IRS creates toll-free number for disaster relief

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service has established a special toll-free telephone number for taxpayers affected by Hurricane Katrina at 1-866-562-5227. Beginning today, taxpayers can call the special number from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, local time. Callers can find out about available tax relief, get free copies of their tax return transcripts and receive Disaster Tax Loss Kits, and may be referred to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's assistance lines for additional help. Affected taxpayers who need copies of tax returns to apply for aid or other purposes can have the normal user fee waived by writing "Hurricane Katrina" in red across the top margin of their Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return. The IRS is continuing to monitor the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and will provide additional relief and guidance in the days ahead. For more information, visit IRS.gov.