 TITLE: How to Handle Identity Theft With the IRS CONTENT: How to Prevent Future Tax Identity Theft\n----------------------------------------\nWhile the IRS is working on addressing your situation, there are other steps you can take to prevent the fraud from happening again:\n*   **Request an IP PIN.** An identity protection personal identification number (IP PIN for short) is a six-digit number you'll receive each December for the current tax year. When you file your return, the IRS will require this number, making it impossible for someone else to do it before you do.\n*   **File your tax return early.** It may be tempting to wait until the last minute to file your tax return, especially if you owe money, but identity thieves may bank on procrastination to file their fraudulent return before you get the chance. And remember, you don't have to pay at the same time you file. You just need to pay by the deadline, which the IRS extended to May 17 this year. Also, if you're due a refund, getting that money sooner rather than later is a plus.\n*   **Protect your tax ID.** Whether you have an SSN or an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), it's crucial that you protect it at all costs. Keep your SSN or ITIN card safe at home in a secure location, and avoid giving it to anyone unless it's required and you're certain the company or transaction is legitimate.\n*   **Check your credit often.** Checking your credit report and score is not only a great way to spot fraud, but it can also help you improve your credit by showing you areas you need to address. Credit monitoring can also alert you to any changes in your credit, including possible indications of fraud.\n*   **Browse securely.** If you're on a public Wi-Fi network, such as the ones found in coffee shops and airports, avoid transmitting any personal information during your browsing session. If you have to, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your data. Also, anytime you're asked to submit private information online, make sure the website you're on is secure and legitimate. Secure websites have an address that begins with HTTPS, and this status may also be denoted in your browser with a closed padlock icon or the word \"secure.\" Secure websites aren't susceptible to eavesdropping from hackers.\nUnfortunately, it's impossible to prevent fraud completely, especially if companies you have accounts with suffer data breaches. However, taking these steps can make it more difficult for thieves to get and use your information nefariously.\nDon't Procrastinate Your Response\n---------------------------------\nTax identity theft can be frightening, especially if taxes are already a point of stress and frustration for you. If you fall victim to a fraudulent tax return, don't delay taking action to address it. The sooner you respond, the sooner the IRS can start their process and the easier it will be to stop other forms of fraud the fraudster may commit. END