Preparing for a Disaster: Protecting Your Family and Your Taxes

David Peters
Sep 5
2 min read

Honoring the 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

This year marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina—a storm that forever changed lives, families, and communities. As we reflect on the lives lost and the resilience shown, it’s also a reminder that disasters—whether hurricanes, floods, fires, or storms—can strike at any time. While no one can control when disaster hits, you can take steps to protect your financial records and your tax information.

At Peters Tax Preparation & Consulting, we believe disaster planning isn’t just about boarding up windows—it’s also about securing your family’s financial future. Here are steps you can take to prepare:

1. Protect and Back Up Your Tax Documents

Losing important paperwork can add stress during a crisis. The IRS recommends going paperless by scanning tax returns, W-2s, 1099s, and other key documents. Keep secure digital copies stored off-site or in the cloud. This ensures you’ll have access when you need to file, claim relief, or rebuild.

2. Keep Records of Your Assets

Photograph or video your home, car, and valuables, and save receipts for big purchases. These records aren’t just for insurance claims—they can also support casualty loss deductions on your tax return if you’re affected by a federally declared disaster.

3. Create a Family Tax & Emergency Plan

A personal disaster plan isn’t just about safety (though that comes first). It should also cover your financial and tax readiness. Decide ahead of time:

Where your tax and financial records will be stored
Who in your family has access to them
What steps you’ll take if you need to file for IRS disaster relief

Updating this plan each year ensures your family is ready when the unexpected happens.

4. Understand IRS Disaster Relief

When FEMA declares a disaster, the IRS often provides automatic filing and payment extensions. You may also qualify to deduct disaster-related losses on your federal tax return. Knowing these rules ahead of time can help reduce stress and speed up recovery.

Why Disaster Tax Planning Matters

Katrina taught us that disasters don’t just affect homes—they affect families, finances, and futures. Preparing now ensures your tax records, refunds, and filings won’t add to the stress if a disaster strikes.

How Peters Tax Preparation & Consulting Can Help

We specialize in helping families and individuals prepare for the unexpected. Our team can:

Help you digitize and secure your tax documents
Guide you through IRS disaster relief rules
Help you reconstruct records if you lose them in a disaster
Help you understand casualty loss deductions

Schedule a consultation today to create a disaster-ready tax plan. Protect your family, protect your taxes, and prepare for tomorrow—because peace of mind starts with preparation.