{"id":1836,"date":"2025-08-07T07:23:01","date_gmt":"2025-08-07T07:23:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/?p=1836"},"modified":"2025-08-07T07:23:01","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T07:23:01","slug":"top-6-tax-mistakes-parents-make-that-could-hurt-their-refunds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/top-6-tax-mistakes-parents-make-that-could-hurt-their-refunds\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 6 Tax Mistakes Parents Make That Could Hurt Their Refunds"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parenthood brings more than sleepless nights and packed schedules\u2014it also introduces new responsibilities when it comes to managing your finances, especially during tax season. While raising children already comes with considerable expenses, overlooking tax-related benefits can make it even more costly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many parents make the same mistakes every year when filing their returns, often resulting in missed deductions, delayed refunds, or lost credits they were otherwise eligible to claim. Understanding these mistakes and learning how to avoid them can lead to meaningful financial savings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We focused on two common early tax mistakes: not securing a Social Security number for your newborn and failing to maintain proper records for childcare expenses. Both errors may seem minor but can cause major disruptions to your return. Let\u2019s break down these issues in detail to help you stay on track.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Mistake 1: Not Obtaining a Social Security Number for Your Newborn<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Welcoming a new baby comes with a long checklist, but one item that often gets overlooked is applying for a Social Security number. While it might not seem like a pressing matter during the newborn phase, this number is critical when you file your tax return.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Without a valid Social Security number issued before the due date of your return, you cannot claim your child as a dependent. This means you won\u2019t be able to access essential tax credits designed to ease the financial burden of raising a child.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Why It\u2019s Important<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each qualifying child under the age of 17 may make you eligible for the Child Tax Credit. For tax year 2023, this credit is worth up to $2,000 per qualifying child. In many cases, a portion of this credit\u2014up to $1,600\u2014can be refundable. That means families who owe little or nothing in taxes may still receive a check back from the government.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">None of these benefits are accessible without your child\u2019s Social Security number. If the number is missing, incorrect, or not issued in time, the IRS will disallow the claim entirely.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>When and How to Apply<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best time to apply for your child\u2019s Social Security number is at the hospital, when you\u2019re completing birth certificate paperwork. Most hospitals will allow you to submit the Social Security application form at the same time. This is the fastest and most seamless way to get the number.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you didn\u2019t apply at the hospital or had a home birth, you can still apply through a Social Security office. You\u2019ll need to bring:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your child\u2019s original birth certificate or other proof of birth<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proof of your identity (such as a government-issued photo ID)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Form SS-5, the Application for a Social Security Card<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Processing times vary, and during peak periods or staffing delays, it may take several weeks to receive the card. Waiting too long can create time pressure if you&#8217;re trying to file your return early.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Avoiding Errors on the Return<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even after receiving the Social Security number, accuracy is essential when completing your tax forms. Ensure that the name and number exactly match what appears on the card. The IRS system will flag mismatches and can reject the return. Common errors include misspelled names, transposed digits, or mismatched birthdates.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make it a habit to double-check this information every year. Children may have multiple surnames, name changes after birth, or inconsistent use of middle names, which can lead to discrepancies if not corrected.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Real-World Example<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider the case of a couple whose child was born in October. Believing they had ample time before the tax deadline, they delayed applying for the Social Security number until January. Due to processing delays, they didn\u2019t receive the number until April 10\u2014just days before the filing deadline. Their tax preparer submitted the return, but the form listed the wrong digit in the SSN field.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because the number didn\u2019t match IRS records, the claim for the Child Tax Credit was denied. They had to amend their return, which delayed their refund by more than 12 weeks. This scenario could have been avoided entirely with earlier planning and thorough verification.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Mistake 2: Poor Recordkeeping for Childcare Expenses<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After the newborn stage, many parents return to work and rely on some form of paid childcare. Whether it\u2019s full-time daycare, an after-school program, or a hired nanny, these services can add up to thousands of dollars annually. Fortunately, these costs may qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, to claim the credit, accurate records are a must. Missing provider information, payment details, or identification numbers can invalidate your claim. Parents who don\u2019t keep track of these details often find themselves unable to prove the expenses, especially if audited.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Overview of the Credit<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This tax credit is available for working parents who pay someone to care for a dependent under the age of 13 while they are at work or actively seeking work. The percentage of expenses that can be claimed ranges from 20 to 35 percent, depending on your income.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The maximum amount of expenses you can claim is:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$3,000 for one qualifying dependent<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$6,000 for two or more dependents<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This means the maximum potential credit is $1,050 for one child or $2,100 for two or more.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What Expenses Count<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eligible childcare services include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Licensed daycare centers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In-home nannies and babysitters<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preschool tuition (for the care portion)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before- and after-school programs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Day camps during the summer (excluding overnight camps)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You cannot claim payments made to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A spouse<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A parent of the child (if the child is under 13)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any relative under age 19<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your child attends a facility that combines education with care, only the portion of expenses related to care qualifies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What You Need to Document<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To successfully claim the credit, you must list the provider\u2019s name, address, and taxpayer identification number (either an SSN or EIN). Additionally, you should maintain proof of payment, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canceled checks<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Credit card statements<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Receipts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Signed contracts or agreements<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Without these, the IRS may challenge your claim. The agency often requires substantiation if the return is selected for review. A helpful tool is Form W-10, which is used to collect the provider\u2019s identifying information. Have your childcare provider complete this form annually and keep it in your records.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Coordinating With Employer Benefits<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many employers offer a dependent care flexible spending account (FSA), allowing you to set aside up to $5,000 in pre-tax dollars for eligible expenses. While this benefit is valuable, you cannot claim the tax credit for the same expenses covered by your FSA.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you use both the FSA and the tax credit, coordination is essential. For example, if you have $6,000 in total expenses and used $5,000 from an FSA, you can only claim the remaining $1,000 through the tax credit. It\u2019s important to review your year-end pay stub or W-2 form to confirm how much you contributed to the dependent care FSA and ensure you are not duplicating benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Tracking Expenses Throughout the Year<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Waiting until tax season to gather documents can be stressful and lead to missing information. A better strategy is to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create a dedicated folder (physical or digital) for childcare expenses<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Save each monthly statement or invoice<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Record the provider\u2019s full name, address, and ID number once per year<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use a spreadsheet to track payments over time<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Automated tools, such as expense tracking apps or budgeting software, can help streamline this process. Some even allow you to take photos of receipts and categorize expenses for easy retrieval later.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>When Records Are Incomplete<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cases, parents may have paid a family friend in cash, neglected to collect a receipt, or forgotten to document the provider\u2019s ID number. These gaps can make claiming the credit nearly impossible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the provider is unwilling to supply documentation or an ID number, the IRS may disallow the expense. The burden of proof lies with the taxpayer, not the provider. Always insist on proper documentation at the time of payment, not months later.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Real-World Example<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A single parent paid $500 per month for after-school care from January through December. Over the course of the year, that added up to $6,000 in qualifying expenses. Unfortunately, she had only a few canceled checks and no signed agreement or provider ID.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although she was eligible for the full credit, her preparer advised that the claim might not survive an audit. She eventually tracked down her provider, but it took weeks and added stress. Had she gathered documentation from the start, she could have submitted her return with confidence and received a larger refund much sooner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Mistake 3: Not Claiming Head of Household Status as a Single Parent<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Filing status determines your standard deduction, eligibility for certain credits, and overall tax rate. For single parents, the difference between filing as single and filing as head of household can be significant. Yet many eligible taxpayers fail to claim this status, often out of confusion or a simple lack of awareness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What Is the Head of Household Status?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Head of household is a special filing status available to unmarried taxpayers who have a qualifying dependent and who pay more than half the cost of maintaining a home. It offers two major financial advantages over filing as single:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A higher standard deduction<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More favorable tax brackets<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For tax year 2023, the standard deduction for single filers is $13,850. For those filing as head of household, it rises to $20,800. That\u2019s nearly $7,000 of additional income that isn\u2019t taxed, just by selecting the correct filing status. In addition to the larger deduction, head of household filers are taxed at lower rates for each income bracket. This can reduce your overall tax bill significantly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Who Qualifies for Head of Household?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To qualify, you must meet several specific criteria:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You are unmarried or considered unmarried on the last day of the tax year<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You paid more than half the cost of keeping up a home during the tax year<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A qualifying person, usually your child, lived with you for more than half the year<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019re considered unmarried if you\u2019re single, legally separated, or lived apart from your spouse for the last six months of the year. Just being married and filing separately doesn\u2019t qualify. The home must be your main residence and that of your child or dependent. Paying more than half the cost includes rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, property taxes, and other essential expenses related to maintaining the household.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Common Errors That Disqualify Filers<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some parents miss this opportunity because they live with another adult, such as their own parent, and don\u2019t realize that they must be financially responsible for more than half of the household\u2019s costs. Others mistakenly claim head of household without meeting the living requirements, which can trigger an audit or penalty.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another common error is assuming that shared custody automatically qualifies both parents to file as head of household. Only the parent who has the child for the majority of nights during the year can claim the child as a qualifying person for this status.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Real-World Example<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider a single father named Michael. He lives with his five-year-old son and pays all household expenses. His income for the year is $42,000. If he files as single, his taxable income is calculated after the $13,850 standard deduction, resulting in $28,150 subject to tax.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If he instead files as head of household, his standard deduction jumps to $20,800, reducing his taxable income to $21,200. This puts him in a lower tax bracket and significantly reduces what he owes. The difference in taxable income alone is enough to impact eligibility for credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, both of which phase out at certain income levels.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>How to Claim It Properly<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be sure to select the correct filing status on your return. If using software or working with a tax preparer, answer all questions about your marital status, dependents, and household expenses carefully. Keep documentation that shows you meet the criteria, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lease agreements or mortgage statements<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Utility bills in your name<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grocery receipts and household budget records<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">School records showing your child lives with you<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being able to prove your head of household status can prevent delays or rejections if your return is reviewed by the IRS.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Mistake 4: Overlooking the Earned Income Tax Credit<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, is one of the most valuable benefits in the tax code for working families. Yet each year, millions of eligible taxpayers either don\u2019t claim it or claim it incorrectly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The EITC is a refundable credit, meaning it can not only reduce your tax bill to zero, but it can also result in a refund, even if you didn\u2019t owe any taxes. For low- and moderate-income families, it can make a substantial difference.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Who Qualifies for the EITC?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eligibility for the EITC depends on three primary factors:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Earned income and adjusted gross income (AGI)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Filing status<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Number of qualifying children<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Earned income includes wages, salaries, tips, and other income from employment or self-employment. Investment income and unemployment benefits do not count.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For tax year 2023, the income thresholds are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No children: up to $17,640 (single), $24,210 (married filing jointly)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One child: up to $46,560 (single), $53,120 (married filing jointly)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Two children: up to $52,918 (single), $59,478 (married filing jointly)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Three or more children: up to $56,838 (single), $63,398 (married filing jointly)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The maximum credit amounts range from about $600 for individuals with no children to over $7,000 for families with three or more children.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Importance of Qualifying Children<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A qualifying child must meet several criteria:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They must be your son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, sibling, or descendant of any of these<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They must be under age 19 (or 24 if a full-time student), or any age if permanently disabled<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They must live with you for more than half the year<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They cannot file a joint return unless only to claim a refund of withheld taxes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each child you claim increases the value of the credit. However, the IRS will flag inconsistencies if two parents try to claim the same child. This often occurs in shared custody situations, and resolving the issue can delay refunds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Documentation and Proof<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To claim the EITC, you must file a federal tax return, even if you are not otherwise required to file. You must also include your qualifying children\u2019s information, including correct names, birthdates, and Social Security numbers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep copies of:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Birth certificates<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">School or medical records showing residence<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proof of income such as W-2s or self-employment logs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any custodial agreements if your child splits time between households<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These documents may be requested if your return is selected for verification.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Real-World Example<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sarah is a single mother of two children and works full-time as a dental assistant. Her annual income is $41,000. Because her income falls below the threshold for a family with two children, she qualifies for the Earned Income Tax Credit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Based on her income and number of dependents, she is eligible for a credit of approximately $5,600. This credit not only wipes out her tax liability but also results in a refund of over $4,000. Without claiming the EITC, she would have missed out on thousands of dollars that could be used for rent, childcare, or education expenses.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the most frequent errors include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using incorrect or outdated Social Security numbers for children<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Entering inaccurate income figures<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Failing to file a return because of low income and not realizing a refund is still possible<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Claiming a child who does not meet residency or relationship requirements<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each of these can lead to a denied credit or delay in processing. The IRS pays close attention to EITC claims, and improper filings can result in a ban from claiming the credit for up to 10 years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Impact on Refunds and Financial Planning<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because the EITC is refundable, it can provide a financial cushion at a critical time of year. Many families use this refund to catch up on bills, pay for school supplies, or manage seasonal expenses. In some cases, it allows families to reduce their reliance on credit cards or payday loans.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The credit can also affect eligibility for other programs, such as subsidized housing or food assistance. While the EITC itself is not considered income for most federal benefit programs, the timing and amount of the refund can impact short-term budgeting. Planning ahead and ensuring your return is accurate can help you receive the full credit amount without unnecessary delays.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Mistake 5: Including Your Child\u2019s Income on Your Return<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When a child begins earning income, whether from a part-time job or investments, many parents are unsure how to report it. Some choose to include it on their own return for convenience, especially if the amounts are small. Others may ignore it altogether, assuming it&#8217;s too minor to matter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While these decisions might seem harmless, mishandling a child\u2019s income can lead to tax errors, missed credits, or complications with the IRS. Understanding when and how your child must file a return is essential to avoiding trouble at tax time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>When a Child Must File a Tax Return<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children, like adults, are subject to income thresholds that determine whether they must file a federal tax return. These thresholds differ based on whether the income is earned (from work) or unearned (from investments or interest).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For tax year 2023, a child must file a return if:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They have earned income over $13,850<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They have unearned income over $1,250<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their gross income is more than the larger of $1,250 or earned income plus $400 (up to the standard deduction)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Earned income includes wages from a job, self-employment income, and tips. Unearned income includes interest, dividends, capital gains, and distributions from trusts or custodial accounts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if the income is below these thresholds, a child may still want to file a return to receive a refund of taxes withheld from a paycheck.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>When Not to Include It on Your Return<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some parents mistakenly include their child\u2019s earned income on their own tax return. This typically happens when the child receives a W-2 with modest earnings from a summer job or after-school work. While it may seem easier to handle the income this way, the IRS requires that the income be reported under the child\u2019s name and taxpayer identification number.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parents can still claim the child as a dependent if they meet the dependency requirements, but the child\u2019s income remains separate. Including it on the parent\u2019s return can trigger errors in the IRS system and may result in underreporting or double taxation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>The Kiddie Tax and Unearned Income<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unearned income introduces another layer of complexity due to the so-called kiddie tax rules. Under these rules, unearned income above a certain threshold is taxed at the parent\u2019s marginal tax rate. This applies to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children under age 18<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children ages 18 to 24 who are full-time students and do not provide more than half of their own support<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If a child\u2019s unearned income exceeds $2,500 (for 2023), the excess is subject to the parent\u2019s rate rather than the child\u2019s. This was implemented to prevent parents from shifting investment income to their children to take advantage of lower tax brackets.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In such cases, parents may have the option to include the child\u2019s unearned income on their own return using Form 8814. However, this should only be done when it results in a tax advantage and complies with filing rules. Consulting a tax professional or carefully using software guidance is often recommended in these situations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Self-Employment and Side Income<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your child is earning money from babysitting, lawn care, online sales, or similar side gigs, this may be classified as self-employment income. If they earn more than $400 from self-employment, they are required to file a tax return and may owe self-employment tax, even if no income tax is due.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many teens and young adults do not realize that they must track and report this income, especially when it\u2019s paid in cash or through digital apps. Educating children early on about tax responsibility can help prevent future complications.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Real-World Example<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A teenager named Grace works part-time at a local grocery store and earns $4,500 for the year. Her employer withholds federal income tax, and Grace qualifies for a refund. Her parents mistakenly include the W-2 income on their own return and claim the refund.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This leads to a mismatch with IRS records, as Grace\u2019s Social Security number was reported to the IRS by the employer. The parents receive a notice, and the refund is delayed. Had Grace filed her own simple return using her W-2 and included her direct deposit details, she would have received her refund quickly and avoided confusion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Mistake 6: Not Taking Advantage of Education Tax Benefits<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As children transition from high school to college or vocational school, education costs begin to climb rapidly. Fortunately, several tax benefits are available to help families manage these expenses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yet every year, many parents miss out simply because they are unaware of the credits or do not claim them correctly. Understanding the options available can result in significant savings, whether your child is just starting college or continuing postgraduate studies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>American Opportunity Tax Credit<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The American Opportunity Tax Credit is one of the most generous education-related tax benefits available. It offers up to $2,500 per eligible student per year for the first four years of post-secondary education.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The credit applies to qualified education expenses, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tuition and fees<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Course-related books, supplies, and equipment<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Room and board, transportation, and medical expenses do not qualify. The student must be enrolled at least half-time and pursuing a degree or recognized credential.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The credit is calculated as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">100 percent of the first $2,000 of qualified expenses<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">25 percent of the next $2,000<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Up to 40 percent of the credit is refundable, meaning it can result in a refund even if no tax is owed. To claim the credit, you must receive a Form 1098-T from the educational institution and complete Form 8863 with your tax return.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Lifetime Learning Credit<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Lifetime Learning Credit is another valuable tax benefit, offering up to $2,000 per return for qualified education expenses. Unlike the American Opportunity Credit, it has no limit on the number of years it can be claimed. It is available for undergraduate, graduate, and professional courses, and students do not need to be enrolled at least half-time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The credit is calculated as 20 percent of the first $10,000 in qualified expenses. It is nonrefundable, which means it can reduce your tax bill but will not result in a refund. Income limits apply to both credits, and taxpayers cannot claim both credits for the same student in the same year. Choosing the right one depends on the student\u2019s education level, enrollment status, and family income.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>529 Plans and Education Savings Accounts<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tax-advantaged savings plans, such as 529 plans and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, allow families to set aside funds for future education costs. Earnings in these accounts grow tax-free, and withdrawals are also tax-free when used for qualified expenses.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Qualified expenses include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tuition and fees<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Books, supplies, and equipment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Room and board for students enrolled at least half-time<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some 529 plans also allow limited withdrawals for K-12 expenses, such as private school tuition, subject to state-specific rules.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contributions to these accounts are not deductible on your federal return, but some states offer tax deductions or credits for contributions to state-sponsored plans. Tracking contributions and withdrawals throughout the year is essential for accurate reporting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Student Loan Interest Deduction<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you or your child are repaying student loans, you may be eligible to deduct up to $2,500 in interest paid on those loans. This deduction is taken above the line, meaning you don\u2019t need to itemize deductions to claim it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eligibility depends on:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The taxpayer being legally obligated to repay the loan<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The student being enrolled at least half-time when the loan was taken<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The loan being used for qualified education expenses<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Income limits apply and begin to phase out at certain thresholds. Parents who co-signed loans for their children may be eligible if they are the ones making payments.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Common Mistakes in Claiming Education Credits<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most frequent errors in claiming education-related tax breaks include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Claiming the same expenses for multiple credits<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not coordinating with 529 plan withdrawals<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forgetting to include Form 1098-T information<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Claiming credits for non-eligible students or institutions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The IRS requires that students attend an eligible educational institution to qualify for most credits. These include most accredited colleges and universities, but not all foreign institutions or unaccredited online programs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s also important to ensure that the Social Security number on the tax return matches the number reported by the school. Inconsistencies can delay or deny credits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Real-World Example<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lena is a parent of a college freshman. She pays $4,500 in tuition and another $1,000 for textbooks. She also contributes $2,000 to her daughter\u2019s 529 plan, which her daughter later uses to pay for housing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lena mistakenly claims the American Opportunity Tax Credit on the full $5,500 in education costs, including the amount paid with 529 funds. The IRS flags the return, as she has essentially double-counted the expense. She must repay part of the credit and may be assessed penalties. Had she properly coordinated the credit and the 529 distribution, she could have maximized the benefit without overlap.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Navigating taxes as a parent involves more than simply claiming a few credits; it requires a full understanding of the responsibilities and opportunities that come with raising children. From securing a Social Security number for a newborn to managing childcare records, selecting the correct filing status, claiming applicable credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit, accurately reporting a child\u2019s income, and using education-related tax benefits, each decision can have a significant impact on your overall tax outcome.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common mistakes parents make such as missing out on key credits or failing to maintain proper documentation can lead to higher tax bills, delayed refunds, or even audit issues. However, these errors are largely preventable with careful planning, timely filing, and good recordkeeping. Staying informed about the tax rules that apply to families and organizing your financial records throughout the year will allow you to take full advantage of available tax breaks. Ultimately, managing your taxes with the same attention and care you give to your parenting responsibilities can lead to long-term financial benefits for you and your family.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Parenthood brings more than sleepless nights and packed schedules\u2014it also introduces new responsibilities when it comes to managing your finances, especially during tax season. While [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[238],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1836","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-tax-refund"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Top 6 Tax Mistakes Parents Make That Could Hurt Their Refunds - Free Invoice Generator - Luzenta<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/top-6-tax-mistakes-parents-make-that-could-hurt-their-refunds\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Top 6 Tax Mistakes Parents Make That Could Hurt Their Refunds - Free Invoice Generator - Luzenta\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Parenthood brings more than sleepless nights and packed schedules\u2014it also introduces new responsibilities when it comes to managing your finances, especially during tax season. While [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/top-6-tax-mistakes-parents-make-that-could-hurt-their-refunds\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Free Invoice Generator - Luzenta\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-08-07T07:23:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Erik Wilson\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"20 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/top-6-tax-mistakes-parents-make-that-could-hurt-their-refunds\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/top-6-tax-mistakes-parents-make-that-could-hurt-their-refunds\/\",\"name\":\"Top 6 Tax Mistakes Parents Make That Could Hurt Their Refunds - Free Invoice Generator - Luzenta\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-07T07:23:01+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-07T07:23:01+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/7ce919326557f4ca440434b3d3a3267f\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/top-6-tax-mistakes-parents-make-that-could-hurt-their-refunds\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/top-6-tax-mistakes-parents-make-that-could-hurt-their-refunds\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/top-6-tax-mistakes-parents-make-that-could-hurt-their-refunds\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Top 6 Tax Mistakes Parents Make That Could Hurt Their Refunds\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Free Invoice Generator - Luzenta\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/7ce919326557f4ca440434b3d3a3267f\",\"name\":\"Erik Wilson\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c545f436755e378281fc4608c16d62d5?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c545f436755e378281fc4608c16d62d5?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Erik Wilson\"},\"sameAs\":[\"http:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/author\/luzenta_admin\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Top 6 Tax Mistakes Parents Make That Could Hurt Their Refunds - Free Invoice Generator - Luzenta","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/top-6-tax-mistakes-parents-make-that-could-hurt-their-refunds\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Top 6 Tax Mistakes Parents Make That Could Hurt Their Refunds - Free Invoice Generator - Luzenta","og_description":"Parenthood brings more than sleepless nights and packed schedules\u2014it also introduces new responsibilities when it comes to managing your finances, especially during tax season. While [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/top-6-tax-mistakes-parents-make-that-could-hurt-their-refunds\/","og_site_name":"Free Invoice Generator - Luzenta","article_published_time":"2025-08-07T07:23:01+00:00","author":"Erik Wilson","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":false,"Est. reading time":"20 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/top-6-tax-mistakes-parents-make-that-could-hurt-their-refunds\/","url":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/top-6-tax-mistakes-parents-make-that-could-hurt-their-refunds\/","name":"Top 6 Tax Mistakes Parents Make That Could Hurt Their Refunds - Free Invoice Generator - Luzenta","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/#website"},"datePublished":"2025-08-07T07:23:01+00:00","dateModified":"2025-08-07T07:23:01+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/7ce919326557f4ca440434b3d3a3267f"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/top-6-tax-mistakes-parents-make-that-could-hurt-their-refunds\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/top-6-tax-mistakes-parents-make-that-could-hurt-their-refunds\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/top-6-tax-mistakes-parents-make-that-could-hurt-their-refunds\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Top 6 Tax Mistakes Parents Make That Could Hurt Their Refunds"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/","name":"Free Invoice Generator - Luzenta","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/7ce919326557f4ca440434b3d3a3267f","name":"Erik Wilson","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c545f436755e378281fc4608c16d62d5?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c545f436755e378281fc4608c16d62d5?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Erik Wilson"},"sameAs":["http:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog"],"url":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/author\/luzenta_admin\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1836","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1836"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1836\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1837,"href":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1836\/revisions\/1837"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1836"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1836"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.luzenta.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1836"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}