IRS shows you how to avoid the top tax mistakes

PHOENIX - The slightest misstep on your tax return can cause anything from a delay in getting your refund – to an audit.

The devil’s in the smallest details, according to David Stell, a spokesman with the Internal Revenue Service.

"The most common error that we see is social security numbers either incorrect or missing,” he said. “And that is the one error that will cause the absolute stoppage of the processing of your tax return."

That’s why Ben Crittenden chooses to have a professional prepare his taxes.

“I think people kind of rush through it – try and decide how much they’re going to make on their refund,” he said. “And so they don’t really try and take their time to go through each step and really look through it.”

Remember to check – and double check – everything on your tax return.

Stell says the most common mistakes are the easiest to fix -- "multiplication, division, subtraction, addition.”

The easiest way to avoid these kinds of simple math errors is by filing electronically, according to Stell.

"Electronic tax filing will eliminate math errors, the failure to include forms that you might have to include,” he said. “It will also check and make sure you're eligible for credits and claim them when you are eligible for them."

And filing your tax return online is free from the IRS. Just click here .

Are you worried about filing your tax return? Email me or go to my ABC15 Facebook page with questions.