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IRS urges taxpayers to recover tax records after natural disasters

Online Niel November 12, 2024

Whether you’ve suffered property loss or business interruption, having federal and state tax records can make your claim process easier as you try to rebuild.

Your records tax returns can essentially serve as proof of income, property and expenses that may be subject to federal disaster tax deductions or government exemptions.

When disaster strikes, it’s best to act fast to act fast so you can get reimbursed sooner rather than later. Here’s how to get your tax documents back, according to IRS.

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How to Recover Your Federal Tax Records

If you’ve lost your tax documents due to a natural disaster, the IRS may allow you to retrieve your federal return transcripts for free. There are several ways you can request your documents, including online, by phone, or by mail.

Some fiscal records you’ll want to collect may include W-2s, 1099s, or previous tax returns.

If you’re a business owner, you’ll also want to request copies of your current and prior year sales tax returns and payroll tax returns. These documents will reflect gross sales for a given period.

To get your tax records online, visit Get the Transcript tool at IRS.gov.
Transcripts requested by phone can be made by calling IRS customer service at 800-908-9946.
Mailed transcripts from previous years can be delivered by submitting a Form 4506-TRequest to transcribe a tax return.
The same applies to previous statements, you must submit a Form 4506Request for a copy of the tax return.

I have to email you Form 4506 to the address indicated in the form. Additionally, a fee of $43 is charged for each tax return period requested. Copies are generally available for the current tax year as well as the previous six years.

How to get your transcript or return copies by mail for free

The IRS waives the normal $43 user fee under certain circumstances. However, you must write the appropriate disaster designation, such as “Hurricane Helene,” in red letters at the top of Forms 4506-T and 4506.

According to the IRS, mailed documents can take 5 to 10 calendar days to arrive at the address they have on file for you.

Access IRS records and transcripts online

If you want to speed up the process of recovering your documents, you can view your tax records in your account Individual online account.

Your online account will allow you to view, print or download your transcripts. It will also provide you with timely updates on:

The online account also allows you to access your refund status or relevant information on economic impact payments, if any.

Where to get a copy of your state tax return

As you compile your tax returns, you’ll also want a copy of your local state return. To request a copy of your state return, please contact State Department of Revenue.

In Floridafor example, you can request a copy of your local tax return from the Florida Department of Revenue by email [email protected].

To request a copy of your Florida state tax return by mail, fax or email, you must submit a Form DR-841Request for a copy of the tax return. The form will ask for some personal information, including copies of the tax return you want delivered to you.

Meanwhile, in North Carolinayou can request a free copy of your state tax return by sending a written request to NC Dept of Revenue. Be sure to include your name. as it appeared on the statement, your address zip code, social security number and fiscal year requested. The return must be delivered within 20 days.

Be sure to submit these requests carefully and through the proper channels to avoid fraud or identity theft.

What is an accident loss deduction?

Once you have your tax records, taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas can generally request a accident loss deduction on their federal income tax return. The IRS defines casualty loss as deductible losses arising from the destruction of personal property as a result of a natural disaster, fire, or car accident.

Note: Due to The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) from 2108 to 2025, personal losses are deductible only if the loss was caused by a federally declared disaster. Such losses are generally related to your home, household items and vehicles.

right Taxpayer Advocate Serviceyou may also be able to deduct certain personal property losses that are not covered by your insurance.

You can claim these losses by submitting the following documents:

File a Schedule A, Form 1040, or an amended return using Form 1040-X.
You will also need to include Form 4684 to report your disaster losses.
Casualty losses are deductible in the year in which the loss occurred.
However, if your accident loss is due to a federally declared disasteryou can opt to deduct the loss from the return for the tax year prior to the one in which the disaster occurred.

Prepare tax files

Tax documents can help you claim your disaster benefits quickly. Therefore, the sooner you act, the better.

Remember, as Kiplinger reported, the IRS implemented fiscal term extensions in states affected by federally declared disasters. In addition, FEMA provides government assistance those affected by recent natural disasters.

When in doubt about how to proceed, you can always speak to a certified tax professional or visit IRS Disaster Relief website for more information.

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