Reviewing these disaster resources now can help taxpayers be more prepared later

IRS Tax Tip 2020-138, October 19, 2020

No one can fully prepare for a disaster, but knowing what resources are available beforehand can make the recovery a little easier.

Here's a list of resources that taxpayers might find helpful before and after a disaster:

Tax relief in disaster situations — This page features links to disaster resources. They walk taxpayers through information that will help them after a disaster. This page also links to local news releases and frequently asked questions.

FAQs for disaster victims — Users will find links to several different pages of FAQs. Each set of FAQs is about a specific topic to help people after a disaster.

Around the nation — This page highlights news specific to local areas. This includes disaster relief and tax provisions that affect certain states.

Publication 2194, Disaster Resource Guide for Individuals and Businesses — This resource guide provides information for individuals and businesses affected by a disaster. It also covers the help available for disaster victims. The guide can help taxpayers claim unreimbursed casualty losses on property that was damaged or destroyed.

Reconstructing records after a disaster; IRS provides tips to help taxpayers — This fact sheet helps people who are facing the challenge of reconstructing their financial records after a disaster. It covers how to properly document a tax-deductible loss.

Publication 584, Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook — This workbook helps individual taxpayers figure the loss on their property because of a disaster, casualty or theft.

Publication 584-B, Business Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook — This workbook helps businesses figure the loss on business property because of a disaster, casualty or theft.

Publication 547, Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts — This publication explains the tax treatment of casualties, thefts and losses.

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