Don't Enter Data Twice

Here at 1040.com, we’ve designed our forms so you can complete them quickly and easily. But tax forms being what they are, sometimes it can get confusing to figure out just where is the right place to enter certain information. In fact, it’s sometimes easy to accidentally double-enter information. So, to keep your tax return rolling right along, here are a few tips to avoid double-entering data or duplicating your deductions. 

Taxes Paid 

On the Itemized Deductions – Taxes Paid screen of 1040.com’s tax program, which is part of Schedule A, there are a few opportunities to duplicate your entries. For example, we ask about state and local taxes you might have paid, but that should only be those taxes not entered on a W-2 screen or on an Estimated Taxes screen. An entry here for the same tax would double the amount. 

The same caution applies for real estate taxes you paid. If you’ve entered amounts on a Form 1098 screen, don’t enter them here. 

If you have personal property taxes entered on Form 2106, Form 8829, or Schedule E, you won’t need the line on this form for personal property taxes. 

Deductible Mortgage Interest 

Another one of the Schedule A screens, the Deductible Mortgage Interest screen, uses only the figures you haven't already used. While it might make sense to enter your home mortgage interest here and on a Mortgage Interest – Form 1098 screen, if the interest is already on a 1098screen, don’t double it by putting it on the Deductible Mortgage Interest screen. 

On the other hand, this is the form to use if you did not receive Form 1098 for your home mortgage interest. 

Overstating the State 

Another area to watch for double entering is when you’re entering income for a state tax return. If your income was reported on Form W-2, check the state and local amounts sections, lines 15–18. If this section has state income figures posted here, do not post them on another state form. That’s because 1040.com knows to take these numbers and push them to your state return. If your income was from self-employment, however, and does not show up on a W-2, you might have to report the state amount on the state’s forms. 

What’s the Big Deal? 

So, why worry if you have duplicate figures on different forms? The biggest reason is that your return will most likely be rejected by the IRS until the oversight is corrected. 

Our tax program tells you – before you e-file – if you have duplicate entries on different forms and will give you the opportunity to set things straight. Even if a double entry gets through, though, you can correct and resend your return.