The IRS began accepting 2017 income tax returns on 1/29/18. You may be more concerned about the 4/17/18 filing deadline, or even the extended deadline of 10/15/18 (if you file for an extension by 4/17/18). After all, why go through the hassle of filing your return earlier than you have to? But it can be a good idea to file as close to 1/29/18 as possible: Doing so helps protect you from tax identity theft. All-too-common scam Here’s why early filing helps: In an all-too-common scam, thieves use victims’ personal information to file fraudulent tax returns electronically and claim bogus refunds. This is usually done early in the tax filing season. When the real taxpayers file, they’re notified that they’re attempting to file duplicate returns. A victim typically discovers...