Attention Loma Linda, The Tax Deadline Approaches

It’s tax time Loma Linda.

The deadline this year is April 18 because of Emancipation Day, a holiday observed in the District of Columbia, according to a news release by the IRS falls this year on Friday, April 15. By law, District of Columbia holidays impact tax deadlines in the same way that federal holidays do

Most of our 20,000 residents will be launching computer tax programs, opening tax website or (gasp) grabbing a pencil and printed forms.

No matter how you intend to file, the Internal Revenue Service provides tips to Loma Linda and Redlands residents (and everyone else of course) avoid mistakes that will affect the processing of your return.

The following are nine common errors the IRS cautions against.

Incorrect or missing Social Security Numbers. While most are familiar with the SSN, mistakes still happen. Be sure to enter them exactly as they appear on the Social Security cards. Check your card if you have to.

Incorrect or misspelling of dependent’s last name.  Do you have a loved one who occasionally goes by a different last name? The only one you should be entering into a tax form is the one that appears on their Social Security card.

Filing status errors. Check the proper filing status. There are five filing statuses: single, married and filing jointly, married and filing separately, head of household, and qualifying widow or widower with dependent child. IRS agents suggest filers check publication 501, exemptions, standard deduction and filing information to determine the filing status that best fits your needs.

Math errors. Trying to figure out the maze of codes and law changes could rattle the best mathematician sometimes. So officials advise filers review all math for accuracy. If you have any troubles keeping things straight, IRS officials suggests you file electronically and let the software do the math.

Computation errors. Be careful when determining taxable income, withholding and estimated tax payments, earned income tax credit, standard deduction for age 65 or over or blind, the taxable amount of Social Security benefits and the child and dependent care credit.

Incorrect bank account numbers for direct deposit. If you’re getting a refund and request direct deposit, review your bank’s routing and your account numbers.

Forgetting to sign and date the return. An unsigned tax return is like an unsigned check, it is invalid, IRS officials said. On joint returns both taxpayers must sign the return.

Incorrect Adjusted Gross Income information. Taxpayers filing a return electronically must sign electronically by using a personal identification number. To verify their identity, taxpayers will be prompted to enter their adjusted gross income filed in either their 2009 federal income tax return or their prior year PIN if they used one to file electronically last year. Do not use an AGI amount from an amended return, form 1040X, or a math error correction made by IRS, officials said.

Claiming the Making Work Pay Tax Credit. Taxpayers who file Form 1040 or 1040A will use Schedule M to figure the making work pay tax credit. Completing schedule M will help taxpayers determine if they have already received the full credit in their paycheck or are due more money as a result of the credit. Taxpayers who file Form 1040-EZ should use the worksheet for line eight on the back of the 1040-EZ to figure their Making Work Pay Credit.

If you prefer to go with a tax preparation firm here’s a list of a few in our area:

H&R Block

Loma Linda Plaza, 25560 Barton Road. (909) 799-5102

Pavilions Shopping Center, 2094 W Redlands Boulevard Suite E. (909) 793-1680

101 Inland Center, San Bernardino, inside Sears. (909) 885-2825

Courtyard Shopping Center, 1220 E Washington A14-A16, Colton, Spanish Language Available. (909) 777-3101

Liberty Tax

300 E. Washington St. Suite D2, Colton. (909) 433-9500

829 W. Valley Blvd., Colton (909) 370-1900

1549 W. Redlands Blvd., Redlands. (909) 748-6888

755 Orange St., Redlands, (909) 792-3025

Jackson Hewitt

2050 W. Redlands Blvd, Redlands inside WalMart. (951) 354-5221

164 Carousel Mall, San Bernardino inside the mall, suite 164. (909) 889-6340