Commissioner of Revenue Services Kevin Sullivan has announced that the Department of Revenue Services (DRS) has been taking steps to strengthen anti-fraud protection during the 2015 income tax filing season.

According to Sullivan, last year, the state stopped over $38 million in tax fraud and has joined other states, International Revenue Services, tax processors and tax preparers to fight tax fraud and refund theft. DRS has enhanced refund screening aimed at providing greater taxpayer assistance.

“In some cases, that means refunds will take longer, but it’s far more important that we protect our taxpayers and make sure the refunds we send get where they are supposed to go,” Sullivan said in a statement. “While electronic filing and direct deposit remain secure, first-time filers will almost always receive refunds by paper check and suspicious filers will usually have refunds be converted to paper checks, delayed for added screening, or even may be contacted by DRS for additional information.”

DRS suggested these tips to protect taxpayer identity and avoid fraud:

• However threatening, never trust or act on a phone call or email from an unconfirmed federal or state tax agency source.
• Keep computer firewall, anti-virus software and other online security up to date.
• Always verify email sources by checking on the URL address to confirm a legitimate site before going to a site.
• Protect passwords and avoid disclosing Social Security numbers or other personal identity information.
• If necessary, find free or low-cost taxpayer assistance by contacting Infoline 211.
• Use a legitimate, qualified and well known in-person or online preparer.
• Never sign a blank tax return or other tax form.
• Avoid tax preparers that have refunds sent anywhere other than directly to taxpayers, offer commercial tie-ins such as refund deposits to debit cards or offer high interest rate refund anticipation loans.
• When in doubt, contact DRS at 800-382-9463 (Connecticut callers outside the Greater Hartford calling area only); or 860-297-5962 (from anywhere) or the IRS Tax Fraud Hotline at 1-800-829-0433.