- Many tax preparers offer a secure portal for clients to upload documents. Use this or other methods of encryption rather than sending unprotected documents by e-mail.
- Keep your Social Security number as secure as possible.
- Check your credit score and credit report regularly to ensure that no one is using your information to open fraudulent accounts.
- File your taxes as early as possible to thwart attempts by thieves to file a fraudulent return on your behalf.
- Shred or destroy documents before you throw them away in the trash.
- Use a secure internet connection when electronically filing your taxes or making payments to the IRS or state tax commissioner.
- Send your tax returns or payments using USPS registered or certified mail, both considered by the IRS as acceptable verification of a timely mailing.
- Remember that the IRS will never email, text, or call you to tell you there is a problem or to ask for personal information. If you receive such a call, hang up and notify the IRS using the appropriate contact number from the official website.
- Contact the IRS ID Theft Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490 if you believe your Social Security number or identity has been stolen. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also provides useful information and guidance regarding protecting against identity theft. At the FTC’s IdentityTheft.gov site, you can report identity theft and get helpful hints on how to develop a recovery plan.