10 common tax-filing mistakes to avoid

Completing your tax return is like walking through a financial minefield. A miscalculated amount here, a wrong tax ID number there, and boom! Suddenly, instead of getting a check back from Uncle Sam, you have to write one to the U.S. Treasury.

Even if the error doesn't end up costing you any real dollars, it could delay the receipt of any refund you're expecting.

Many people try to reduce the possibility of filing errors by turning their returns over to tax professionals or using computer software. But even in these cases, a close review of your return is critical. In the final inspection you might find something that slipped by you on the computer screen or that your accountant entered incorrectly. Such scrutiny is important since you bear the ultimate responsibility for your tax bill.