The Internal Revenue Service encourages the public to take necessary precautionary measures to protect important documents from any disasters. During National Preparedness Month, the IRS reminds individuals, businesses, and tax professionals to make or update emergency plans, safeguard key documents, and know where to find IRS disaster relief resources. Taking steps now can make it easier to recover, apply for assistance, file insurance claims, or claim disaster-related tax benefits.
“Preparing now can make a real difference when a disaster strikes,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. “All taxpayers, even those in areas not prone to disaster, should take precautionary steps outlined in IRS resources to plan for the loss of valuable property and to ensure important financial records are protected.”
Taxpayers can prepare by taking these steps:
Keep key documents safe. Taxpayers should keep tax returns, birth certificates, Social Security cards, insurance policies, property titles, and other important records in waterproof and fireproof containers. Create electronic copies, document valuable property, review emergency plans, and know how to access tax records.
Disasters of any kind can happen quickly and with little warning. Floods, wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, severe storms, and other emergencies can damage homes, businesses, and records needed for tax, insurance, and federal assistance purposes. Being prepared against these disasters can reduce the loss of valuable property and records.
Taxpayers can visit IRS.gov, DisasterAssistance.gov, Ready.gov, and FEMA.gov for more information, such as additional disaster preparedness and recovery resources.
