As the dreaded April 15 tax deadline approaches, there's some advice to help New Yorkers avoid problems.

Officials urge taxpayers to have their W-2 forms, Social Security numbers and other important information ready before sitting down to fill out tax forms.

According to the IRS, it's easier than ever to file taxes through e-file on the agency's Web site. Individuals who make less than $54,000 may even qualify for free filing. Filers can expect refunds about four weeks later.A lawmaker is proposing "auto file," which involves having the IRS automatically file returns for about 40 percent of Americans.

Internal Revenue Service