The IRS issued IR-2026-104 on September 3, 2026, reminding taxpayers to protect their tax and financial records before a disaster happens. The announcement is tied to National Preparedness Month and covers individuals, businesses, and tax professionals.
For small businesses and owner-operators, the timing is practical. Floods, wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe storms can destroy the records you need to file insurance claims, apply for federal assistance, or claim a casualty loss on your return. The IRS wants you to act before something forces your hand.
Five Steps the IRS Recommends
- Keep key documents safe. Store tax returns, birth certificates, Social Security cards, insurance policies, and property titles in waterproof and fireproof containers.
- Create electronic copies. Scan paper records and save them on a secure device or in the cloud. Many financial institutions provide statements electronically, which makes this easier than it used to be.
- Document your property. Photos or videos of your home, business, vehicles, and equipment support both insurance claims and casualty loss deductions on your federal return. The IRS offers disaster loss workbooks to help you compile a room-by-room list of belongings and equipment.
- Review your emergency plan. Update it each year. Ready.gov has checklists and resources for both individuals and businesses.
- Know how to get your tax records. IRS Individual Online Account lets you access transcripts, notices, and other records. After a disaster, you can also request previously filed returns through Get Your Tax Records and Transcripts on IRS.gov.
Business Owners: Check Your Payroll Setup
The IRS flagged payroll protections as a separate item for employers. If you use a payroll service provider, ask whether the provider carries a fiduciary bond. If the provider fails or misappropriates funds, a bond can protect your business from the loss.
Business owners can use IRS Business Tax Account to view balances, make payments, and review payment history. If you’re a registered EFTPS user, you can continue using the system for federal tax payments during and after a disaster event.
When Disaster Tax Relief Is Available
When the IRS grants disaster tax relief, certain filing and payment deadlines that fall within the postponement period are extended. The specifics vary by disaster, so you’ll want to check the applicable IRS disaster announcement for which returns, payments, and actions are covered.
If your IRS address of record is in a covered disaster area, relief is generally automatic. You don’t need to contact the IRS to receive it.
If you live outside the covered area but your records are needed to meet a deadline in an affected area, call the IRS Special Services Hotline at 866-562-5227 to request relief. Tax practitioners handling multiple clients in a disaster situation should review IRS guidance on bulk practitioner requests.
Individuals and businesses with uninsured or unreimbursed disaster losses may be eligible to deduct those losses on a federal return, subject to applicable tax law requirements. IRS Publication 547, Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts, covers the rules for casualty losses and disaster-related deductions.
How BCA Can Help
If a disaster affects your business or personal records, BCA can help you sort out which deadlines apply to your situation, determine whether you’re in a covered disaster area, and work through the casualty loss rules under Publication 547. Talk to your tax advisor if you’re unsure where you stand or what relief you may qualify for.
This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax rules and IRS disaster relief provisions vary by situation and are subject to change. Consult a qualified tax advisor for guidance specific to your circumstances.
Educational information only, not licensed legal, tax, or financial advice. We refer to and partner with licensed professionals when personalized advice is needed. Laws change; no warranty of accuracy or timeliness.
Sources
IRS News Release IR-2026-104, “IRS Reminder: Disaster preparedness starts with tax records,” September 3, 2026. Available at IRS.gov/newsroom.