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Washington, D.C.—With the April 15 tax-filing deadline approaching, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees who are members of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) offered their top 10 tips to help taxpayers avoid common problems and pitfalls when filing their tax returns.

Perhaps most importantly, a survey of NTEU’s IRS members produced this advice: “Don’t hesitate to contact the IRS with any questions you have, or for any tax-related help you need.”

“IRS employees are knowledgeable about a tax code that has become increasingly complex and are eager to assist taxpayers in complying with their tax obligations,” said NTEU President Colleen M. Kelley.

NTEU members underscored that view in their comments. One said: “We are individuals able and willing to help you.” Another added: “Do not listen to your uncle, Grandpa Joe, or your neighbor who used to be an accountant. Ask the IRS!”

Besides visiting one of the IRS’s Taxpayer Assistance Centers across the country, the IRS can be reached through its website, at www.irs.gov, or by calling its toll-free number: 1-800-829-1040.

Along with seeking help from IRS employees, the NTEU members offered their additional tips:

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File your return on time, whether you owe taxes or are due a refund. For an easy, fast and accurate return, file electronically and if you’re getting a refund, choose direct deposit. Failing to do so could result in late-filing penalties—and could increase the possibility of identity theft, an increasingly popular form of criminal activity seeking fraudulent refunds;

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Gather all your income information and tax documents before you start your return. Report all your information accurately—and check your math;

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If you use a professional tax preparer, choose wisely, question anything you don’t fully understand, and get a copy of your return;

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Sign your return before filing it—and if it is a joint return, both parties must sign;

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Verify everything on your form before you file it, including names, Social Security numbers, birth dates of all dependents, and the like;

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If you need an extension beyond April 15 to file your return, there is a form for that. Better yet, use the Free File link on IRS.gov and get an extension online for free. An extension is automatic—but only on the filing, not on the payment. If payment is due, you need to pay by April 15, or, at least, pay what you can on the balance due.

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If you want to enter into an installment agreement, call the agency and talk it over. Lots of people have installment agreements. Or visit IRS.gov and set one up online.

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Keep copies of all documents and returns for at least three years—and in a place where you can find them—in case you or the IRS has questions later.

“Filing taxes is an annual ritual, but it need not be a frustrating one,” President Kelley said. “IRS employees are trained to help, no matter what the tax question, no matter what the hardship circumstance. All taxpayers have to do is give them that opportunity.”

Taxpayers should be aware that because of sequestration, telephone wait times can be lengthy. Mondays and Tuesdays tend to be the busiest telephone days, and afternoons a little less heavy. Taxpayers should note, too, that employees answering the phones are not responsible for long wait times.

One NTEU member recommended the use of the agency’s free-filing options. “Take advantage of free-file, e-file and e-pay,” the member said in the NTEU survey. “The IRS has multiple options for filing returns for free, getting payment plans set up, and paying your taxes online.”

Another suggested using the ‘Where’s my refund?’ tool on the agency’s website, www.irs.gov, rather than trying to get that information over the phone, noting that the information is from the same source. And still another offered this timely reminder: “Sign your return. We see too many that are unsigned.”

NTEU is the largest independent federal union, representing 150,000 employees in 31 agencies and departments, including the entire IRS bargaining unit.