As the income tax filing deadline approaches, Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued guidance to help Illinois residents safely file tax returns and urged people to exercise caution before providing personally-identifying and financial information online. Raoul encourages consumers who need a tax preparer to seek assistance from reputable sources, such as the Taxpayer Advocate Service provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Raoul encourages consumers using the IRS’ private partners to make sure they log in through the IRS’s dedicated website to receive the free filing benefit. Consumers should also pay attention as they work with the IRS’ private partners to make sure that they do not accidentally sign up for the private partners’ pay services. Raoul offered tips to help consumers avoid becoming a victim of tax identity theft:

• Do your research before selecting a tax preparer. Make sure you are using a reputable tax preparer before handing over your personal information. Search online for free, in-person tax preparation assistance.

• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also offers tips and resources for veterans filing tax returns.

• Protect your Social Security number. Don’t give out your Social Security number unless there is a good reason for doing so and only if you know to whom you are providing it.

• Report unsolicited emails claiming to be from the IRS, or an IRS-related service like the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, to the IRS by emailing phishing@irs.gov.

• Contact the Attorney General’s Identity Theft Unit by calling 866-999-5630.