8 things to do before mailing your return

Don't send off your forms before double-checking to make sure you've completed all the necessary steps, from signing in the right place to sending your check to the correct address.

By MSN Money Partner Mar 8, 2012 8:59PM

This post is by Robert D. Flach of MainStreet.

Before mailing your finished tax returns to the state and federal government, it’s very important to review them carefully -- regardless of who actually prepared the returns.

If you, or your tax preparer, are submitting your returns electronically, review hard copies before sending them along the information highway.

Even if your return was completed by a paid preparer, you are legally responsible for all the information on the return.

If you discover something on a return that you do not understand, contact your preparer immediately. But remember, just because you do not understand something does not mean there is an error. (Post continues below video.)

Here is what to do before putting your tax return in the mail (or sending it online):

Double-check all Social Security numbers entered on all pages of your return. An incorrect number will hold up your refund. If you changed your name during the year because of marriage or divorce, you should notify the Social Security Administration and receive a new Social Security card before filing a return with the new last name.
Sign your return in the proper place. If you are filing a joint tax return with a spouse, both of you must sign. If your spouse passed away during the year, sign on the first line and write "Surviving Spouse" on the line for the spouse’s signature. Special rules apply if you are signing the return for a non-spouse deceased taxpayer or for someone else under a power of attorney.
Make sure the preparer signs the return. If you paid a professional to prepare your returns, you’ll need his or her signature and the Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) issued by the Internal Revenue Service.
Attach Copy B of all Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099-R with federal income tax withheld. Uncle Sam is very particular and wants Copy B and not Copy C or Copy 2. If you attach the wrong copy, the IRS may return the form to you.
Mail your return to the correct address. The IRS often changes the mailing address for returns. The address is determined by your state of residence. It is listed in the instruction booklet or at the IRS website. If you have a balance due, you must use a payment voucher (1040-V), and mail your return to a lockbox instead of directly to the IRS.
Make your check payable to "United States Treasury Service." If you owe money to Uncle Sam, the check should be made out to the Treasury and not to the Internal Revenue Service or IRS. Write your Social Security number and "2011 Form 1040" (or "2011 Form 1040A") on the check.
Make a copy of the return for your records. Or, if you hired a preparer, be sure you get a copy from him or her.
Have the envelope weighed to be sure there is enough postage. Also, include your full return address.