It’s tax time! The IRS started accepting individual returns for processing on Jan. 31 — later than usual, but better late than never.

Last year, the IRS issued a useful list of the eight most common filing errors made by individual taxpayers. Many of the mistakes people make are incredibly easy to avoid — it just takes a little care and attention.

If the IRS owes you a refund, it could be delayed if your return contains an error like one of these:

1. Wrong or missing Social Security numbers: Your refund could be delayed simply because you made a mistake listing your Social Security number. The number on your return must match the number on your Social Security cards.

2. Names wrong or misspelled: You’ve got to spell your own name right, or the IRS will get confused. Again, your name on your return should match the name on your Social Security card.

If you’ve changed your name since you filed your last return, you need to notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) and obtain a new Social Security card before you file your taxes. The SSA will issue a new Social Security card with your new name, but will keep your old Social Security number. This way, the name on your tax return will match Social Security records.

If your name and Social Security number don’t match, the IRS will flag your return and require that the error be corrected. It’s easy to let the SSA know about your name change and get a new Social Security card. All you need to do is file Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, at your local SSA office or by mail with proof of your legal name change. You can get Form SS-5 from the SSA’s website at www.ssa.gov

3. Math mistakes: Your math needs to add up. This ordinarily isn’t a problem if you file electronically, since the software does the math for you. Because most people file electronically, math errors have gone down. Such errors were found in 2 percent of returns filed in 2012, less than one-fifth the rate for 2002. Still, if you file on paper, be sure to double-check your math.

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