7 Mistakes You’re Making with Your 2026 Filing (and How to Maximize Your Tax Refund)

NEW HAVEN, CT : Jose's Tax Service : February 27, 2026

Tax season is officially in full swing. Here at Jose's Tax Service, we’re seeing a lot of folks coming through the doors in New Haven looking to get their 2026 returns filed accurately and quickly. While everyone wants to maximize tax refund amounts, many taxpayers are inadvertently leaving money on the table or, worse, triggering IRS red flags.

The 2026 tax year has brought several unique changes to the tax code. If you are still filing the same way you did three years ago, you are likely making mistakes. As a concierge tax pro, I’ve seen how even small errors can lead to months of delays or lost revenue. Whether you’re a local resident or a business owner, navigating these waters requires precision.

Here are the seven most common mistakes taxpayers are making this year and the exact steps you need to take to fix them.

1. Arithmetic and Math Errors!

It sounds simple, but math mistakes remain one of the most frequent reasons the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) flags a return. In previous years, millions of returns were delayed specifically because of basic calculation errors. These range from simple addition and subtraction to pulling the wrong figure from a tax table.

The Fix: Do not rely on manual calculations or scratchpad math. Use professional-grade tax preparation software or, better yet, work with a professional for tax preparation New Haven services. Ensure every figure transferred from a Schedule to a Form 1040 is verified. Even a one-dollar discrepancy can cause an automated system to kick your return out for manual review, delaying your refund by weeks.

2. Mismatching Names and Social Security Numbers!

Your tax return must be a perfect mirror of the Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The IRS database performs an immediate sync with the SSA. If you recently got married, changed your last name, or if you have a dependent with a hyphenated name that doesn't match their card, your return will be rejected.

The Fix: Physically look at the Social Security cards for yourself, your spouse, and every dependent you are claiming. Enter the names exactly as they appear. If a name has changed due to marriage or divorce and hasn't been updated with the SSA, you must file using the name currently on record with the SSA. You can verify records at SSA.gov.

3. Choosing the Incorrect Filing Status!

Choosing the wrong filing status is a costly mistake. Your status determines your standard deduction amount and your tax brackets. Many people default to "Single" when they might qualify for "Head of Household," which offers a higher standard deduction and more favorable tax rates. Conversely, couples often assume "Married Filing Jointly" is always the best route, though "Married Filing Separately" can occasionally yield a better result depending on specific student loan or medical expense situations.

The Fix: Review the five official statuses: Single, Head of Household, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, or Qualifying Surviving Spouse. If you are unsure which applies to your 2026 situation: especially if you had a change in marital status or household members this year: consult the Jose's Tax Service site for guidance.

4. Overlooking New 2026 Deductions and Credits!

This is where most people lose out on their maximize tax refund goals. For the 2026 filing year, several temporary tax breaks and adjustments have been implemented. If you are using DIY software and just clicking "next," you might miss:

• New Overtime Deductions: Specific provisions for hourly workers.
• Enhanced Tip Deductions: Relevant for our many service industry workers here in New Haven.
• Car Loan Interest Deductions: New rules regarding interest for certain vehicle types.
• The Home Office Deduction: Still frequently missed by 1099 contractors and small business owners.

The Fix: Don’t assume your 2025 deductions carry over to 2026. Tax law has shifted significantly. Review the Small Business Learning Center for updates on what you can legally claim this year. A concierge tax pro will proactively look for these credits rather than waiting for you to mention them.

5. Entering Wrong Banking Information!

In the rush to get a refund, a single typo in a routing or account number can be disastrous. If the IRS attempts to deposit your refund into a non-existent account, they will eventually mail a paper check, adding weeks to the process. If you accidentally enter someone else's account number and the bank accepts the deposit, recovering that money is notoriously difficult.

The Fix: Double-check: then triple-check: your bank's 9-digit routing number and your specific account number. These can be found on a check or through your online banking portal. If you are looking for the fastest turnaround, direct deposit is the only way to go.

6. Filing Before Receiving All Official Forms!

Patience is a virtue that pays off in taxes. Filing in early February before you receive your 1099-INT from your bank or a corrected W-2 from your employer is a recipe for an amended return. An amended return (Form 1040-X) takes much longer to process and often results in more scrutiny of your original filing.

The Fix: Wait until you have all documentation. This includes W-2s, 1099-NEC for side gigs, 1099-K from payment apps, and 1099-DIV for investments. You can view your official tax records through your IRS Online Account if you believe a form is missing.

7. Forgetting the Signature!

An unsigned tax return is like an unsigned check: it’s worthless. If you are filing a paper return, you must sign it. If you are filing a joint return, both spouses must sign and date the return. For e-filing, this is handled via a Self-Select PIN or your prior year’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).

The Fix: If you are filing via mail, ensure the envelope is postmarked by the deadline and sent to the correct IRS service center for Connecticut. If e-filing, ensure you receive a confirmation that the IRS has accepted the return, not just that you submitted it.

How to Maximize Your Tax Refund in 2026

Beyond avoiding errors, there are proactive steps you can take to ensure you get back every penny you deserve.

Adjust Your Federal Withholding

If you received a massive refund this year, it means you gave the government an interest-free loan all year. If you owed money, you might face underpayment penalties. Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to adjust your Form W-4 for the remainder of 2026. This ensures your "take-home" pay is higher throughout the year.

Claim Every Eligible Credit

The Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) are often adjusted for inflation. Even if you didn't qualify last year, a slight change in income or household size could make you eligible in 2026.

Use a Concierge Tax Pro

The difference between basic tax preparation New Haven and a concierge tax pro is the level of planning. At Jose's Tax Service, we don't just record what happened in the past; we look for ways to lower your tax liability for the future. We specialize in finding the "hidden" deductions that software often skips.

Final Reminders for Your 2026 Filing

• The Deadline: Ensure your return is filed or an extension is requested by April 15, 2026.
• Keep Records: Maintain copies of your 2026 returns and all supporting documents for at least three years.
• Stay Informed: Tax laws are dynamic. For the latest updates, visit our news sitemap or check our archived posts.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the 2026 changes, don't risk a mistake that could cost you thousands. Reach out to us at Jose's Tax Service. We’re here in New Haven to make sure your filing is stress-free and your refund is as large as legally possible.

Ready to get started? Book your appointment today and let’s make sure 2026 is your best tax year yet!