(Washington, DC) – With the individual income tax filing deadline a few days away, Stephen M. Cordi, deputy chief financial officer for the District of Columbia Office of Tax and Revenue, encourages taxpayers to file their returns electronically for an accurate return and faster refund.

“Those who file electronically will get their refunds in a few days compared to weeks for individuals who file a paper return and have to be paid with a paper check,” said Cordi. “Taxpayers are also encouraged to use the online option to pay any amount due or to file an extension of time.”

Free Tax Preparation Assistance:

Customer service representatives in the walk-in center will prepare the District’s individual income tax returns at no cost for anyone requesting the service. Taxpayers must bring a copy of their completed federal tax return, applicable schedules, and W-2s or statements showing DC withholdings.

In addition, Cordi reminds taxpayers who are filing paper returns to pay attention to simple mistakes that can significantly slow down the processing of their return and the issuance of their refund. Below is a list of the top 10 most common errors made by taxpayers on their District tax returns:

10 Most Common Errors:

1.  Selecting incorrect filing status;
2.  Missing dependent information;
3.  Missing Social Security numbers;
4.  Incomplete and inaccurate bank account number and bank routing number (the routing number must be a 9-digit number);
5.  Not indicating bank account type ( checking or savings) when requesting direct deposit;
6.  Personal check written amount is not the same as numeric amount;
7.  Unsigned personal checks;
8.  Social Security number on tax return not matching number on W-2;
9.  Unsigned tax returns; and
10. Incorrect tax return sent to DC tax office (federal/other state tax returns are mailed to DC office, instead of the DC tax return).

Other Common Errors:

• Failure to claim the correct estimated tax amount paid; 
• Improper date on personal checks (dated 2009 instead of 2010); and
• Part-year DC residents failing to indicate number of months lived in DC.

Office Hours

Taxpayers requesting assistance may visit OTR’s Walk-In Center currently at 941 North Capitol Street, NE, on the first floor, 8:15 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday, or call (202) 727-4TAX (4829).