Deadline Tips & Forms: What to Double Check Before You File

April 15th, our nation’s unofficial holiday known as Tax Day. This day has a unique way of sneaking up on all of us. Whether you’re filing on your own or working with a CPA, there’s a moment every year when taxpayers wonder: “Do I have everything I need?”

At Froehling Anderson, with offices in Minneapolis and St. Cloud, Minnesota, we see first-hand how easy it is to miss forms, forget estimated tax payments or overlook life changes that impact your return.

Our CPAs review hundreds of returns each season, and the most common issues almost always come down to one thing: Missing or incorrect information.

This blog walks you through what to double check before you file, so you can avoid delays, frustration, and IRS notices like the CP2000.

When a form is missing or a payment isn’t reported correctly, the IRS’s system detects the mismatch automatically. One of the most issued IRS notices, the CP2000, is triggered when the government receives income documents (like W-2s or 1099s) that are not reported on your tax return. The IRS explains the CP2000 notice this way:

“The income or payment information we received from third parties…doesn’t match what you reported on your tax return.”

The IRS receives copies of every official tax document you receive. So, if you leave one off your return, even accidentally, the IRS will know.

Every income form (W-2, 1099, K-1, etc.) is reported directly to the IRS and states. If even one is missing, their systems will flag it even if the income is small.

As a client of Froehling Anderson, you receive a Tax Organizer that prompts you for every income form, credit, or deduction you may have received. This process helps ensure nothing is missed.

Commonly forgotten forms include:

Tip: If you used online investing platforms (Robinhood, E-Trade, etc.), you will likely have a
1099-B. These are extremely easy to overlook.

If you made quarterly estimated tax payments, or if your paycheck had federal or Minnesota withholding, those payments must be accurately included on your return.

If they’re not reported correctly:

• A notice is automatically generated
• You may temporarily overpay tax until corrected

Keep copies of your estimated tax confirmations and provide them to your CPA.

At Froehling Anderson, our tax team uses a detailed reconciliation spreadsheet to tie out every payment you made throughout the year. This helps ensure your refund or balance due is correct and helps prevent notices before they happen.

We surveyed our tax partners and compiled a list of items taxpayers most frequently forget to update before filing:

• Did your address change?
  IRS letters and refunds are mailed to the address on your return.
• Is your direct deposit information correct?
  Typos here can delay refunds or require paper checks.
• Did you have cryptocurrency transactions?
  Exchanges do not always issue tax forms, but you are still required to report transactions.
• Did a dependent’s status change?
  This includes:
  • A child aging out of dependency rules
  • A child who now files independently
  • College students moving between parental support and self-support
• Did you make Qualified Charitable Distributions from an IRA?
  These must be reported correctly to avoid double taxation.

Sometimes the smallest overlooked detail can have the biggest impact.

Our team or professionals take a proactive and education-driven approach:

• Tax organizers to ensure no forms are missing
• Reconciliation of estimated tax payments and withholding
• Automated systems to track follow-up questions
• Friendly, responsive communication throughout filing season

Our goal? To give you confidence, clarity, and peace of mind when filing.

If you’re tired of feeling stressed or dealing with IRS notices after the fact, our team is here to help.

Whether you’re filing individually or navigating something more complex (multiple income sources, sale of rental property, investment activity, etc.), our CPAs make tax season easier.

Let Froehling Anderson help you feel more confident in your financial and tax point of views.

• https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/
• Understanding your CP2000 series notice | Internal Revenue Service

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or audit advice. Please consult with your CPA for guidance tailored to your situation.