09/03/2026
Disaster preparedness starts with tax records:
Disasters 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.
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. Taxpayers should consider scanning papers records and saving electronic copies on a secure device or in the cloud. Many financial institutions also provide statements electronically.
• Document valuable property. Photos or videos of homes, businesses, vehicles, and other properties can help support claims of losses of property for tax purposes, as well as insurance claims after a disaster. IRS disaster loss workbooks can help individuals and businesses compile a room-by-room list of belongings and equipment.
• Review emergency plans. Taxpayers should review and update emergency plans each year. Ready.gov has resources and checklist to help individuals and businesses prepare.
• Know how to access tax records. Taxpayers can use IRS Individual Online Account to access tax information, including transcripts, notices, and other records. Taxpayers who need copies of previously filed returns or transcripts after a disaster can also use Get Your Tax Records and Transcripts on IRS.gov.
Businesses should also review payroll protections. Employers who use a payroll service provider should ask whether the provider has a fiduciary bond. Eligible business taxpayers can use Business Tax Account to view balances, make payments, and view payment history. Registered Electronic Federal Tax Payment System users can continue to use EFTPS for federal tax payments.
