Publication 2194-B (8-2010) DISASTER LOSSES KIT FOR BUSINESSES

Introduction

If you were affected by a major disaster or emergency in your area, this Disaster Losses Kit can help you claim unreimbursed casualty losses on property that was destroyed by a natural disaster.

To qualify for disaster loans and grants from other federal agencies, you must have filed all required federal tax returns. IRS understands that many of your tax records may have been lost or destroyed. We can provide copies or transcripts of your previously filed tax returns free of charge, when you submit Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, or Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return. Just write the name of the disaster in red at the top of the form before submitting (for example, Hurricane Katrina).

If you need additional forms or publications, there are several ways you can obtain them. You can download forms from http://www.irs.gov. You can also order forms or publications at no cost by calling 1-800-829-3676. If you need additional tax assistance, please call 1-800-829-1040.

Disaster Information on the Web - To access the latest disaster tax information on http://www.irs.gov, use the key word "disasters".

Electronic IRS - The number of electronic options available is increasing every year, helping reduce your burden and improve the timeliness and accuracy of tax returns. The Electronic IRS (http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=151880,00.html) is a gateway to the many IRS electronic options available. A few of the electronic options include "Where's My Refund?" where you can check the status of your refund, find an IRS e-file provider, check your eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit, download tax forms or sign up to pay electronically.

Taxpayer Assistance Center & IRS Hotline- the special toll free disaster hotline is 1-866-562-5227 and can assist with explanations on the type of relief provided by IRS, tax preparation, penalty and interest computations, guidance on how to report a casualty loss on original or amended returns, address change requests, assistance with suppression of notices when applicable, expediting tax refunds, and process Reasonable Cause requests to skip a payment on an installment agreement account. To find a Taxpayer Assistance Center in your area access http://www.irs.gov/localcontacts/index.html on irs.gov or call the IRS Hotline.

* Please be aware that some forms included in this publication may be revised in the future. Please be sure to check our website to download the most current forms at: http://www.irs.gov. You can also order forms or publications at no cost by calling 1-800-829-3676.

Choosing a tax preparer - Taxpayers should be very careful when choosing a tax preparer. You should be as careful as you would in choosing a doctor or a lawyer. The most reputable preparers will request to see your records and receipts and will ask you multiple questions to determine your total income and your qualifications for expenses, deductions, and other items. By doing so, they have your best interest in mind and are trying to help you avoid penalties, interest, or additional taxes that could result from later IRS contacts. While most tax return preparers are professional and honest, taxpayers can use the following tips to choose a preparer who will offer the best service for their tax preparation needs.

-You can report suspected tax fraud and abusive tax preparers to the IRS on Form 3949-A, Information Referral or by sending a letter to Internal Revenue Service, Fresno, CA 93888. Download Form 3949-A from IRS.gov or order by mail at 1-800-829-3676.

IRS Partner Disaster Relief Resources

American Bar Association (ABA)

http://www.abanet.org/disaster A resource center for taxpayers in disaster situations provided by ABA.

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)

http://www.aicpa.org/Disaster%20Recovery/disaster_recovery_resources.htm A central resource for a number of hurricane relief initiatives launched by AICPA.

Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA) http://www.alpfa.org/A central resource for a number of initiatives launched by ALPFA.

National Association of Black Accountants, Inc. (NABA) http://www.nabainc.org/

National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) http://www.naea.org/MemberPortal/Advocacy/Comments/NAEA_BreakingIRSNews.htm

National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) http://www.natptax.com/

National Society of Accountants (NSA) http://www.nsacct.org/index.asp?id=607 Disaster relief initiatives and information for NSA members and their clients.

IRS Disaster Hotline-1-866-562-5227

(Monday -- Friday from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm local time), * Please have your own interpreter, if needed, when calling the Hotline number