hurricaneI just thought that I should mention that for people who have suffered losses due to Hurricane Katrina, it may be possible to get immediate tax relief. If you live in an area that is covered as part of a presidentially declared disaster area, the law allows you to amend your 2004 tax return and claim your loss on that return. Doing so will allow you to claim the loss immediately, instead of waiting until next year. This will allow you to get much needed refund dollars within weeks instead of months.
Also, this article at WebCPA has links to tax related information. The IRS Publication covering disaster losses is here.
Further, I'd be willing to offer my services and advice, for free, to anyone affected by the hurricane, in obtaining tax records or amending your 2004 returns. I realize that a lot of people have bigger fish to fry, like finding fresh food and water. However some people may be in a position to start the process and doubtless more people will be in the coming weeks.
If you know of someone who needs hurricane related tax assitance, or you are an attorney, enrolled agent, or CPA who would like to try to help people out, please contact me at [email protected]. Please put Hurricane Tax Assistance in the subject line.
Update: Below are other tax related links regarding Hurricane Katrina.
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