Pulaski Times

With the federal tax filing deadline approaching, taxpayers are urged to ensure their returns are accurate to avoid delays. Many Arkansans experience refund delays due to identity verification issues, often linked to identity theft or common errors during filing.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) has shared tips to help streamline the process. They emphasize the importance of verifying all basic information for accuracy, including dates of birth, names, and addresses. Errors in these areas can cause processing delays.

Filers are advised against using pay stubs for income verification and should instead rely on year-end statements like W-2s or 1099s. Completing necessary worksheets and including all attachments for credits and deductions is crucial to prevent reviews by the IRS.

E-filing remains an efficient method but requires careful attention to detail. Users must ensure they input data from the correct tax year, especially if using software that imports previous years' data automatically.

Identity theft continues to be a significant issue. Taxpayers with an Identity Protection PIN must use it when filing. The IRS provides resources such as interactive tools and links to Free File options at IRS.gov/help for those needing assistance.