By Melodi Gates

Tis the season to meet that April 15 deadline. But taxpayers have much more to worry about than filing a late federal tax return.In the rush, they could be putting their private information at risk for identity theft.

While this may sound frightening, it doesn't have to be if consumers take the time to seek out sources of education and review online safety advice on the Qwest Incredible Internet Web site at PRIVATE HREF="http://www.incredibleinternet.com/" MACROBUTTON HtmlResAnchor www.incredibleinternet.com.

Tax season is a high-risk time for identity theft because Americans are sending, receiving and handling a lot of information, personal information like social security numbers for the entire family, home and employment information and complete financial information.It's one-stop shopping for a thief and the result can wreak havoc on your credit and life.

While all Internal Revenue Service information is processed by a secure computerized system, many taxpayers will use personal computers and software programs to do their own taxes, or hire someone else, whose company will handle an astronomical amount of personal information.

In fact, more than 39.5 million taxpayers have filed electronically this year, and home computer use to do so is up 16.5 percent. E-filing by tax professionals is up to nearly 4 percent, according to the IRS.

"The home computer is increasingly replacing the paper tax form," IRS commissioner Mark W. Everson said in a prepared statement from the IRS to illustrate the fact that more people are using home computers to file their taxes.

"Both individual taxpayers and tax professionals are turning to e-file more and more because it's fast and accurate," he said.

The goal to get your taxes filed before the deadline at cutoff point is an important one. No one wants to upset the IRS. However, But it is of paramount importance to take steps to protect your personal information in the process. Consider the following guidelines when preparing to file annual tax returns:

Guard your mail - Snail mail, mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service, is very attractive to identity thieves. A Un unlocked mail box is an invitation to an identity thief, who someonenot only is looking for personal information and credit card offers, but will also at this time of the year, will steal help himself or herself to tax returns and as well as refund checks. Lock your mail boxes.When you mail your return, take it to the post office. Never put it in a box outside, or consider filing electronically.

Shred It - Destroy any documents containing personal information.

Lock It Up - Copies of your tax returns and receipts should be locked in a file cabinet, or other secure place.

Protect Your Personal Computers - Make sure your computer is well protected. Install current anti-virus and personal firewall software. Don't accept such offers for protection from unsolicited e-mail and offers on the Internet. Go to a reputable retailer to buy the appropriate software for your program, or call to confirm that the software you are downloading is from an actual computer protection company.

Ask Questions - Ask your tax preparer about how your documents will be handled and stored. If your tax preparer's office is in disarray and you notice paper and sensitive information strewn on desks in plain view, walk out.

Beware of Phishing - A lot of tax season fraud stems from phishing, which happens when an e-mail purports to come from the IRS is opened. Don't be fooled. Don't open any e-mail you don't recognize. Don't click on it or interact in any way. The IRS does not send out unsolicited e-mails. If you are concerned that the IRS needs additional information from you, call the IRS.

Monitor Your Credit Report - If you believe your identity has been stolen, or your credit is at risk, contact the Federal Trade Commission by visiting www.consumer.gov/idtheft.

Educate yourself - Visit www.incredibleinternet.com to find more information and resources about credit reports and how to protect yourself.

Melodi Gates is Qwest Communications' director and CISO of risk management and information security. She is an expert on identity theft and online fraud prevention, as well as general online safety. As an Internet provider, Qwest offers a variety of information and interactive programs at PRIVATE HREF="http://www.incredibleinternet.com/" MACROBUTTON HtmlResAnchor www.incredibleinternet.com, which are designed to keep families connected and safer while using the Internet.