1040A Tax Refund Tips

"Now that we've completed line 42, your total payments, we go to line 43. And if line 42 is more than line 37, if what you've paid is more than what you owe, then you're entitled to a refund. And you subtract line 37 from line 42 and enter that amount on line 43. Then on line 44a it gives you the option of getting all of your refund back or on line 45, applying some of that to your 2008 estimated tax. But if you do want all of your money refunded back to you, you need to enter that amount on line 44a. And if you want it going directly to your bank account as a direct deposit, you'll need to complete this routing number and account number section and note whether it's a checking account or a savings account. And this is where you get your routing number and account number. You'll see your routing number is down here in the lower left hand corner and the account number is next to it, and then there's a warning not to include the check number which is off here on the right. You may owe taxes if when you subtract line 42 from line 37, you come up with an amount. And if you do owe taxes you need to enter that on line 46. You may be required to pay an tax penalty and if so you'll need to refer to page 53 in the instructions for that. So, you would calculate that and then if you want to third party to discuss your return, you would enter this information as designee's name, phone number, and personal ID number or PIN number. Then make sure you sign your return and your joint return, make sure your spouse signs it as well. Just date it, enter your occupation and your spouse's occupation, and a daytime phone number. If you use a paid preparer, make sure that they sign it and date it and complete the information on their social security number or PIN number. Once this is completed, you just mail this off with all of the forms to the IRS."