This is a very good question.  Here are some tips to help you. (1) If asked to go to a web site, check to see if it is a “spoofed” site, i.e. one that purports to be an official site but is really not.  Look at the true URL of the site and it will be different from the real URL. (2) Ignore sites that promise large refunds.  No one can promise that without knowing your financial information. (3) The IRS never initiates contact with taxpayers by phone, so hang up on those spam calls. (4) Use strong passwords for all your data folders and change the passwords at least monthly. (5) Don’t use public WiFi to send sensitive information. (6) Change your social media settings to “Private.” (7) Encrypt old tax returns stored electronically and lock up old paper returns. The IRS has begun a Taxpayer Protection Program to help taxpayers who think they are the victim of ID Theft or want to learn how to prevent ID Theft.  Go to IRS.gov/identitytheft to learn more and for help.