The IRS reports that a lot of people wait until the last minute to file their taxes.
However, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is encouraging people to file early and watch out for potential scams.
The BBB warns that people should always be wary of tax identity theft scams, which is when a scammer uses your Social Security number to file your taxes for you. Filing early is the best way to avoid someone claiming your return as their own, according to the BBB.
It is also recommended that people only use trustworthy tax preparation services. People should be careful about anyone promising they can get you a "bigger" refund than other professionals.
"We just want folks to be cognizant that you should be getting the same return because you are working with professionals who come up with the same numbers and those red flags really exist for a reason with people who say they can get you a bigger refund," said Hannah Stiff, BBB Montana Marketplace Manager.
Victims of tax identity theft should file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission as soon as possible.
