If you are mailing a paper return to the IRS, take a few minutes to make certain that all information is complete and accurate before sealing the envelope. This simple precaution could help you avoid mistakes that can delay your refund or result in correspondence from the IRS.

Here are just a few items to complete prior to mailing your tax return:

• Sign your return Your federal tax return is not considered a valid return unless it is signed. If you are filing a joint return, your spouse also must sign.
• Provide a daytime phone number. This may help speed the processing of your return if the IRS has questions about items on your return.
• Assemble any schedules and forms behind your Form 1040/1040A in the order of the "Attachment Sequence No." shown in the upper right hand corner of the schedule or form. Arrange any supporting statements in the same order as the schedules or forms they support and attach them last.
• Attach all copies of Forms W-2, W-2G and 2439 to the front of Form 1040. Also attach Form 1099-R if federal tax was withheld.
• Use the coded envelope included with your tax package to mail your return. If you did not receive an envelope, check the section called "Where Do You File?" in the tax instruction booklet. Don’t forget the stamp!
• If you are due a refund, consider direct deposit to receive your refund in the quickest and safest manner. Then make sure that the financial institution routing and account numbers you have entered are accurate. Incorrect numbers can cause the refund to be delayed or misdirected.
• Do you owe tax? If so, enclose a check or money order made payable to the “United States Treasury” and Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher, if used. Make sure you include your correct name, address, the Social Security number that is listed first on the tax form, daytime telephone number, tax year and form number (i.e. Form 1040). Or, you may choose to pay by credit card by contacting one of the credit card service providers.

For more information, refer to your tax instruction booklet or visit the IRS Web site at IRS.gov.

Remember that for the genuine IRS Web site be sure to use .gov. Don't be confused by internet sites that end in .com, .net, .org or other designations instead of .gov. The address of the official IRS governmental Web site is www.irs.gov.