The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and tax experts are warning Long Islanders to avoid income tax return scams.

IRS special agent Gerard Sullivan says tax preparers who over-inflate or lie on returns is the most common scam. He says others include identity theft and improperly filled out forms. Sullivan says the IRS will never contact a person via e-mail and ask for personal information and that any such e-mails should be disregarded.

Experts recommend being selective when choosing a tax preparer, and Sullivan reminds everyone that the person whose name is on the return is responsible for any mistakes made. He says tax evasion is a felony and convictions carry a sentence of up to five years in jail and a $250,000 fine.