The clock is ticking. With the April 15th tax deadline just days away, panic starts to set in for many taxpayers. At Carol's Services, we see it every year: rushing leads to mistakes, and mistakes lead to delayed refunds or, worse, IRS audits. If you are planning to file your taxes this weekend in Pomona, make sure you aren't falling into these three common last-minute traps.

1. Leaving State Credits Behind (Crucial for ITIN Filers)

When people rush, they often settle for a basic tax prep that only looks at the Federal level. This is a massive mistake, especially if you file with an ITIN.

• The Federal Restriction: It's true that the IRS limits certain federal credits for ITIN holders.
• The California Secret: The State of California does offer lucrative credits, like the CalEITC, to ITIN filers.
• The Solution: Don't assume you aren't getting a refund. Let our experts analyze your specific situation to claim every California state dollar you are legally entitled to.

2. Guessing Your Income or Expenses

"I think I made around $40,000" or "I probably spent $5,000 on supplies." Guessing is the fastest way to trigger an IRS audit. If you are rushing because you can't find your documents, stop.

• Missing W-2s or 1099s: The IRS already has copies of these forms. If your return doesn't match their records perfectly, it will be flagged.
• Cash Businesses: If you are self-employed, take an extra hour to properly sum up your bank statements and receipts. Accuracy protects you.

3. Trusting "Ghost Preparers"

During the final two weeks of tax season, pop-up tax shops appear everywhere promising massive, unrealistic refunds. These "ghost preparers" often refuse to sign the return as the preparer, leaving you 100% legally responsible if the IRS audits the fake numbers they used. Always choose an established, year-round business like Carol's Services that stands behind their work.