Tax season already? Some tips for avoiding stress and scams

NEW YORK — For many people filing U.S. tax returns — especially those doing it for their first time — it can be a daunting task that’s often left to the last minute. Tom O’Saben, director of tax content and government relations at the National Association of Tax Professionals, recommends gathering all of your documents in one place before you start your tax return and also having your documents from last year if your financial situation has drastically changed. Theresa Grover, site coordinator for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, also recommends taxpayers create an identity protection PIN number with the IRS to guard against identity theft. It’s always good practice to keep a record of your tax returns, just in case the IRS audits you for an item you reported years ago.