The holidaze are over and tax season has arrived. The IRS has announced that they will not be processing any returns until January 30th this year and eager workers will file their returns and dream of ways to spend their “extra” money while others plan payment arrangements for money that is owed. No matter which category you fall in, there are safeguards to consider when dealing with income tax returns. Here are some simple tips from the IRS.

1. The IRS does not contact taxpayers via email to request personal information. Like other “phishing” scams, hackers pretend to be officials from the IRS and demand that you provide them with identifying information by clicking on a link.  The correct website info is www.irs.gov and any suspicious emails can be forwarded to phishing@irs.gov.

2. Guard your social security number. Stolen numbers are used by con artists to get jobs and to tap into your credit history. Unbeknownst to you, an employer will report the earnings from the scammer’s work onto your account and you look dishonest  for not reporting the full amount. If this happens, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit by calling 1-800-908-4490 or visit www.irs.gov.

3. Be leery of anyone calling , texting, or emailing with “special offers” to help with tax returns. Never give out any personal information and report any harassing calls to the proper authorities. You work hard for your money.  Make sure your return comes back to you!