Joy Miller

With the beginning of the New Year comes income tax season-that time between late January and April 15 when almost all households must file a tax return.

Maybe you’re that organized person who gets ready ahead of tax season, or perhaps you’re itching to get your hands on your refund. Either way, if you’re doing any tax preparation, here’s some helpful information.

Avoiding tax fraud

Scammers would love to access your sensitive, personal data (like your Social Security number, or SSN) so they can file a tax return in your name and claim your tax refund. To keep your refund out of their hands:

• File your taxes as early as possible.
• Keep paper tax returns in a safe place.
• Be super suspicious of any emails claiming to be from the IRS. (According to the agency’s website, the IRS will never reach out to taxpayers via email for personal information.)
• The IRS now allows you to establish an “IP PIN” (Identity Protection PIN) to prevent someone else from filing a tax return using your SSN. Even if you’re not required to file for 2022, an IP PIN will still protect your account.

Advice on tax refunds

Ads on TV and radio may be tempting, claiming to get your tax refund money the next day or even before you file your taxes. These offers can be expensive. Here are some ways to make the most of your refund.

• Use direct deposit. If possible, file your return electronically and have our refund direct deposit into your bank or credit union account. The IRS issues most refunds within 21 days with no fees or charges.
• Avoid tax refund advances. When a company promises faster refund, they are not actually getting your money from the IRS faster than you can. Instead, they are lending you the money, and they will charge you for the loan.
• Pay your tax preparer up front. If you decide to use a paid tax preparer, the person may offer to take their fee out of your refund. This may seem convenient, but it can have a high cost. The tax preparer may charge you an extra fee for the convenience.
• Save some of your refund. It is free, easy and fast to put some of your refund into savings when you file your tax return. Include your savings account information when you file yourself or bring the information with you when you see a tax preparer.

To file or not to file?

Depending on your age, income and filing status, you might not technically be required to file a return. It might still be a good idea to file, though. You might receive a tax refund or you might be eligible for tax credits.

Solutions for filing taxes

Around this time of year, you will see lots of advertisements and information about tax preparation and tax filing services. Think about how you will prepare your taxes. You may have options you have not thought about before.

• Do it yourself. You can file your own tax return, on paper or electronically. You can file online for free with the IRS. If your income is $58,000 or less, you can use free tax preparation software from the IRS.
• Get help with your taxes for free. If your income is $60,000 or less, you can get free tax preparation assistance at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) location. K-State Research and Extension Johnson County partners with KC Metro Tax Coalition and El Centro offering VITA services at Sunset Drive Office Building Office Building in Olathe. For dates, time, or more information, call 913-715-7000 or visit johnson.k-state.edu.

Joy Miller is the family and community wellness agent at Johnson County K-State Research and Extension.