It’s that time of year again! Get ready to break out the calculator and pencils; dig out the enormous pile of receipts, tax forms, and pay stubs, and get to work. Whether you choose to go it alone, use a tax-prep computer program or hand it all over to an accountant, start with checking out our handy list of common mistakes people make on their tax returns.

1. Faulty math

Believe it or not, one of the most common errors on filed taxes is simple math mistakes. A small miscalculation can throw off all your numbers and get you into trouble with the IRS. Using an online program or a number-loving accountant may mitigate this problem, but it won’t assure you of anything. However you choose to prepare your taxes, be sure to triple-check all the math before filing.

2. Name changes and misspellings

When preparing your taxes, you’re thinking numbers. It’s true that most of the information you’re submitting is in numerical form, but don’t forget to pay attention to everything else on your form! Details matter, and if you use a name that’s different than the one the IRS has on file for your Social Security number, your refund may be delayed or not processed at all. Similarly, if you spell your name wrong, it won’t match the one the IRS has in its system and it could mean trouble for you and your taxes.

If you’ve recently changed your legal name because of a marriage or divorce, be sure to let the Social Security Administration know. Otherwise, remember to use the correct spelling of your legal name on all your tax forms. Review every form carefully before filing to avoid frustration later.

3. Omitting extra income

Detailing your earnings from your day job is a given when preparing your taxes. Most of us even remember to include bonuses and extra commission earnings. But many people neglect to include other sources of income, such as freelance work, moonlighting as a consultant and any other side work they may have done throughout the year. If you’ve taken any side jobs, be sure to fill out a 1099-MISC and to file it along with your taxes.

4. Deducting funds donated to charity

Everyone knows you can write off charitable donations as a deduction, but many people aren’t sure how to go about taking this step. Charity laws are complicated! First, only donations given to an organization with a tax-exempt status can be deducted from your taxes. Second, if you’ve donated food items or used clothing, they had to have been in decent shape to be eligible as a write-off. Finally, calculate the value of your non-monetary donations according to what they would be worth if you’d sell them now. Don’t forget to include those charity tax receipts when you file!

5. Using the most recent tax laws

When preparing your taxes, be sure to file according to the most recent laws.

6. Signing your forms

Last, but definitely not least, don’t forget the most basic step of signing your name! If you’re filing through USPS mail, be sure to put your John Hancock wherever necessary (and get a receipt for it.) If filing online, you can use a PIN instead. Most signature lines will need to be dated as well.

Read through all of your forms before submitting to be sure you haven’t neglected anything or made mistakes. Being super-careful now will help you avoid any future aggravation. And best of all, this way, when you’re done filing, you can finally kiss that paper mountain goodbye!