CalCPA, IRS, AICPA: partner to provide disaster tax assistance.

CalCPA has joined the IRS and AICPA as part of a pilot program to provide assistance to taxpayers following federally declared disasters at local FEMA disaster recovery centers.

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Just as details of the partnership were being finalized, the program sprang into action after Hurricane Katrina struck. In Louisiana, one of the pilot states, volunteers joined IRS employees to staff disaster recovery centers servicing some of the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina.

The pilot states, which also include Florida, Texas and Ohio, will work with the IRS and AICPA to test the use of volunteer CPAs at FEMA's disaster recovery centers to facilitate service to those seeking aid. The IRS will request support from the profession to supplement staff on an as-needed basis.

"CalCPA members have a long history of providing pro bono assistance to Californians following disasters," says Chris Yahng, CalCPA chair. "This partnership with the IRS will build upon that legacy. I urge all members to sign up as disaster relief volunteers."

To join CalCPA's corp of disaster relief volunteers, go to www.calcpa.org/disasterrelief.