Tax season can be stressful, especially for individuals filing on their own. While tax software and online tools have made filing easier, many taxpayers still make avoidable mistakes that can delay refunds, trigger IRS notices, or even result in penalties.

One of the most common errors is reporting incorrect income. Freelancers and gig workers often overlook 1099 forms, cash payments, or side jobs that aren't tracked through W-2s. The IRS receives copies of these forms too—so forgetting them can raise red flags. Another common issue is incorrect Social Security numbers or mismatched names, especially for dependents, which can disqualify important credits like the Child Tax Credit or EITC.

Many filers also miss out on valuable deductions and credits. Educator expenses, student loan interest, retirement contributions, and self-employed business expenses are frequently underreported. Others select the wrong filing status—such as choosing "Single" instead of "Head of Household"—which can affect both eligibility and refund amounts.

To reduce errors and file with confidence, consider working with a qualified tax preparer. At Unilab Hub, we review every return with care and offer support in both English and Korean. Whether you're an individual, a self-employed freelancer, or a new business owner, we’re here to help you file accurately and avoid costly mistakes.