Reconstructing Tax and Business Records After a Disaster

A disaster can destroy the papers and files that your clients need for their taxes, for federal assistance, and for insurance claims. The IRS has issued Tax Tip 2026-67, dated September 2, 2026, with steps affected taxpayers can take to rebuild those records. If you prepare returns for Schedule C filers or small-business owners in a disaster area, this is a useful checklist to share.

Start with the tax return transcript

The most common record needed after a disaster loss is a tax return transcript. The IRS says taxpayers can get one in three ways. They can register for an Individual Online Account and view, print, or download their transcripts. They can order one by mail or by calling the automated phone transcript service at 800-908-9946, which typically takes between 5 and 10 calendar days to deliver. Or they can submit Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return.

Clients who run a business should be reminded that the transcript shows what was reported on the return. It does not replace the business ledger or the source documents behind the figures.

Bank and credit card statements

Banks and credit card companies often let users see past statements online. Ask clients to check those accounts first. Old statements can show business payments, equipment purchases, and deposits that help rebuild the books.

Personal property and business equipment

Photos, videos, canceled checks, and receipts can help establish the value of damaged or lost property. The IRS also notes that taxpayers can check online sources to help determine fair market value. For equipment, tools, inventory, or other business assets, these same records can support the value of what was lost.

Real property records

Property documents: Ask the title company, escrow company, or bank that handled the purchase for copies of the records.
Home improvements: Contact the contractors who did the work and ask for statements that verify the work and its cost. Written descriptions from friends and relatives who saw the property before and after the improvements can also help.
Inherited property: Check court records for probate values. If a trust or estate existed, the client can contact the attorney who handled it.
No records available: Check the county assessor's office for old records that may address the property's value.

Vehicle records

Vehicle owners can research the current fair market value of most vehicles online or at most libraries. They can also ask the dealer where the car was bought for a copy of the sales contract. This matters for work vehicles as well as personal ones.

Disaster relief messages in IRS online accounts

Taxpayers in a disaster area may now see personalized messages in their Individual Online Account. The messages highlight tax relief, including extended filing and payment deadlines, and link to other disaster assistance information. Clients can also read news about disaster tax relief for their area on the Around the nation page of IRS.gov.

What to tell your clients

Ask for a tax return transcript first, either through the online account, by phone at 800-908-9946, or with Form 4506-T.
Check bank and credit card statements for past business activity.
Gather photos, receipts, canceled checks, and online value guides for lost property.
Contact title companies, contractors, courts, dealers, and county offices for property and vehicle records.
Review the disaster relief messages in the Individual Online Account and the Around the nation page for extended deadlines in the client's area.

Publications to review

The IRS lists several publications that cover these situations. Publication 3067, IRS Disaster Assistance, and Publication 547, Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts, cover the general rules. Publication 584, Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook, is for personal losses. Publication 584-B, Business Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook, is for business losses. DisasterAssistance.gov and the IRS FAQs for disaster victims are also available.

This article summarizes IRS Tax Tip 2026-67. Check the IRS publications and your client's specific situation before advising on how any loss is reported.

Informational only, based on the IRS source linked above; not tax or legal advice for a specific situation.