AICPA Survey Highlights Americans’ Desired IRS Relief After Natural Disasters
New York, NY – July 23, 2025 – A recent survey conducted by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) has shed light on the specific types of relief Americans hope to receive from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the aftermath of a natural disaster. The findings underscore a clear need for accessible and practical support to help individuals and businesses navigate the complexities of tax obligations during times of crisis.
The survey, published by PR Newswire, indicates that taxpayers are looking for more than just extended filing deadlines. While such extensions are a critical component of disaster relief, respondents expressed a desire for a broader range of assistance tailored to their immediate recovery needs.
Key areas of focus for Americans seeking IRS relief include:
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Streamlined Casualty Loss Deductions: The survey suggests a strong preference for simplified procedures to claim casualty losses. Many individuals find the existing process for documenting and reporting disaster-related losses to be burdensome when they are already grappling with personal devastation and the loss of important records. Easier methods for verifying losses and more guidance on what qualifies for deductions would be highly beneficial.
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Tax Payment Deferrals and Forgiveness: Beyond simply extending deadlines, many Americans indicated a desire for options to defer or even temporarily forgive certain tax payments. This could include income tax, estimated tax payments, or payroll taxes for small businesses, providing much-needed breathing room for cash flow during the recovery period.
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Access to Tax Professionals: The AICPA’s findings also point to a need for greater accessibility to qualified tax professionals. Many individuals and small business owners may have lost their tax records or be unable to afford professional assistance during a disaster. Services like pro bono tax preparation or subsidized access to tax advice could be invaluable.
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Targeted Relief for Specific Disaster Impacts: The survey implies that a one-size-fits-all approach to disaster relief may not be sufficient. Tailored relief measures that address the unique challenges posed by different types of disasters – such as floods, wildfires, or hurricanes – could be more effective. This might involve specific guidance on replacing lost documentation, understanding insurance payouts, and navigating the tax implications of rebuilding or relocating.
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Clear and Timely Communication: A consistent theme emerging from the survey is the importance of clear, concise, and timely communication from the IRS. Taxpayers need to be well-informed about available relief options, eligibility criteria, and the specific steps they need to take. Accessible information channels, including dedicated IRS resources for disaster victims, are crucial.
The AICPA’s research serves as a valuable reminder for government agencies, including the IRS, to proactively consider the evolving needs of taxpayers in disaster-stricken areas. By implementing and promoting a comprehensive suite of accessible relief measures, the IRS can play a vital role in supporting the resilience and recovery of American communities in the face of adversity. This survey’s insights offer a roadmap for developing more effective and empathetic tax policies during times of national hardship.
AICPA Survey Reveals What Relief Americans Want from the IRS Following a Natural Disaster
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