Business Buzz: BBB advises filing tax returns early to lessen theft

Rev and Tax doesn’t have the paper income tax forms and instruction booklets to issue to taxpayers yet.

If you have a straightforward tax return, there’s no reason to drive somewhere and pay someone hundreds of dollars to file your tax return when you could do it yourself and keep more of your hard-earned money.

Go to IRS.gov and search for “Free File”. Commercial partners of the IRS offer free brand-name software to about 100 million individuals and families with incomes of $62,000 or less.

File now if you can – This is not always possible for everyone, because many are waiting for their W2 paperwork; however, the sooner you file the better.

More than 20, unseen, data elements will help identify fraudulent returns, according to the IRS.

That means all forms need to be gathered at once before submitting to the IRS.

If you like the speed and efficiency of e-filing, but can’t file online yourself, consider making an appointment for free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). If that happens, you’re being scammed.

Use ID theft prevention measures – Do not carry your Social Security card and don’t provide the number to a business or organization just because they ask for it. In addition, don’t carry your Medicare card unless you’re going to a doctor for the first time. After alerting the IRS, you should also place a freeze on your credit report file with all three credit bureaus to prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened.

Last week, the IRS started accepting electronically filed tax returns, officially kicking off the start of the 2016 tax season. Taxpayers in ME and MA have until Tuesday, April 19, because of Patriot’s Day observances on April 18.

Tax season is here and the IRS says there’s some changes you need to know about before you file.