Why it's a good idea to file your taxes early

Here are a few expert tips on why:

Identity theft is a growing problem and one often tied to tax refund fraud, said Mark Steber, chief tax officer at Jackson Hewitt Tax Service.

Once your return is filed with the IRS, the information — in particular your social security number — is locked and cannot be used again by anyone else.

While some delays are expected this year for filers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, the IRS still expects to issue more than nine out of 10 refunds in under three weeks from the day a return is received.