With tax season upon us, time to heed these anti-scam tips

It’s tax season, which means it’s time to file your 2022 taxes before the April 18 deadline. Though there’s still plenty of time, filing early is key to getting returns quickly and avoiding scammers.

Tax scams are rampant. In fact, the Internal Revenue Service

releases a “Dirty Dozen” scam list annually. It includes a wide range of scams including pandemic-related scams, suspicious communications, spear phishing attacks and more. Taxpayers, tax professionals and financial institutions should be aware of each scheme and tread carefully. To avoid tax scams, Better Business Bureau offers the following tips:

■ File taxes as early as possible to avoid identity theft and before a scammer uses your information to file a false return.

■ Ask friends and family who they have used to do their taxes.

■ Write down your Identity

Protection Pin (IP PIN) from the IRS before filing your return. This number confirms your identity. You can’t opt out once you get an IP PIN and must provide the IP Pin each year you file federal tax returns.

■ Beware of emails, texts or social media messages claiming to be the IRS. The IRS generally contacts via mailings. It will also not demand immediate payment.

■ Look for preparers who are available year-round in case you’re audited or there’s a problem with your return.

■ Don’t use a ghost preparer. They won’t sign a tax return they prepare for you.

■ Make sure your tax preparer has an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number.

■ Don’t sign tax returns that are incomplete as what shows up on them reflects you.

■ Be wary of promises like larger refunds than the competition.

■ Don’t send checks to third parties. Also, don’t pay with a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer.

■ Be sure you’re accessing the real IRS website when filing your taxes electronically or inquiring for additional information.

■ Know the IRS will not threaten to immediately bring in local police or law enforcement to arrest you for not paying.

■ Make sure tax refunds are deposited into your bank account, not your preparer’s.

■ Don’t click on unsolicited, suspicious URLS, texts or emails. Scammers lure people to fake websites and ask them to fill in personal details. A secure URL should begin with “https.” The “s” in “https” stands for secure and look for the locked padlock symbol. If you come across a tax scam, report it to Bbb.org/scamtracker, ftc.gov/complaint or the IRS by calling 800-908-4490. To learn more tax tips, visit bbb.org/all/ taxtips. BBB can also provide a list of BBB Accredited tax services or business profiles on ones you may be considering.