Rhode Island officials are taking extra steps to combat tax refund fraud after a nationwide increase in fraudulent returns filed through TurboTax.

Tax Administrator David M. Sullivan says it may take up to five additional business days for taxpayers who file electronically to receive refunds due to the additional safeguards. It normally takes 10 to 15 business days.

He says it may take an additional week, beyond the normal four to six weeks, for paper returns.

The Division of Taxation reassigned additional staff to review personal income tax returns and claims for refunds and look for patterns of fraudulent activity.

It's working with software providers on improving technology to help weed out suspect refund claims, and collaborating with other states and federal tax officials to identify possible patterns of fraud.