Rebuilding after a natural disaster can be overwhelming. Important documents like financial information and tax records are often destroyed in a disaster, and reconstructing these records is important for applying for federal assistance and insurance reimbursement.
To check on information regarding a specific Natural Disaster please follow this link - https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations
Below are some pointers for reconstructing records and personal property.
Reconstructing Records
- Get free tax return and income transcripts immediately by visiting the Get Transcript tool on IRS.gov.
- To order transcripts by phone, call 800-908-9946 and follow the prompts.
- To get transcripts of previous years returns by mail, file a Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of a Tax Return.
- To request copies of past returns by mail, file Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return. Write the appropriate disaster designation, such as “HURRICANE HARVEY,” in red letters across the top of Forms 4506-T and 4506 to expedite processing and to waive the normal user fee.
Personal Property
It can be difficult to reconstruct records showing the fair market value of some types of personal property. Here are some things to consider when cataloguing lost items and their values:
- Look on mobile phones for pictures that were taken in the home that might show the now damaged property in the background before the disaster.
- Check websites that can help establish the cost and fair market value of lost items.
- Support the valuation with photographs, videos, canceled checks, receipts or other evidence.
- If items were purchased using a credit card or debit card, contact the credit card company or bank for past statements. Credit card companies and banks often provide user’s access to these statements online.
For more information you may want to visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/