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How to Double-Check and Review Completed IRS Tax Returns for Errors in 2025

Ashwani Shoda
By Ashwani Shoda
Published on 20 Aug 2025 Updated on 2 Sep 2025 21 min read Updated on 2 Sep 2025

Approved by Tax Professional

In 2025, tax software may autofill your return, but it won’t catch every mistake. 

A typo in your Social Security Number, a missing form, or an overlooked deduction could result in a refund delay or a surprise IRS letter months later. 

And if you think the IRS will overlook small errors, think again. They will flag your return or reject it altogether.

If you’ve ever stared at your completed return and wondered, “Did I miss something?” You’re not alone.

That’s why taking time to review your completed IRS tax return is one of the smartest steps you can take before filing. 

Even if you used software, a final pass with human eyes can catch the most common and costly mistakes.

And if at any point you’d rather let a pro handle it? doola’s Tax Filing service is built to make that stress disappear.

Let’s decode how to double-check and review completed IRS tax returns line by line and form by form, so you can file with confidence, avoid delays, and minimize the risk of costly errors. 

Why Reviewing Your Tax Return Matters in 2025

Filing your tax return isn’t just about getting it done. It’s about getting it right. A single unchecked error can derail your refund, trigger IRS scrutiny, or force you to amend your return later. 

The Real Cost of Errors

Think a small mistake won’t matter? Think again.

A $500 math error might seem minor until it triggers an audit that uncovers additional discrepancies. 

Suddenly, you’re facing a $1,000+ penalty, interest fees, and weeks of back-and-forth with the IRS.

Here’s what else can happen if you don’t catch mistakes:

  • Delayed refunds: Just one incorrect digit in your bank info or SSN can push your refund back by months.
  • IRS notices and audits: Mistakes like incorrect income reporting or misclaimed credits can flag your return.
  • Fines and penalties: Errors on business returns, especially Schedule C or 1120s, can lead to hundreds in fees, sometimes up to $500/day if left unresolved.

Why Software Isn’t Infallible

Even the best tax software has limits. It only works with the data you provide.

Enter a number in the wrong field or choose the wrong deduction type, and the software won’t stop you.

AI-powered tools can also misinterpret context. For example:

  • An uploaded Uber 1099 could be mislabeled as personal income instead of self-employment.
  • A crypto sale might not get reported correctly if your platform’s tax summary isn’t imported.

2025 Update Watchlist

These recent changes mean extra attention is needed this year:

Change What’s New in 2025
Standard Deduction Increased to $15,750 for single filers 
Child Tax Credit Expanded refundability and adjusted income phaseouts
Crypto Reporting Stricter 1099-DA rules for exchanges and wallets
Gig Economy Enforcement Platforms like DoorDash, Etsy, and Uber must issue 1099-Ks for $600+ earnings

💡 doola’s Pro Tip: Don’t rely on old rules. Use this year’s IRS documentation or a professional to verify thresholds and eligibility.

Who’s Most at Risk for Filing Errors?

Some filers face more complexity than others. If you fall into one of these categories, a careful review is super important:

  • Gig workers & freelancers: Juggling multiple 1099s from different platforms (Etsy, Upwork, DoorDash) increases the risk of missing income or misreporting deductions.
  • Crypto traders: New regulations in 2025 mean stricter income matching and required disclosures. Forgetting a wallet or misreporting a token sale? That could flag your return.
  • Expats & non-resident founders: International income, U.S. reporting rules, and currency conversion make reviews non-negotiable.
  • Small business owners: From Schedule C to business expenses, complexity breeds error. A minor misclassification could change your tax liability by thousands.

If you recognize yourself in one of these groups, don’t treat your return like a checkbox task. A detailed review is your safety net.

Step-by-Step: How to Review Your Tax Return for Errors Before Filing

Think your tax software has everything handled? Maybe. But the truth is, even the best tools can’t guarantee accuracy if something was entered wrong in the first place. 

That’s why manually reviewing your return, before you file, is a step you can’t afford to skip.

Step 1: Print or Open Your Completed Return and Source Documents Side by Side

Start by laying everything out. Either print your full tax return or have it open on one side of your screen, with all your original documents (W-2s, 1099s, receipts, etc.) on the other. 

Having both sets visible makes it much easier to catch mismatches and ensure nothing is overlooked. This is your foundation, so don’t skip it.

Step 2: Verify Personal Information

Before diving into numbers, double-check your basics:

  • Name: Must match your government ID exactly. No abbreviations, no typos.
  • Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN: Even one digit off can lead to a rejected return.
  • Filing Status: Make sure it’s appropriate for your current situation, Single, Head of Household, Married Filing Jointly, etc.

These small details carry weight. A mismatch here can derail your entire return.

Step 3: Match Income Totals to W-2s and 1099s

Now, go line by line comparing what your return says you earned with the income shown on official forms:

  • W-2s from full-time or part-time jobs
  • 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC from freelance or contract gigs
  • 1099-K from platforms like PayPal or Stripe
  • 1099-B from investment or crypto transactions

If the IRS has a copy of it, it needs to be reflected in your return. Even if the amount is small, leaving it off can trigger an automated notice.

Step 4: Validate Deductions and Credits

Credits and deductions are great, but only if you’re eligible. Here’s how to make sure you’re claiming them correctly:

  • Compare standard deduction vs. itemized deduction. Choose the one that saves you the most.
  • Double-check eligibility for credits like the Child Tax Credit, Education Credits, or Earned Income Credit.
  • Make sure you have documentation to support every deduction, like receipts, invoices, or statements.

Overclaiming, even by mistake, is one of the fastest ways to land on the IRS’s radar.

Step 5: Review Banking and Signature Details

This step is easy to overlook, but it’s critical:

  • Direct deposit info: One wrong digit in your routing or account number can delay your refund for weeks, or send it to someone else.
  • Signature: For paper filings, unsigned returns are considered unfiled. For e-filers, make sure you complete the e-signature or PIN process.

Treat this like sending money to yourself, so triple-check everything.

Step 6: Confirm All Required Schedules and Attachments Are Included

Every additional form you receive likely means an additional schedule in your return. Look for:

  • Schedule C if you’re self-employed
  • Schedule D if you sold stock or crypto
  • Schedule SE for self-employment taxes
  • Any 1099 attachments you received

If the IRS received a form and you didn’t include it, your return may get flagged automatically.

Step 7: Run a Final Error Check Using Software (But Don’t Rely on It Alone)

Most tax software will run a quick error check before submission. Use it, but don’t trust it blindly. 

These tools can catch blank fields or math errors, but they won’t know if you entered the wrong amount or chose an incorrect deduction category.

Think of this as spellcheck, not a final edit.

Step 8: Re-Read the Full Return for Logic and Red Flags

Step back and look at your return holistically. Does the math make sense? Are there strange round numbers? Do the totals align with what you remember earning and spending?

Some things to look for:

  • Major income swings from last year
  • Unusually high deductions
  • Refund amounts that seem too large (or too small)

If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

Step 9: Save a Backup and File

Once you’re confident everything’s in order, create a digital folder to store:

  • A PDF of your completed return
  • Copies of your W-2s, 1099s, and other key forms
  • Confirmation of e-filing or certified mail receipts

This not only protects you in case of audits but also makes next year’s filing much smoother.

Bonus Step: Consider a Final Review from a Pro

Even if you did everything right, a tax professional may spot something you missed or something you didn’t even know to look for. 

If you want peace of mind, consider using a service like doola’s Tax Filing for expert review and filing support.

Key Sections to Double-Check on Your IRS Tax Return

Even if your tax return looks complete at first glance, it’s easy to overlook small but critical mistakes hidden within individual sections. 

To help you avoid these pitfalls, here’s a detailed breakdown of the sections most prone to errors, and exactly how to review them.

1. Personal Information

Estimated Time to Review: 2 minutes

What this section is:

This includes your full legal name, Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), filing status, and dependent information.

What common mistakes happen here:

  • Name mismatches after a legal name change (e.g., marriage or divorce)
  • Typo in your SSN or ITIN
  • Incorrect filing status (e.g., selecting Single instead of Head of Household)
  • Dependents listed without SSNs or with incorrect relationship codes

🔍 How to verify accuracy:

Pull out your Social Security card and government ID to confirm exact spelling and numbers. Check for consistency with any name changes on your legal documents. 

If you claimed dependents, ensure their SSNs are correct and that they haven’t been claimed elsewhere.

💡 doola’s Pro Tip: Use your Social Security card, not memory, to verify your SSN digit-by-digit.

2. Income Reporting

Estimated Time to Review: 5–7 minutes

What this section is:

This section summarizes your total income from wages, freelance gigs, investments, and other sources. It pulls in amounts from W-2s, 1099s (NEC, MISC, K, B), and sometimes K-1s for business partnerships.

What common mistakes happen here:

  • Forgetting to report freelance income from platforms like Upwork or Fiverr
  • Missing 1099-Ks from payment processors like PayPal, Stripe, or Venmo
  • Misreporting investment gains from crypto or stock trades
  • Underreporting partnership income listed on a Schedule K-1

🔍 How to verify accuracy:

Make a simple checklist of every income source and platform you used in the tax year. Then cross-verify that every corresponding form is reflected on your return.

💡 doola’s Pro Tip: If you receive a 1099, even for a small amount, it must be reported. The IRS gets a copy, too.

3. Deductions and Credits

Estimated Time to Review: 6–8 minutes

What this section is:

This covers all your tax-saving opportunities, including the standard deduction, itemized deductions (like mortgage interest or charitable donations), and credits like the Child Tax Credit or education credits.

What common mistakes happen here:

  • Claiming both the standard deduction and itemized deductions (you can’t do both)
  • Forgetting education credits (like Lifetime Learning Credit)
  • Claiming ineligible dependents for the Child Tax Credit
  • Using outdated deduction limits or misclassifying expenses

🔍 How to verify accuracy:

Compare your total deductions to the IRS thresholds for 2025. If you itemize, ensure you have documents like donation receipts, medical bills, or 1098 mortgage statements. 

Run the numbers both ways (standard vs. itemized) to choose the most beneficial option.

💡 doola’s Pro Tip: Over-claiming the Child Tax Credit is a top audit trigger, so double-check eligibility and limits.

4. Direct Deposit Info

Estimated Time to Review: 1 minute

What this section is:

This is where your refund will go, or not, depending on the accuracy of your bank account information.

What common mistakes happen here:

  • Swapping routing and account numbers
  • Entering the wrong bank entirely
  • Using a closed or inactive account

🔍 How to verify accuracy:

Copy and paste your routing and account numbers directly from your online banking dashboard, or use a voided check. 

Be especially cautious if you’re filing on behalf of a business, and use the right business bank account.

💡 doola’s Pro Tip: Be thorough since even one wrong digit can delay your refund for months or cause it to be sent to the wrong person.

5. Signatures and Filing Date

Estimated Time to Review: 1 minute

What this section is:

Your signature confirms your return is valid and that you take responsibility for the information reported.

What common mistakes happen here:

  • Forgetting to sign a paper return
  • Missing spouse’s signature on a joint return
  • Overlooking the final submission, click or e-signature in e-filing platforms
  • Filing after the IRS deadline

🔍 How to verify accuracy:

If filing by mail, confirm both parties (if applicable) have signed and dated the return. For e-filing, ensure you received a final confirmation email or notice of successful submission.

Reminder: An unsigned return is considered unfiled by the IRS, even if everything else is perfect.

6. Attachments & Schedules

Estimated Time to Review: 4–6 minutes

What this section is:

Attachments and schedules provide the backup and detailed math behind your return. They’re required for various types of income, expenses, and deductions.

What common mistakes happen here:

  • Forgetting to include a Schedule C for self-employment income
  • Omitting Schedule SE for self-employment tax
  • Failing to attach 1099s, K-1s, or crypto gain/loss reports
  • Leaving out worksheets that support credits or deductions (e.g., Child Tax Credit worksheet)

🔍 How to verify accuracy:

Go through every form you received by mail or email. If the IRS sent it to you, it likely needs to be mentioned or attached. 

Use your tax software’s attachment checklist or the IRS instructions to confirm what’s required.

💡 doola’s Pro Tip: If you got a form in the mail or your inbox, there’s a good chance the IRS did too, and they’ll expect to see it referenced.

Common IRS Tax Return Errors to Avoid in 2025

Even minor errors on your tax return can result in delayed refunds, rejected filings, or, in worst-case scenarios, an IRS audit. 

That’s why it pays to know the most common mistakes taxpayers make and how to steer clear of them.

Let’s break down each error into simple terms so you can catch them before the IRS does.

Mistake Why It Happens Fix Risk Level
Typo in SSN or EIN Manual entry errors, outdated info Match against official documents (SSN card, EIN letter) 🔴 High
Mismatched AGI Forgetting last year’s Adjusted Gross Income Cross-check with your 2024 return 🟠 Medium
Missed reporting of crypto gains Assuming wallets/exchanges don’t report to the IRS Report all taxable crypto activity 🔴 High
Filing the wrong status Misunderstanding eligibility rules Use a filing status eligibility chart (see below) 🟠 Medium
Duplicate filing Spouses file separately without coordination Confirm with your partner before filing 🟡 Low
Incorrect bank info Transposed digits or wrong account type selected Copy-paste from online banking, and confirm with the bank 🔴 High
Forgetting a signature Skipping final step (paper or e-file) Double-check for confirmation email or signature field 🟠 Medium
Missing required schedules Didn’t attach Schedule C, SE, or 1099s Review the tax software checklist and match it to your forms 🔴 High

Filing Status Cheat Sheet: What Should You Choose?

Choosing the wrong filing status is a common misstep that can affect your standard deduction and eligibility for credits. Here’s a quick reference:

Filing Status You Should Choose This If…
Single You’re unmarried and not responsible for anyone else
Head of Household You’re unmarried and pay over half the costs of keeping up a home for a dependent
Married Filing Jointly You’re married, and both you and your spouse agree to file together
Married Filing Separately You’re married but want to file separately, usually for liability or deduction reasons
Qualifying Widow(er) Your spouse died in the last 2 years, and you have a dependent child

Still unsure? Use the IRS interactive tool to confirm your status.

doola’s Pro Tip: How to Spot an IRS CP2000 Notice Before It Arrives

An IRS CP2000 notice is issued when there’s a mismatch between what you reported and what the IRS received from third parties (like employers or exchanges).

Warning signs:

  • You didn’t report a 1099 from a freelance client
  • You forgot crypto gains from platforms like Coinbase or Binance
  • A dividend or interest form (1099-INT or 1099-DIV) was left off

So, to prevent it, keep a folder of every income form you receive and compare it line-by-line with your return before submitting. If the IRS has it, you need to report it even if you didn’t earn much.

How to Cross-Verify Your Tax Return With Source Documents

Even if you’re using tax software or AI-powered tools to file your return, the final responsibility is still yours.

Think of it like proofreading a contract, you don’t want to assume the software caught everything.

This step matters because many common errors stem from:

  • Transposing numbers
  • Missing forms entirely
  • Mismatched totals between what you were paid and what you reported

That’s why double-checking the source ensures your return reflects reality, not just what the software interpreted.

Set yourself up for success with a side-by-side review:

  • On one screen (or one side of your desk), open your completed IRS tax return (Form 1040 and all schedules).
  • On the other, gather your W-2s, 1099s, broker statements, receipts, and other source documents.
  • Go line by line. Yes, it takes time; but far less time than dealing with an IRS correction letter

Sample Tax Document Review Checklist

1. W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement)

How to double-check and review completed IRS tax returns for errors in 2025: W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement)

Estimated Time to Review: 2–3 minutes

Purpose: Reports wages and withholdings from employers.

What to look for:

  • Form W-2 Box 1 (Wages) should match your wages on Form 1040 (wages line).
  • Box 2 (Federal tax withheld) should match the withholding reported on your return.
  • State/local withholdings (Boxes 15–17) align with state returns.

What to avoid: Name/SSN mismatches (after marriage/divorce), or missing second/seasonal W-2s. If a W-2 exists, the IRS has it too.

2. 1099 Forms (Freelance, Platforms, Payments)

Estimated Time to Review: 5–7 minutes

Purpose: Capture non-wage income from clients, platforms, and processors.

What to look for:

  • 1099-NEC Box 1 (nonemployee compensation) ties to Schedule C, Line 1 (Gross receipts)
How to double-check and review completed IRS tax returns for errors in 2025: 1099-NEC Box 1 (nonemployee compensation) ties to Schedule C, Line 1 (Gross receipts). 
  • 1099-MISC (rents, prizes, royalties) flows to the appropriate lines (often Schedule 1 or Schedule C/E).
How to double-check and review completed IRS tax returns for errors in 2025: 1099-MISC (rents, prizes, royalties) flows to the appropriate lines (often Schedule 1 or Schedule C/E).
  • 1099-K (payment processors like PayPal/Stripe/Etsy/Amazon) reflects gross receipts. Download tax summaries from Stripe, PayPal, or gig apps like Uber, DoorDash, etc., and ensure income matches reported totals.
How to double-check and review completed IRS tax returns for errors in 2025: 1099-K (payment processors like PayPal/Stripe/Etsy/Amazon) reflects gross receipts. Download tax summaries from Stripe, PayPal, or gig apps like Uber, DoorDash, etc., and ensure income matches reported totals.
  • Include interest/dividends if issued as standalone 1099-INT/1099-DIV (when not in a consolidated broker statement).

What to avoid:

  • Missing small 1099s from a one-off client.
  • Treating 1099-K gross as net income (remember to deduct fees/returns in expenses).

3. Broker/Exchange Statements (Investments & Crypto)

How to double-check and review completed IRS tax returns for errors in 2025: Broker/Exchange Statements (Investments & Crypto)

Estimated Time to Review: 6–8 minutes

Purpose: Report capital gains/losses, interest, and dividends from brokers and exchanges. Match capital gains/losses and all taxable events from wallets and exchanges.

What to look for:

  • Consolidated 1099 totals for 1099-B (sales), 1099-DIV (dividends), 1099-INT (interest) flow to Form 8949/Schedule D and Schedule B (if required).
  • Proceeds and basis on 1099-B match Form 8949 (watch wash sales and basis adjustments).
  • Crypto exchanges: export complete gain/loss reports and ensure every sale/disposal appears on Form 8949.

What to avoid:

  • Omitting a small brokerage/exchange account.
  • Ignoring basis adjustments (which can inflate gains).
  • Reporting only “net” crypto summaries without supporting 8949 detail.

4. Donation Receipts (Charitable Contributions)

Estimated Time to Review: 3–4 minutes

Purpose: Substantiate itemized deductions for charitable giving. Confirm donations went to IRS-qualified charities; match dollar amounts.

What to look for:

  • Gifts to IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) organizations only.
  • Cash gifts ≥ $250 require a contemporaneous written acknowledgment (no goods/services provided).
  • Non-cash > $500 requires Form 8283; consider appraisal rules for larger amounts.

What to avoid:

  • Counting non-qualified donations (e.g., crowdfunding without charity status).
  • Double-counting payroll-deducted donations already reflected on W-2.

5. Medical and Childcare Receipts

How to double-check and review completed IRS tax returns for errors in 2025: Medical and Childcare Receipts

Estimated Time to Review: 4–6 minutes

Purpose: Support medical deductions and the Child and Dependent Care Credit. Compare with IRS limits for deduction eligibility.

What to look for:

  • Medical: Only unreimbursed costs above 7.5% of AGI are deductible (Schedule A).
  • Child/Dependent Care: Ensure provider name, address, and EIN/SSN are complete on Form 2441; match totals to receipts and flex accounts.

What to avoid:

  • Double-counting amounts paid with HSA/FSA funds.
  • Using ineligible providers or a missing provider EIN can deny the credit.

Even if you used tax software that imported your documents automatically or extracted them from a platform, don’t assume it’s flawless. 

Imported data can miscategorize, omit, or round off incorrectly. Always confirm line-by-line using your actual docs.

For example, your W-2 box 1 should exactly match the wages reported on Form 1040, Line 1.

Likewise, if you received a 1099-NEC for $6,500 from a freelance client, that income should be reflected on Schedule C.

You’ll want to manually review gains, losses, and taxable events and confirm these match the amounts filed on Form 8949 or Schedule D.

Taking the extra 30 minutes to do this manual comparison can help avoid days, or even months, of back-and-forth with the IRS later.

Expert Review Tips: What Tax Pros Look for That You Might Miss

You’ve checked the spelling, matched the numbers, and confirmed your documents, but that doesn’t mean your return is error-free. 

That’s why tax professionals are trained to spot deeper issues that the average filer or even most software platforms might overlook.

Here’s what they’re scanning for behind the scenes:

Logical Math Gaps

What it means: If your return shows $30,000 in total income but $35,000 in deductions, that’s a red flag.

Why it matters: The IRS may flag inconsistencies that don’t make sense without supporting documentation.

💡 Pro tip: A deduction should never exceed your total income unless you’ve had a significant loss, and if so, back it up with clear records or business statements.

Conflicting Deductions

What it means: You claim a home office deduction but also list all your income as W-2 from a full-time employer.

Why it matters: Certain deductions are only valid for self-employed or 1099 income. Mixing these up could trigger IRS scrutiny or disqualification.

💡 Pro tip: If you’re a W-2 employee who works remotely, you typically can’t claim a home office deduction—no matter how much you use that spare bedroom.

Unusual Patterns

What it means: You earn $25,000 but claim $15,000 in charitable donations.

Why it matters: Large donations relative to income can seem suspicious, even if they’re legitimate. The IRS uses algorithms to flag statistically rare filing patterns.

💡 Pro tip: If you’re giving generously, make sure your donation receipts are itemized, dated, and from IRS-qualified organizations.

Entity-Specific Mistakes

What it means: If you run an S-corp and mark distributions as salary—or vice versa—you might misreport your tax liability.

Why it matters: Misclassifying business distributions can result in inaccurate tax calculations, IRS penalties, or reclassification of income.

💡 Pro tip: S-corp owners must take a “reasonable salary” before issuing shareholder distributions. If you’re unsure what qualifies, consult a professional.

High-Risk Line Items

What it means: Certain expenses and categories are more likely to draw attention. These include:

  • Excessive business meals
  • Overstated vehicle expenses
  • 100% business use of a home or phone line
  • Large Schedule C losses year after year

Why it matters: These deductions aren’t illegal, but they often require detailed documentation to defend in an audit.

💡 Pro tip: Be ready to explain the “why” behind each line item. If it feels like it might need a story, it’s probably one the IRS would want to hear too.

When and How to Fix an Error: Amending Your Return (Form 1040-X)

Even after filing your tax return, mistakes can surface, like you forgot to report a freelance 1099, claimed the wrong status, or omitted a deduction. 

The good news? The IRS allows you to fix it through an amended return using Form 1040-X.

But not every error requires action. Let’s walk through when (and how) to amend a return without making things worse.

Use this quick flowchart to guide your next step:

Did the error affect your income, tax liability, or refund?

       ⬇

    Yes

       ⬇

Was it related to missing income, deductions, credits, or filing status?

       ⬇

Yes  → File 1040-X

You generally have 3 years from the original filing date (or two years from when you paid the tax, whichever is later) to file Form 1040-X and still claim a refund.

For example, if you file on April 15, 2025, you can amend and still claim a refund up to April 15, 2028.

However, keep in mind that amended returns can take up to 16 weeks (or more) to process. Refunds from amended returns are not sent via direct deposit, expect a paper check.

Don’t amend if:

  • Your only mistake was a math error, the IRS usually corrects these automatically.
  • You’re missing a form but the IRS already contacted you requesting it.
  • The error doesn’t change your tax outcome (e.g., a $5 donation rounding mistake).

How to File Form 1040-X

Filing has gotten easier in recent years. As of 2025, the IRS allows e-filing for Form 1040-X for many types of returns. Here’s how to file:

Filing has gotten easier in recent years. As of 2025, the IRS allows e-filing for Form 1040-X for many types of returns.

Here’s how to file:

  • You can now file Form 1040-X electronically with tax filing software to amend your Form 1040, 1040-SR, or 1040-NR for the current or two prior tax periods. (Paper filing is still an option for Form 1040-X).

  • Follow the form’s instructions to: Enter the original amounts. Enter the corrected amount. Write a clear explanation of why you’re amending the return.

  • Include all new or corrected forms/schedules.

  • File it electronically if eligible, or mail it to the IRS address listed in the instructions.

Amending your return can fix costly errors, but timing and documentation matter. If you’re unsure whether to file Form 1040-X, or how, doola’s tax team can guide you through it.

Best Practices to Avoid Tax Errors in the Future

Even the most meticulous filer can make mistakes under pressure. But good systems and habits can drastically reduce the chances of slip-ups next year. 

Here are the best practices will help you stay tax-ready all year long.

Organize Early and Often

Create a digital folder on your computer or cloud drive labeled with the tax year (e.g., “2025 Taxes”) and set up subfolders like:

  • Income Documents
  • Deductions & Receipts
  • Charitable Donations
  • Business Expenses

Don’t Rely on Just the Cloud

Technology can fail. Always keep a physical backup as well, especially for things like receipts and donation letters. 

A basic binder or file folder with tabs can save you hours during tax season.

Use a Pre-Filing Checklist

Before filing, go through a checklist of all documents and forms you expect to need. Comparing this checklist against what you’ve received ensures you don’t miss a form.

This includes W-2s, all 1099 types, 1098 for mortgage interest, charitable receipts, health insurance records, and more. 

Build a “Side Hustle Logbook”

If you freelance, deliver, or sell online, even occasionally, you’re likely earning taxable income. Create a spreadsheet or app-based logbook that tracks:

  • Income by platform (e.g., Uber, Etsy, Fiverr)
  • Business expenses
  • Miles driven (if applicable)
  • Dates and services performed

File Early, Not Last Minute

Rushing your return the night before the deadline is one of the easiest ways to make mistakes. Aim to file at least a month before the April deadline, or earlier if you expect a refund.

Know When to Call in a Pro

If your finances are getting more complex with multiple income sources, business ownership, international earnings,it’s worth investing in expert help. 

Bookkeeping and tax professionals can catch errors you don’t even know to look for, and they’ll also represent you in case of an audit.

Be Ready for Next Year with A Prep Kit

These tools make it easier to collect, organize, and track your tax documents and business finances throughout the year:

Tool Use Case Why It Helps
doola Bookkeeping, tax filing, and compliance All-in-one platform for managing U.S. business finances, taxes, and compliance—especially built for global founders.
Expensify Track business receipts and expenses Auto-sorts categories and stores receipts
Keeper Tax Ideal for freelancers and gig workers Scans your purchases for deductible expenses
IRS2Go Official IRS app Track refunds, get tax updates, locate help
Google Drive Digital storage Easy-to-access cloud folder system
Evernote Notes and document capture Clip receipts, log expenses, and more

Let doola Handle Your Taxes So You Can Focus on Growth

When to Choose doola

Reviewing your IRS tax return is important, but it doesn’t have to be stressful.

doola Tax Filing gives you the peace of mind that everything’s done right.

DIY vs. doola Tax Filing: What’s the Smarter Move?

Feature DIY Tax Filing doola Tax Filing
Tax Software Access ✔ Yes ✔ Yes (Included)
CPA Review ❌ No ✅ Yes – Reviewed by professionals
Business + Personal Support ❌ Often separate or not included ✅ Available with all plans
Handles State + Federal ❌ Often separate fees ✅ One flat fee, all included
Handles LLCs, C Corps & More ❌ Limited support ✅ Designed for founders with complex structures
Non-U.S. Founder Friendly ❌ Rare ✅ Built specifically for global entrepreneurs
Bookkeeping Integration ❌ Manual entry needed ✅ Syncs directly with doola Bookkeeping
Audit Risk Reduction ❌ High (if mistakes slip through) ✅ Minimized with expert filing and error checks
Customer Support ❌ Chatbots or limited help ✅ Dedicated doola support team, real people

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FAQs

FAQ

What are the most commonly overlooked tax return errors?

Mistakes like typos in SSNs, incorrect filing status, mismatched income, and missed deductions or credits are among the most common. Even small errors can trigger delays or audits.

Can I get audited for honest mistakes on my tax return?

Yes, honest mistakes can still raise red flags with the IRS, especially if they involve income underreporting or large deductions. The IRS uses automated systems to detect inconsistencies.

Can I be penalized for over-reporting income?

Over-reporting won’t trigger penalties, but it could mean overpaying your taxes unnecessarily. It’s best to report accurately and consult a tax pro if unsure.

What if I discover an error after filing but it doesn’t impact my refund?

If the error doesn’t affect your tax liability or refund, you may not need to amend. But it’s still wise to keep documentation and consult a professional in case the IRS follows up.

What happens if I filed my return with the wrong bank account number?

The IRS won’t deposit your refund. It’ll either bounce back or be misdirected. You’ll likely receive a paper check, but contact the IRS immediately to correct it.

How do I know if I need to file an amended tax return?

You should file Form 1040-X if you forgot to report income, claimed incorrect deductions, or received new tax forms after filing. Use the IRS flowchart or talk to a tax pro if unsure.

What documents should I keep after filing my return in 2025? 

Keep all W-2s, 1099s, receipts, donation records, bank statements, and a copy of your return for at least 3 years. Store both digital and physical copies for backup.

Can I use AI tools or software to help review my return accurately?

AI can help flag common issues, but it can’t catch every error, especially if you entered incorrect data. Always verify your return manually or use expert-backed services like doola.

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