The National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP), the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Taxation, the National Society of Accountants (NSA) and the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) are the latest organizations to join IRS employees in staffing disaster recovery centers and assisting taxpayers affected by recent hurricanes.

This adds to agreements signed earlier with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) and the American Association of Attorney-Certified Public Accountants (AAA-CPA).

When the President designates an area to receive federal disaster assistance, FEMA opens local disaster recovery centers where individuals and businesses may register for disaster aid. IRS assigns employees to staff these local centers to provide tax assistance to taxpayers. Currently, employees and volunteers are providing tax assistance in dozens of FEMA sites.

Assistance includes aiding with the preparation of tax returns and claims, providing copies of transcripts and returns, distributing disaster relief kits and answering questions about casualty losses and other issues.

More information regarding disaster tax relief may be found on the IRS's Web site at irs.gov.