Dispatches, thoughts, and miscellanea from writer Jon Konrath

Taxes and nuclear war

From: TaxHelp@hal1.ausc.irs.gov
To: jkonrath@speakeasy.org
Subject: IRS Email Tax Law Assistance
Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2000 12:24:38 -0500
NOTE: Our response to your tax law question appears below.  If you have additional questions on this or other general tax law topics, please return to our web site at: (http://www.irs.gov/taxlaw) to submit it.  Please do not use your “reply” button to send a follow-up question.
Thank you for your inquiry.  Publication 2194, Disaster Losses Kit contains the contingency plan for the large number of people who would have casualty losses in the event of a worldwide nuclear war.  For additional information, see Publication 547, Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts and Publication 584, Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook.
Your Question Was:
Does the IRS have any sort of contingency plan for the large number of people who would file massive capital losses in the event of a worldwide nuclear war?
IRS forms and publications may be accessed on our web site at the following address: http://www.irs.gov/forms_pubs/index.html or ordered through our toll-free forms line at 1(800) 829-3676 which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with 7-10 days delivery time.
We are interested in your opinion and providing the best possible service to you. Please take a moment to answer our survey at: http://www.irs.gov/help/newmail/email-survey.html
This answer is based on our understanding of the facts you presented in your question.  Omission of facts may affect the answer given.
Here’s a tip for navigating the IRS homepage. Use the “search” button at the bottom of the web page. Enter key words or phrases when the entry box comes up. It could help you find your answer immediately.
EMPLOYEE ID: 93-02406      Mr. Hickernell    Tel.:(800)829-1040    msg#: 670143