Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a consumer alert with tips on filing and preparing taxes safely as Tax Day approaches. Bonta emphasized the importance of protecting oneself from tax-related scams and frauds during this busy season. According to Bonta, "For working families, tax season serves as a long-awaited opportunity to get ahead on bills, make needed home repairs, or finally start planning a vacation."

To safeguard against scams, Bonta advised Californians to file their taxes early, take precautions online, and explore free or low-cost tax filing opportunities. Bonta highlighted the IRS Direct File pilot program, which allows eligible California taxpayers to file their 2023 federal taxes directly with the IRS for free.

In his statement, Bonta urged individuals to be cautious and vigilant, stating, "This Tax Season, we want to make sure Californians don’t fall victim to tax-related fraud or scams." He encouraged residents to visit the Attorney General's website for tools, tips, and resources to facilitate safer and easier tax filing.

The consumer alert also included practical tips on how to protect oneself from tax scams, such as filing early, avoiding phone calls from purported tax agencies, refraining from opening suspicious emails, and utilizing additional security measures like Identity Protection PINs and two-step authentication.

Furthermore, Attorney General Bonta highlighted various tax preparation resources available to Californians, including free assistance programs like VITA/TCE, the IRS Direct File pilot program, and the FTB CalFile program. Bonta emphasized the importance of exploring these options to ensure accurate and secure tax filing.

Additionally, the alert provided information on how individuals can qualify for cash back or tax reductions through programs like the Earned Income Tax Credit. Californians were also reminded of the option to request a tax-filing extension through the IRS Free File system if needed.

As tax season progresses, Bonta advised individuals to seek out reputable tax preparers and report any suspected tax-related scams or misconduct to the appropriate authorities. Californians were encouraged to visit the Attorney General's website for more information on protecting themselves against fraud during tax season.