Protect Tax Records Before Disaster Strikes

Aug 3, 2020 | Newsletter

Natural disasters such as hurricanes are more common in summer, but tornadoes, floods, and fires can strike at any time. As such, it’s always a good idea to plan for what to do in case of a disaster. Here are some simple steps you can take right now to prepare:

1. Backup Records Electronically. Many people receive bank statements by email. This is a good way to secure your records. You can also scan tax records and insurance policies onto an electronic format. You can use an external hard drive, CD, or DVD to store important records. Be sure you back up your files and keep them in a safe place. If a disaster strikes your home, it may also affect a wide area. If that happens you may not be able to retrieve your records.

2. Document Valuables. Take photos or videos of the contents of your home or business. These visual records can help you prove the value of your lost items. They may help with insurance claims or casualty loss deductions on your tax return. You should store them with a friend or relative who lives out of the area. The IRS has a disaster loss workbook, Publication 584, Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook (Personal-Use Property), which can help taxpayers compile a room-by-room list of belongings.

3. Update Emergency Plans. Review your emergency plans every year. Personal and business situations change over time as do preparedness needs, so update them when your situation changes. Make sure you have a way to get severe weather information and have a plan for what to do if threatening weather approaches. In addition, when employers hire new employees or when a company or organization changes functions, plans should be updated accordingly and employees should be informed of the changes.

4. Get Copies of Tax Returns or Transcripts. Use Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, to replace lost or destroyed tax returns or need information from your return. You can also file Form 4506T-EZ, Short Form Request for Individual Tax Return Transcript or Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return. If you need assistance filling this form out, please call.

5. Check on Fiduciary Bonds. Employers who use payroll service providers should ask the provider if it has a fiduciary bond in place. The bond could protect the employer in the event of default by the payroll service provider.

If you fall victim to a disaster, help is just a phone call away. Don’t hesitate to call the office regarding any disaster-related tax questions or issues you might have.

Updated Guide to Robust Depreciation Write-offs for Your Business

Updated Guide to Robust Depreciation Write-offs for Your Business

Tax-saving benefits are generally available when your business puts newly acquired qualifying assets into service. Under Section 179 of the tax code, companies can take substantial depreciation deductions, subject to various limits adjusted annually for inflation....

Who Can Take the Home Office Deduction?

Who Can Take the Home Office Deduction?

Working from home isn’t new, especially for self-employed people. But during the height of the pandemic, millions of jobs were moved from employers’ premises to employees’ private homes. Many continue working from home and wonder if they qualify for the home office...

Don’t Move … Until You’ve Considered the Tax Implications

Don’t Move … Until You’ve Considered the Tax Implications

With so many people working remotely, it’s become more common to think about moving to another state, perhaps for better weather, to be closer to family or to reduce living expenses. Retirees also look at out-of-state moves for many of the same reasons. If you’re...

Tips for Pain-Free Tax Filing

Tips for Pain-Free Tax Filing

It’s time again to start thinking about getting your tax return prepared. Here are some quick tips you can use to help speed tax processing and avoid hassles. Gather all documents needed to prepare an accurate return, including W-2s, 1099 forms, statements of interest...