Any form of identity theft can be costly, unsettling, and take months — sometimes years — to fully recover from and repair. But tax-related identity theft can be particularly disturbing because it involves the IRS, about which many people already harbor suspicion and anxiety. Although the IRS has taken significant steps in recent years to help minimize the occurrence of tax-related identity theft, this type of fraud continues to occur. Here’s how to avoid becoming a victim. Individuals and businesses are vulnerable If criminals use your information to file an income tax return to claim your refund, the first notification of fraud you receive may be a denial of your return. Tax returns are identified via Social Security numbers (SSNs) and the IRS won’t accept two returns...