WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - This year's tax filing season starts January 27th, and 22News is Working For You with what you need to know before you file. We spoke with experts at Liberty Tax in West Springfield, who told us that forms issued by an employer, such as your W-2s, should be distributed soon. If you have a mortgage, you would receive a 10-98 form or a 10-99 for interest or dividends. If you have an identity protection PIN, there's a new one issued every year--so if you haven't received a PIN, make sure to contact the IRS as soon as possible. To avoid identity theft, taxpayers are urged to file as soon as all of their documents are in. Ray Maagero, a tax expert with Liberty Tax, told 22News, "If that does happen--if you get a letter from the IRS that says, "we are having trouble processing your refund," make sure to pay attention to that---and that would be a reason to file early so no one steals your identity." If you plan to e-file, you can use the IRS 'Where's My Refund?' tool to check the status of your income tax refund within the first 24 hours of filing. The deadline to file your taxes this year is April 15th. Local News Headlines Stay Safe: Tips to prevent home heating fires Massachusetts leaders push back on Trump’s executive orders Spotting the differences between ice on a river and a lake Protect yourself from frostbite during arctic blast WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.