Tax day cometh

April 15th. It's a day some look forward to with apprehension. Others look at April 15th with a sense of cold dread. However, thanks to preparation and thoroughness, Tax Day for some is just another day.

I'm proud my office is a source of information, assistance, and reference for the people of the Third District. When it comes to tax time, my office is here to help constituents as you work with the IRS or with other questions they may have and, hopefully, lessen the stress that comes with tax day.

When readying for tax day, the first step is preparation. Gather your records in advance, including W-2s and 1099s. Be sure to visit the IRS's website www.irs.gov to make sure you have the right forms.

Don't forget to save copies for your files. This is absolutely necessary should any questions arise about your return. As a general rule of thumb, keep these copies for three to four years.

Check your math and social security numbers. These are among the most common errors found on tax returns. Taking a moment to double-check will speed up your refund and reduce the chance of hearing from the IRS.

If you choose to use direct deposit, you will most likely receive your refund sooner than waiting for a check to be sent to you. This year, for the first time, all filers can file their returns electronically for free through www.irs.gov. Filing electronically also has many benefits including catching many problems, providing confirmation returns have been received, and receiving your refund sooner.

If you have a problem or question, don't panic. There are several places you can turn for assistance. You can contact the IRS at www.irs.gov or call 1-800-829-1040. As I mentioned earlier, my office also can offer assistance.

For some, the Local Taxpayer Advocate (LTA) may prove to be a big help. The LTA is an independent branch of the IRS which answers to Congress.

Any time there is a dispute with the IRS, residents of the Third District can contact me at any of my offices or my website at http://www.adriansmith.house.gov/ and we can provide assistance with the LTA.

It has come to my attention there is a new tax scam making the rounds in Nebraska. The telephone scam begins with the caller identifying themselves as an IRS worker and thanking the person for paying their taxes early. As a reward, the scammer will offer a 'grant' or refund if the victim will provide their bank account information.

In another version, a potential victim is told by phone he or she is eligible for a rebate but must provide a bank account (or similar information) to receive the rebate.

The IRS will never call an individual to ask for bank account information. For those who have elected to receive their refund via direct deposit, the taxpayer has already provided the information and given the IRS permission to deposit. If you receive a call from anyone requesting this type of information, please contact one of my offices as soon as possible.

This type of scam is called "phishing." Phishing is a tactic used by thieves to trick unsuspecting victims into revealing personal information they can then use to access the victims' financial accounts. These criminals use the information obtained to empty bank accounts, run up credit card charges, and apply for loans or credit in the victims' names.

Phishing can occur over the phone, or take the form of an e-mail falsely claiming to come from the IRS. The IRS never uses e-mail to contact taxpayers about their tax issues. Taxpayers who receive unsolicited e-mail which claims to be from the IRS can forward the message to a special e-mail address: phishing@irs.gov.

Tax Day, while never pleasant, does not necessarily need to lead to sleepless nights or migraine headaches. With the proper preparation -- and by taking the necessary precautions -- taxpayers won't have to dread April 15th.