for various tax deductions and credits. Failure to claim these credits or deductions can have taxpayers paying more tax than they really need to.
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Not Signing or Dating Returns - Unsigned or undated tax returns are considered incomplete.
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Filing Paper Returns Too Late - Paper returns take longer to complete and process, and delays can result in missing the filing deadline. IDOR recommends filing electronically for faster processing.
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Incorrect or Missing Tax Preparer Information - Taxpayers using a tax preparer need to make sure their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and contact information is correctly listed on returns.
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Missing or Incorrect Bank Account Information - Taxpayers expecting refunds should choose direct deposit to their bank accounts to get refunds promptly. They should verify their account and routing numbers and ensure the correct information is entered on their returns.
There's a Better Way to File Your Taxes!
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IRS Direct File is now available in Illinois.
Eligible Illinois taxpayers can file their 2024 federal returns directly with the IRS.
Federal return information can then be transferred into MyTax Illinois, to free file Illinois individual income taxes.
Taxpayers can also free file their Illinois returns separately through MyTax Illinois.
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IDOR Taxpayer Assistance
- Individuals with tax questions should contact IDOR’s Taxpayer Assistance Division at 1-800-732-8866 or by email address. Over-the-phone translation services are available. Our TTY number is 1-800-544-5304.
- Taxpayers may also visit any of IDOR’s offices located in Chicago, Des Plaines, Fairview Heights, Marion, Rockford, and Springfield to receive assistance. Staff at these locations can help with any Illinois state income tax filing inquiries and are available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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For the most up-to-date information, printable forms, schedules, and instructions for the 2024 tax year, please visit IDOR’s website at: tax.illinois.gov. |
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