From the Federal Trade Commission:

Jan. 13 – File early in tax season. Use a secure Internet connection or mail directly from post office.

Jan. 14 – Protect your Social Security and Medicare card numbers. Don’t give out unless you have to, ask why needed, how is it going to be used, and how it will be stored.

Shred old tax returns that are no longer need and research tax preparers before giving them your personal info.

Jan. 15 – Avoid phishing emails claiming to be from IRS. Do not click on any links requesting personal info. The IRS does not text or email people requesting personal info. When in doubt call the IRS directly.

Jan. 16 – If you get a letter from IRS denying refund or claiming you failed to report income from an unknown employer call the IRS ID Theft Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490.

Jan. 17 – Check credit report annually because Tax ID thieves can do considerable damage with your personal info such as opening new financial account in your name, using your info for medical fraud, and other illegal transactions. Be proactive and take these simple steps to protect yourself and loved ones from ID Theft.