Here's some tips from Identity Finder that everyone would be wise to follow...

  • If downloading your IRS W2 forms, 1099s and other personal tax documents from your employer, create a strong password when registering to download them so it is not easily guessed by strangers.

  • Password-protect all tax returns that you print to PDF from your tax software so your SSN is secure.

  • Configure all peer-to-peer file sharing programs to disable the sharing of your personal folders so identity thieves can't download your tax return.

  • Don't email tax documents to your accountant unless they are encrypted to prevent anyone snooping on your network from gaining access to your financial information.

  • If you receive an email purporting to be from the IRS that requires personal information to process your return, rebate or refund, do not respond to it. The IRS does
    not contact you via email and this is more likely a phishing attack.

  • If you receive an unsolicited phone call from someone claiming to represent the IRS, do not give personal information over the phone. Hang up and call the IRS directly.

  • When you postal mail your tax return to the IRS, mail it from a secured location, like the post office or an official USPS collection box, and do not let it sit in the box overnight as it could be stolen. For added security use certified mail.

  • Permanently shred unsecured documents from your computer that contain personal information used to prepare your tax return. Printed documents should be traditionally shredded.

  • Don't save your password in your Web browser when accessing banks and other institutions that keep your personal information because it could be leaked if you ever get a virus, Trojan or are hacked.

  • If making photocopies of your financial documents, make sure the photocopier does not store images of them in memory.