(Washington, DC) – With the individual income tax filing deadline less than 30 days away, Stephen M. Cordi, deputy chief financial officer for the District of Columbia Office of Tax and Revenue, encourages taxpayers to file their returns electronically for an accurate return and faster refund. Those who file electronically will get their refunds in a few days compared to weeks for individuals who file a paper return and have to be paid with a paper check. To date, nearly 90,000 returns have been filed electronically, an increase of 7.2 percent from last year.
“Electronic filing allows taxpayers to receive refunds more quickly,” said Cordi. “Taxpayers also have the option to electronically file form FR-127, the Extension of Time to File Income Tax Return, and pay any amount due.”
In addition, Cordi reminds taxpayers who are filing paper returns to pay attention to simple mistakes that can significantly slow down the processing of their return and the issuance of their refund. Below is a list of the top 10 most common errors made by taxpayers on their District tax returns:
10 Most Common Errors:
- Checking incorrect filing status;
- Missing dependent information;
- Missing Social Security numbers;
- Missing/incomplete schedules and withholding statements (W-2, 1099G);
- Not indicating bank account type or bank account routing number when requesting direct deposit;
- Personal check written amount is not the same as numeric amount;
- Social Security number on tax return not matching number on W-2;
- Unsigned personal checks;
- Unsigned tax returns; and
- Incorrect tax return sent to DC tax office (federal/other state tax returns are mailed to DC office, instead of the DC tax return).
Other Common Errors:
- Claiming 35 percent of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) instead of the 40 percent now allowed;
- Claiming Earned Income Tax Credit and the Low Income Credit (only ONE can be claimed);
- Improper date on personal checks (dated 2008 instead of 2009); and
- Part-year DC residents failing to indicate number of months lived in DC.
OTR customer service representatives are also available to assist taxpayers in preparing their individual income tax returns and to provide information about electronic filing 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday at OTR’s Walk-in Service Center, 941 North Capitol Street, NE, on the first floor, or by calling (202) 727-4TAX (4829).