With this year's state individual income tax season deadline approaching in about a month, the Michigan Department of Treasury (Treasury) reminds Michiganders to be vigilant as cybercriminals attempt to take advantage of taxpayers.

Cybercriminals typically increase their activity leading up to the April 15 income tax filing deadline through phone scams and email phishing schemes, among other tactics. The criminals try to obtain personal information so they can file income tax returns and claim refunds on behalf of unsuspecting taxpayers or make allegations that taxpayers owe taxes and aggressively demand payment for a quick payout.

"This is the time of year where taxpayers need to be extra alert for possible scams and schemes," said Deputy Treasurer Kavita Kale. who oversees Treasury's Revenue Services programs. "Vigilance is really the key to fighting scammers. Always take the extra steps to confirm you are communicating with an authorized source.

Cybercriminals often alter correspondence-like phone numbers, emails and letters-to make it look like Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service or another official agency is contacting them. The scammers may use organization names, employee titles, a person's name, address and other information to sound official.

Treasury does not:

• Call or email to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method, such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, Treasury will first send a bill through the U.S. mail to any taxpayer who owes taxes.

• Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.

• Demand that taxes be paid without giving the taxpayer the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.

• Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

Taxpayers who don't owe taxes or don't think they owe taxes should hang up immediately if they receive one of these calls or discard through other mediums. For individuals who owe taxes or think they do, they can call Treasury at 517-636-5265 to find out their account balance information.

Taxpayers with questions about state individual income taxes can use Michigan Treasury eService online or call 517-636-4486.

Individual income tax season updates

Taxpayers should also be aware of the following this tax season:

• Michigan Treasury eServices enables taxpayers to file for free, check refunds, make payments, view records, and respond to Treasury letters.
• Refunds typically take 4-6 weeks for e-filed returns and 6-8 weeks for mailed returns.
• Free tax preparation is available for eligible individuals through IRS-certified volunteers and other community programs. Look for local programs in your area.
• Taxpayers in emergency areas in Southwest Michigan and Northern Michigan have additional time to file and pay state taxes, with penalties and interest waived for those who qualify. Relief must be requested directly from Treasury.

To date, Treasury has processed 2.6 million returns and issued $1.57 billion in refunds.

For more information about individual income tax season, go to Michigan.gov/IncomeTax.