The IRS says it's better to file your taxes earlier to avoid certain headaches.

The federal agency says it's one of the ways to combat scammers who only need your name and social security number to file. 

Second, starting now gives more time for research and avoid red flags that could make a taxpayer more susceptible to an audit.

Filing early also gives more time to budget for any balance owed to the federal government due on April 15, even with an extension of time to file.

And if you're getting money back isn't a good enough reason, as of February 20 the IRS has already paid out $125 billion in refunds.