DETROIT — The Internal Revenue Service on Wednesday opened the 2013 filing season by announcing a variety of enhanced products and services to help taxpayers prepare and file their tax returns by the April 15 deadline. New and expanded services for taxpayers this year include a redesigned IRS.gov web site that’s easier to navigate and improved service options, including more video-conferencing assistance sites and additional social media tools. 

In addition, the IRS has stepped up its enforcement efforts to protect taxpayers from refund fraud and identity theft.

The vast majority of taxpayers can file now, but the IRS is continuing to update its systems for some tax filers. The IRS will begin accepting tax returns from people claiming education credits in mid-February while taxpayers claiming depreciation deductions, energy credits and many business credits will be able to file in late February or early March. A full list of the affected forms is available on IRS.gov.

This year, taxpayers have until Monday, April 15, to file their 2012 tax returns and pay any tax due. The IRS expects to receive more than 147 million individual tax returns this year, with about 75 percent projected to receive a refund. 

The best way for taxpayers to get answers to their questions is by visiting IRS.gov. 

More helpful information is available through IRS social media platforms, including: YouTube, where viewers can watch more than 100 short, informative videos. They are available in English, Spanish, American Sign Language and other languages.

People who want tax information now have another way of accessing and sharing helpful tax tips, videos, podcasts and other information at www.internalrevenueservice.tumblr.com.