The tax mistakes you cannot afford to make

Check and double check for any credits you're due.  

 

CPA Jearl Meeks says, "Tax credits are a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of tax that you pay. "

 

You may qualify if you made payments on federal student loans, made home improvements, bought an electric or hybrid vehicle or purchased private mortgage insurance when you bought your house last year.

 

The IRS reports many people get to the very end and make a simple mistake that's nearly fatal to your return:  Either forgetting to sign the return or not putting a stamp on the envelope if you file on paper.

 

Meeks says, "It can postpone your filing and cause you some headaches with the IRS."

 

You can do away with the need for postage by using e-file on IRS.gov.

 

Many people also qualify to use the  Free File system.
 

Also be sure to claim a deduction if you donated a vehicle to charity last year.

 

For more tax tips, visit http://bit.ly/tax2013 or open the Helpful Tax Information section on your mobile app.