River Parishes residents need to be aware that Tuesday marked the first day the Louisiana Department of Revenue began accepting and processing 2015 state individual income tax returns.

The filing deadline is May 16. In touting its efforts safeguarding taxpayers against fraud, Louisiana Department of Revenue officials boasted this week they have saved taxpayers more than $25 million through their anti-tax fraud initiatives in the last two years.

State officials said to protect taxpayers against fraud, including the suspicion of identity theft, a tax refund can be delayed while the department reviews a suspicious tax return. When this occurs, the taxpayer is contacted through written correspondence with further instructions.

Taxpayers are warned they may experience delays in receiving their refund if they fail to keep the most current contact information on file, including name, address and telephone number.

On average, refunds are issued within 60 days of a return being filed correctly.

If needed, taxpayers can visit revenue.louisiana.gov to update contact information.

To file taxes electronically, taxpayers can visit Louisiana File Online, the state’s free web portal for individual and business tax filers at revenue.louisiana.gov/fileonline.

There are no fees associated with the use of Louisiana File Online. Taxpayers may also use commercial tax preparation software to file their state income taxes.

Taxpayers can check the status of a refund by visiting: revenue.louisiana.gov/refund or by calling 1-888-829-3071.

Those needing 2015 state income tax forms can download them at revenue.louisiana.gov/taxforms. Also, tips for taxpayers who need help selecting a preparer are available at 866-940-7053.