The IRS has reminded taxpayers that emergency readiness has gone beyond food, water and shelter. It also includes safeguarding financial and tax documents. Families and businesses should review their emergency preparedness plans each year, even after National Preparedness Month ends.
Taxpayers should create digital copies of important documents, store them on secure devices or in the cloud, and keep electronic statements from financial institutions. They should also take photos or video of household valuables in advance to make it easier to claim insurance and tax benefits. Ready.gov has checklists and planning tools to help people build a strong preparedness plan.
Further, the IRS reminded taxpayers that relief measures are available to those affected by federally declared disasters. Residents in designated areas automatically receive filing and payment extensions and do not need to contact the agency. Publication 547 and the disaster loss workbook offer guidance for recovery. Taxpayers who lose records can request transcripts or copies of past returns through standard IRS channels.
Tax Tip 2025–64
