Tips for taxpayers who need to reconstruct records after disaster strikes

After a disaster, taxpayers might need to reconstruct records. This could help them prove their losses, which may be essential for tax purposes, getting federal assistance or insurance reimbursement.

Here are several things taxpayers can do to help reconstruct or get copies of specific types of records after a disaster:

Tax Return Transcripts

• Taxpayers can get free tax return transcripts by using the Get Transcript tool on IRS.gov. They can also call 800-908-9946 to order them by phone.

Proof of loss

• To establish the extent of the damage, taxpayers should take photographs or videos of affected property as soon as possible after the disaster.
• Taxpayers can look on their mobile phone for pictures that show the property before the disaster damaged it.
• If a taxpayer doesn’t have photographs or videos of their property, a simple method to help them remember what items they lost is to sketch pictures of each room that was affected.
• Taxpayers can support the valuation of property with photographs, videos, canceled checks, receipts, or other evidence.
• If they bought items using a credit card or debit card, they should gather past statements from their credit card company or bank. If the taxpayer didn’t keep these records or they were destroyed, statements may be available online or they can contact their financial institution.

Records about property

• Taxpayers can contact the title company, escrow company, or bank that handled the purchase of their home to get copies of appropriate documents.
• Taxpayers who made improvements to their home should contact the contractors who did the work to see if records are available. If possible, the home owner should get statements from the contractors to verify the work and cost. They can also get written accounts from friends and relatives who saw the house before and after any improvements.
• For inherited property, taxpayers can check court records for probate values. If a trust or estate existed, the taxpayer can contact the attorney who handled the trust.
• When no other records are available, taxpayers can check the county assessor’s office for old records that might address the value of the property.
• There are several resources that can help someone determine the current fair-market value of most cars on the road. These resources are all available online and at most libraries. They include Kelley’s Blue Book, the National Automobile Dealers Association, and Edmunds.

​More Information:
Publication 547, Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts
Publication 584, Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook
Publication 584-B, Business Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook
Publication 2194, Disaster Resource Guide for Individuals and Businesses
Small Business Administration
Disasterassistance.gov
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