WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is urging taxpayers to prioritize disaster preparedness as part of National Wildfire Awareness Month in May and National Hurricane Preparedness Week, set for May 4-10. With tax season complete and natural disaster season on the horizon, the agency outlined critical steps to safeguard financial and tax information during emergencies.
Natural disasters can have devastating and lasting effects on individuals and businesses alike. Observing these awareness campaigns provides an annual reminder for Americans to assess and enhance their readiness. The IRS highlighted that 2025 already has seen 12 major disaster declarations issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in nine states, encompassing events like winter storms, flooding, tornadoes, wildfires, and mudslides.
Key Steps for Protecting Documents and Records
The IRS stressed the importance of securing original financial and legal documents, including tax returns, Social Security cards, marriage and birth certificates, and property deeds. These items should be stored in waterproof containers in a secure location. The agency also advised keeping digital copies on flash drives or cloud storage, as well as backup copies in different locations, such as with trusted individuals.
Additionally, taxpayers were encouraged to catalog high-value personal property using phones or mobile devices. Documenting assets with photos or videos provides critical support for insurance claims or tax benefits if losses occur. For added help, IRS Publication 584 and 584-B offer tools for individuals and businesses respectively to create comprehensive inventories of personal or business property.
Rebuilding and Replacing Records
The IRS emphasized the importance of rebuilding damaged or lost records quickly after a disaster. Such records are often necessary to claim insurance benefits, apply for federal assistance, or prepare accurate tax returns. The IRS’s online resource, “Reconstructing Records,” provides step-by-step guidance on recovery and reconstruction processes for taxpayers who find themselves in these situations.
Fiduciary Bond Advice for Employers
Businesses reliant on third-party payroll services were advised to confirm that their providers have fiduciary bonds, which safeguard employers against default or disruption from these service providers during disasters. Choosing bonded and reliable providers is part of ensuring continuity in tax deposits and business operations when emergencies strike.
Tax Relief and Resources
The IRS also offers relief to taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas, including extensions of tax filing and payment deadlines. Such relief is automatically applied to those identified as living or operating businesses in disaster-affected regions. Taxpayers outside these areas but who suffer disaster-related impacts are encouraged to contact the IRS Disaster Hotline at 866-562-5227 for consultation on tax relief eligibility and alternative options.
For specific details about states or counties granted disaster-related tax relief, taxpayers can consult the IRS Disaster Relief page.
A Call to Action
As disasters become more frequent and severe, preparedness takes on heightened importance. The IRS reaffirmed its commitment to helping individuals and businesses protect their financial futures amid any crisis. By securing documents, maintaining accurate records, and staying informed of relief resources, taxpayers can mitigate disruptions and recover more effectively.
For Americans nationwide, these preparatory steps serve as a critical reminder of the value of readiness in safeguarding not only finances but overall resilience against the unexpected. By taking proactive measures now, taxpayers position themselves to respond swiftly and confidently to future challenges.
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