Consumer Reports finds advantages to filing taxes early

SAN FRANCISCO (WABC) -- Employers have until February 1 to send you your W-2 tax form, and the IRS is already accepting electronic returns with roughly two months from the April deadline to file taxes.

Consumer Reports says there are significant advantages to filing early. You'll not only get your refund back sooner, but it can help you avoid a tax scam.

Peggy Shea and her husband were victims of a tax scam that is on the rise.

"Last year when we filed our taxes, the IRS had flagged our account because someone else had filed a phony return under my husband's social security number," Shea said.

It was an attempt to steal their refund.

"Filing your tax return early is a great way to thwart this kind of a scam," Consumer Reports' Tobie Stanger said. "You get your paperwork in early before a criminal can file in your name."

Filing early has other advantages. First, you'll get your refund sooner. About two-thirds of Americans do get a refund, which averaged about $2,700 last year.

Filing early is also beneficial if you owe taxes, so you know exactly how big the tax bite will be.

"That way, you'll have plenty of time to figure out where the money is going to come from or to set up a payment schedule," Stanger said. "This year, you have to pay by April 18, and you don't want to be late and incur any penalties or fines."

Another benefit of preparing your taxes early is that you may be able to get a better deal on college financial aid. Early applicants often get more money.

If you file early, don't rush through it. You still need to be accurate. That avoids having to amend the return later, which could trigger penalties and fines.

If you've been the victim of identity theft, you can get a special pin number from the IRS that will protect you against future tax fraud.