This year, most 1040 tax packages will contain an envelope with two labels that will enable the IRS to more efficiently sort the refund returns from the remittance returns.

These labels will contain the address of the Internal Revenue Service Center and separate Zip+4 Zip Codes and PostNet barcodes. Taxpayers filing for a refund will use one of the labels. The other label will be used by taxpayers filing a balance due return with remittance.

If you do not have a tax package with the labels and envelope, the tax instructions will have the service center address with the 'refund' zip code and the service center address with the 'no refund' zip code to choose from. This will allow you or your tax preparer to place the correct Zip+4 Zip Code on the envelope and the U.S. Postal Service will imprint the proper PostNet barcode on the face of the envelope. Barcodes will permit the IRS to sort the tax returns by type.

As far as the return itself, a couple of misplaced numbers or an incorrect name can stall the processing of a tax return and any expected refund. It's worth the time to double-check every tax form and schedule before sending it off to the Internal Revenue Service.

Here's a list of possible oversights to look out for:

• Numbers that are transposed, left out, or totaled incorrectly.
• Incorrect or missing social security numbers (SSNs). All dependents must have one. Get Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, from the Social Security Administration (SSA) to apply for an SSN. SSNs won't be preprinted on the tax package label, so people must be sure to write theirs on their return. To get SSA Form SS-5, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
• Incorrect or missing employer identification numbers (EINs) for employers and sole proprietors.
• Names that have changed because of marriage or divorce. Notify the Social Security Administration immediately after a change.
• Aliens who do not qualify for SSNs must get IRS-issued individual taxpayer identification numbers (ITINs). Use IRS Form W-7, Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, to apply for an ITIN. To get IRS Form W-7, call the IRS at 1-800-829-3676.
• People in the process of a domestic adoption may need an adoption taxpayer identification number (ATIN) for the child. Use Form W-7A, Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions, to apply for an ATIN. To get IRS Form W-7A, call the IRS at 1-800-829-3676.

Remember, use the label and envelope from the tax package. Doing so can reduce the chance of misrouted mail or refunds because of hard-to-read handwriting. Make sure the envelope has enough postage and complete addresses, both return and IRS, so it won't go astray in the mail. Don't forget to sign and date the return.

If taxes are due, make the check payable to the United States Treasury, put your SSN, the tax year, and form filed in the "memo" section of the check, and do not staple it to the return.

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