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Avoid These 9 Tax Filing Errors
There are people that stay organized all year long and file their taxes as early as humanly possible while others will wait till the very last minute. Some people tackle the task themselves while others hire out to relieve them of the stressor. Regardless of which side of the spectrum you are on, the deadline for filing your taxes is quickly approaching and everyone is susceptible to making one of these common mistakes. We would like to help you file successfully by not only making you aware of these mistakes but also by offering a digital download checklist for you to print and keep with you while you file.
According to the IRS, there are nine filing errors that most commonly cause a rejected status. Make sure you don’t become a statistic and be sure to double checking these nine things.
1. Incorrect or missing social security numbers
We don’t often use our social security numbers. They can easily be forgotten or transposed when typing quickly. Be sure to slow down and enter your number exactly as it appears on your social security card. Don’t forget to give it a second look just to be safe.
2. Dependent’s name(s) are incorrect or misspelled
It is easy to write the name you call your child all year long rather than their legal name. Be sure to write their name exactly as it appears on your dependent’s social security card.
3. Wrong filing status
There are five filing status: single, head of household, married filling jointly, married filling separately, and qualifying widow(er). Click here to see the full recently updated Publication 501 to determine which one best fits your unique needs.
4. The dreaded math errors
We have all done it at some point in life. Miss typed a number, calculated incorrectly, hit to many 0’s and suddenly, our numbers are all off and we don’t know where we went wrong. When it comes to taxes it is even more important to double check our work. If you are aware that you are not good with numbers perhaps it is one of those let the professionals handle the task or consider filing electronically to help reduce the error of mistakes. If you are looking for someone local Northwest Bookkeeping comes highly recommended!
5. Electronic filing PIN errors
With that said… keep in mind that when filing electronically you are required to select a Personal Identification Number. Make sure it is a number you will remember and keep it safe.
6. Incorrect Adjusted Gross Income
Additionally, something to keep in mind when filling electronically is that you might find yourself prompted to enter the adjusted gross income from the previous years tax return. Make sure you are entering not only the right year but also the right amount.
7. Wrong bank account numbers for direct deposit
Can you only imagine finally having everything done and not getting your direct deposit because you entered your bank account information incorrectly? Take the extra time to double check you have input your account number correctly.
8. Claiming the wrong tax credits or deductions
Read the instructions of the form carefully and fully to ensure you qualify for the credit or deduction you are claiming. Claiming the wrong ones can lead to a rejected status or worse.
9. Submitting without signatures
Did you know that if your file unsigned it is automatically invalid? Save yourself the trouble and double check that all signatures are completed.
We hope you have a smooth tax filing experience and if you have any questions when it comes to including a purchase or sale of real estate in your tax filing just give us a call! We would be delighted to help!
Best ways to increase curb appeal for under $100 this spring
Even in the hottest seller’s market Whidbey Island has ever seen, it’s obvious that curb appeal is still fetching top dollar. In fact, now more than ever a phenomenal home that is attractively presented is able to create such a stir that buyers are battling over who will get it. If you are selling soon don’t skimp on the power of curb appeal, the return on a small investment of time, elbow grease, and new plants will never be higher! We’ve prepared a list of 6 ways to increase your curb appeal and sell for top dollar. Don’t leave anything on the table in this market!
Perhaps you are not planning to sell… these tips will help you fall in love with your space that much more without breaking the bank. So, keep reading.
1. Mailliard’s Landing Nursery plants!
A manicured lawn, established trees, shrubs, and plants are all obvious ways to increase your home’s curb appeal but adding some seasonal flowers for a pop of color or replacing anything that’s looking a little scraggly and old is the all-important icing on the cake!
During the month of April, Windermere Whidbey Island partners with Mailliard’s Landing Nursery to offer you 20% off your purchase of plants when you present our Mailliard’s offer card. Don’t have this card but want one? Email us your address and let us know you want the Mailliards card and we will pop it in the mail for you. Eager to get it sooner? Just stop by our office and pick one up.
*Expert-tip: start small with a few fast-growing trees like these top picks!
Crape Myrtle
Emerald Green Arborvitae
Prairie Crabapple
Dawn Redwood
Paper Birch
Sargent Cherry
Leyland Cypress
In addition to being fast-growing these trees need little maintenance, just water them regularly and fertilize them in the spring and fall. Doing so will not only increase your home’s curb appeal but will also, increase your property value, reduce your utility bill, improve air quality, and even reduce your stress.
2. Paint the front door!
Give your entrance a huge boost with a fresh new look. A gallon of exterior paint costs roughly $35 – $50 dollars and is an instant way to make your home stand out! It is ok to go bold here just be careful to make sure it accentuates the rest of your home.
Before you start, ensure that the door is properly prepped for painting to get the best results that will last for years to come.
We love before and after pics of front door refreshes! When you’re finished post a pic to your social and tag us so we can see what you’ve done!
Instagram: @windermere_whidbey_island
Facebook: @WindermereWhidbeyIsland
3. Pressure wash!
Cleaning out not just the front entrance but a quick wash for the entire house to make it look fresh and well cared for. This includes your driveway, walkways, fences, gutters, siding, garage doors, and patio furniture. Living in the Pacific Northwest means mold, moss, and just general organic growth can cover most surfaces. What may be almost imperceptible to the naked eye will still look freshened up with a good scrub. If you don’t have a pressure washer you can rent one here. Don’t forget to always start on the lowest pressure to prevent damage to your surfaces. *Pro-tip: move from top to bottom and out towards the street.
4. Define your yard’s entry.
If your walkway starts at the street, make it a grand entrance to make your guests feel welcomed and invited. A good way to create this feeling is by decorating your entrance with planters, a fence, pavers, gravel, or solar path lighting. Remember to request your 20% off at Mailliard’s Landing Nursery card so you can get plants to fill the planter boxes.
5. Replace your mailbox
If your mailbox is old, dented, or rusty and a little cleaning doesn’t do the trick, purchase a new one some of them are as little as $20! If you are moving the placement, make sure you are following regulations. You can find them here at the United States Post Office website.
6. Clean or update your house numbers and lighting
Do something chic with your house number. Make sure the numbers are visible from the street and that they add to the appeal of your home. Get creative, put them on planters by your new grand entrance or add a succulent planter box at your front door and display your number across the front. Let your creativity flow. Post a picture to your social when you are done and tag us in it. We would love to see your finished product!
Instagram: @windermere_whidbey_island
Facebook: @WindermereWhidbeyIsland
If you are considering buying or selling and would like to dive deeper into this subject we would be happy to schedule a consult with you at your home to show you even more low-cost tricks and tips for maximizing your sale price! Call us today at 360.675.5953.
Coupeville Waterfront
Long before European Explorers discovered Whidbey Island, Penn Cove hosted one of the largest native populations in the region. The Coast Salish People used the well-protected cove with easy access to the rest of Puget Sound for ample trading opportunities while the nearby prairie produced bountiful crops. As settlers came, Coupeville remained the central trading location on the island and by 1881 was the Island County government seat. The town prospered due to shipping fish, produce, lumber, and timber to the mainland via the Coupeville Wharf. Unlike many other historical towns, Coupeville’s historic waterfront buildings remain remarkably intact.
Check out the rest of Whidbey’s beautiful destinations from this series here.
