6 Resources for Tax Help After a Disaster

Taxpayers Can Look to the IRS for Tax Help After a Disaster

Now that hurricane season is officially over, coastal residents can breathe a sigh of relief. However, other natural disasters can still strike. When they do, the IRS is an agency standing by for taxpayers looking for help after a disaster.

Here are six resources taxpayers can access on IRS.gov:

• Making a plan. Taxpayers can check out Preparing for a Disaster. The publication offers tips for prepping for future disasters.
• Disaster relief resources. The Disaster Relief Resources for Charities and Contributors is a resource for those that provide relief and help after a disaster.
• Around the Nation.  Local tax news and information to specific areas is provided on the  Around the Nation page.
• Disaster declarations. Tax Relief in Disaster Situations offers the latest disaster declarations along with any related disaster tax relief available.
• Tax information about federally declared disasters. When the federal government declares a major disaster area, special tax law provisions apply. Tax help after a disaster is meant to give taxpayers recover time to recover financially. For instance, the IRS may grant more time to file tax returns and pay tax.
• Information about faster refunds. Faster refund from losses suffered in a federally-declared disaster area is often available. Taxpayers can claim damages related to the disaster on the tax return for the previous year. In most cases, you just need to file an amended return.

More Information:

• Disaster Resource Guide for Individuals and Businesses, Publication 2194
• Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook,  Publication 584
• Business Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook, Publication 584-B
• Reconstructing Your Records