Life happens and when it happens to you are you prepared? Below is a list of helpful tips to help you document and save valuable information in the event of a fire, flood or any other kind of disaster:
Create a Backup Set of Records Electronically
- Keep a set of backup records in a safe place. The backup should be stored away from the original set.
- Keeping a backup set of records—including, for example, bank statements, tax returns, insurance policies, etc. –– is easier now that many financial institutions provide statements and documents electronically, and much financial information is available on the Internet. Even if the original records are provided only on paper, they can be scanned into an electronic format. With documents in electronic form, you can download them to a backup storage device, like an external hard drive, or burn them to a CD or DVD or download to an internet storage site.
Document Valuables
- Photograph or videotape the contents of your home or business, especially items of higher value. The IRS has a disaster loss workbook, Publication 584, which can help you compile a room-by-room list of belongings.
- A photographic record can help you prove the market value of items for insurance and casualty loss claims. Photos should be stored with a friend or family member living outside the area.
Update Emergency Plans
- Emergency plans should be reviewed annually. Personal and business situations change over time, as do preparedness needs.
- When you hire new employees or when your company or organization changes functions, plans should be updated accordingly and employees should be informed of the changes.
Check on Fiduciary Bonds
- If you use a payroll service provider, ask the provider if it has a fiduciary bond in place. The bond could protect you in the event of default by the payroll service provider.
IRS Ready to Help
- If disaster strikes, you can call 1-866-562-5227 to speak with an IRS specialist trained to handle disaster-related issues.
- Back copies of previously-filed tax returns and all attachments, including Forms W-2, can be requested by filing Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return.
- Alternatively, transcripts showing most line items on these returns can be ordered on-line, by calling 1-800-908-9946 or by using Form 4506T-EZ, Short Form Request for Individual Tax Return Transcript or Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return.
Cloud Storage Options
Today, there are many places on the internet to store your electronic files which provide back up and recovery services for a very small fee and sometimes free.
One such provider is called Dropbox.com. Dropbox is an online “cloud” storage company providing several online storage options from free to premium. You can share your Dropbox files with others with complete security. Check out Dropbox.com today.