IR-2018-115, May 7, 2018
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WASHINGTON — The IRS reminds taxpayers who may be impacted by hurricanes and other natural disasters that now is a good time to begin preparing for one. National Hurricane Preparedness Week runs from May 6-12. The IRS also wants taxpayers to know that the agency is here to help, including offering a special toll-free hotline for those in federally-declared disaster areas, staffed with IRS specialists trained to handle disaster-related issues.
Don’t forget to update emergency plans
Preparing for an emergency requires a regularly-updated emergency plan. Because a disaster can strike any time, it’s important that plans be updated annually. Personal and business situations change, as do preparedness needs. When employers hire new employees, or when a company or organization changes functions, they should update plans accordingly and inform employees of the changes.
Create electronic copies of key documents
Taxpayers can help themselves by keeping a duplicate set of key documents, including bank statements, tax returns and insurance policies, in a safe place such as a waterproof container that are away from the original set.
Now that many financial institutions provide statements and documents electronically, safeguarding financial information is easier. Even if the original documents are provided only on paper, these can be scanned into an electronic format. Taxpayers can then download them to a storage device such as an external hard drive or USB flash drive, or create a CD or DVD.
Document valuables
It’s a good idea for taxpayers to photograph or videotape the contents of any home, especially high value items. Documenting these will make it easier to claim any available insurance and tax benefits should a disaster strike. The IRS has a disaster-loss workbook, Publication 584, to help taxpayers compile a room-by-room list of belongings.
Photographs can help anyone prove the fair market value of items for insurance and casualty loss claims. Ideally, photos should be stored with a friend or family member who lives outside the area.
Check on fiduciary bonds
Employers who use payroll service providers should ask the provider if it has a fiduciary bond in place. The bond could protect the employer in the event of default by the payroll service provider.
IRS ready to help
In the case of a federally-declared disaster, an affected taxpayer can call 866-562-5227 to speak with an IRS specialist trained to handle disaster-related issues.
Back copies of previously filed tax returns and all attachments, including Forms W-2, can be requested by filing Form 4506, Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return. Alternatively, transcripts showing most line items on these returns can be ordered through the Get Transcript link on IRS.gov, by calling 800-908-9946 or by using Form 4506T-EZ, Short Form Request for Individual Tax Return Transcript or Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return.
Find other hurricane preparedness tips and more information about Hurricane Preparedness Week on the National Weather Service website.
Related items:
Preparing for a Disaster
Publication 583, Starting a Business and Keeping Records
Ready.gov