A new year means more than new diets, gym memberships and other fresh beginnings. It also signals another tax-filing season has arrived. The Internal Revenue Service will begin accepting on Jan. 29. The filing deadline this year is April 17 (rather than the typical April 15 due date). And don't worry about all those tax law changes you've been hearing about, because they apply to tax years 2018 and beyond. Your 2017 return is subject to pre-2018 rules. If you are among the do-it-yourselfers, rock on. Keep in mind that simple federal tax returns can be filled out and filed for free at some online tax-prep sites.

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And if your 2017 adjusted gross income is $66,000 or less, you might qualify for the IRS's Free File program. Roughly 70 percent of the nation's taxpayers — about 100 million people — are eligible, according to the IRS. Meanwhile, if you are among those who plan to hire someone to prepare your taxes, the IRS has some tips for the selection process. It's important to carefully choose who prepares your tax returns — because regardless of who does it for you, you are ultimately responsible for the contents of your return. While a fraudulent tax preparer would be on the hook for illegal actions, you could owe back taxes, penalties and interest for filing an inaccurate tax return. Here are some tips to help you pick your preparer.

1. Do some creeping

If you pay someone to prepare your return, the person is required by law to have an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). However, they all have differing levels of education, training and professional credentials. You can search for a preparer's credentials and select qualifications at the IRS directory. If the person is an enrolled agent, which is an IRS-issued professional designation, you can verify their status at the IRS website. You also can take a look at a searchable IRS list of prepares who have faced censures, suspensions and the like. Some credentialed tax preparers' disciplinary history and license status can be checked at the state level. For certified public accountants, check with your state's public accountancy board. If you are considering hiring a tax attorney, consult your local bar association for more information about the person. The American Institute of CPAs offers an online list of links to state boards of public accountancy. Findlaw.com has a list of state and local bar assocations with links to those online. You also can check the Better Business Bureau to see if there are complaints against the person or firm you are considering. Be aware that although a noncredentialed preparer can have a PTIN, the person might be authorized only to prepare and file your return, not to represent you before the IRS if issues arise.

2. Avoid fly-by-night folks

If you have questions about your return after tax season ends or you end up getting audited, you probably want to know your tax preparer will be around to help. It's important to consider whether the individual or firm is available to answer questions about the preparation of your tax return months — even years — after the return has been filed, an IRS spokesman said.

3. Have the money talk

Ask about fees. The IRS recommends avoiding anyone who bases their fees on a percentage of your refund or who boasts they can get you a bigger refund than their competition. Important: Have this conversation before you hand over any identifying information, including your tax documents or Social Security number. The average fee charged for preparing an itemized Form 1040 with Schedule A (itemized deduction form) and a state return stood at $273 in a survey done last year by the National Society of Accountants. The average cost for a Form 1040 without Schedule A and a state return was $176. Also ask about extra fees. For instance, the survey showed that 71 percent charge extra for disorganized or incomplete files and 33 percent charge an additional fee if you need to file for an extension.

4. Ask about e-filing

The IRS says you should make sure the preparer offers electronic filing of returns. Generally speaking, any preparer who expects to file more than 10 client returns in a year must use IRS e-file. The agency says choosing both e-file and direct deposit for refunds is the fastest and safest way for taxpayers to both file and get any refund due. For 2017 returns, the IRS expects to issue more than 90 percent of refunds within 21 days of filing. Note: Refunds due on returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit cannot be issued until mid-February, the IRS said.