How to Rebuild After Disaster

          It seems that everywhere you look, disasters are taking place. Whether it’s earthquakes, fires, or floods, there are any number of circumstances that can completely change your life. However, to receive any federal assistance, make insurance claims, or write off tax losses, records will need to be provided. It might not be the first thing on your mind, but there are some simple steps that can be taken to help reach that goal.

          Financial statements can be gathered from your credit card company or bank, in digital or paper form when requested. Property records can also be requested from the bank, escrow, or title company. If the property is inherited, court records can be used to estimate the value. If there is nothing else, the county assessor’s office will have records that address property value. If home improvements have been made, reach out to the contractors and get statements from them to verify the work and its cost. Written descriptions from others who saw the home before and after the work that was done can also be used. Using tools to research the fair market value of any vehicles involved is also acceptable.

          When it comes to lost tax records, they can be retrieved. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can provide transcripts when requested by you or your Qualified Tax Professional. To protect your personal information, some specific information will be required to prove your identity. The transcript will also protect certain personal data for your safety. This will certainly not be the first thing you think of at the time of a disaster, but it’s good to know that you have a few options to help rebuild.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is Fair in the Tax System?

                 Everyone wants to be treated fairly. That is an essential quality that all people have. But what is fairness? Trying to answer that question can prove to be difficult for some. While fairness is impartial and just treatment without favoritism or discrimination, applying this principle is a challenge. Each person has their own idea of what is fair. That is certainly true when it comes to the current tax system.           The Internal Revenue Service ( IRS ) is aware of that sentiment. After a year of review following the passing of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act funding, they are determined to make a change. These changes will focus attention on the wealthy, partnerships, and other high-income earners who in recent years have had a sharp reduction in audits. The IRS is planning to use Artificial Intelligence to detect patterns in tax avoidance and new threats. They will also make sure that audit rates do not increase for modest earners. This is just one area that i
Read more

What is the Educator Expense Deduction for 2023?

            With the start of the new school year upon us, educators will want their students to have a complete classroom available to them. That might mean having some out-of-pocket expenses that are not reimbursed. If that’s the case, any principal, counselor, aide, or teacher who works at a K-12 school for at least 900 hours in a year can claim the Educator Expense Deduction . The current limit is $300, but that can be adjusted in the future based on inflation.           The qualifying costs can be related to books, supplies, and other materials used in the classroom. Equipment, including computer equipment and software can qualify. COVID-19 protective items used in the classroom would also apply. This can be claimed even if you use the standard deduction on your tax return. As a reminder, it is always best practice, especially when claiming a deduction, to keep good records which would include receipts. Your qualified tax professional can advise you further.
Read more

Beware of Employee Retention Credit Scams

          The Employee Retention Credit ( ERC ) is a tax credit for employers who kept paying employees while closed by government order or had a great decrease in income due to COVID-19. This is a credit that can only be claimed by certain businesses and organizations that had employees during specific time periods. With this set of criteria, the ERC is continuing to be the subject of a growing advertising campaign. Wild claims are being made about who can qualify for it.           The eligibility requirements should be considered closely. One sign of a scam is stating that the application process is easy, or that someone can find out if they are eligible for it in minutes. The ERC is noted for being a very complex credit. Scammers are trying to use this situation to steal personal information or run away with large upfront fees for work that will never take place. Dishonest promoters try to lure in victims by offering to work for a fee based on a percentage of the credit or sayin
Read more