The statements made in these blog postings do not qualify as tax advice. These statements are general comments based on general questions. Your specific facts will impact the application of the law to your situation.

What are the possible significant tax-related questions due to the loss of your property in a federally declared disaster? Here are some questions you will want answers to:

1. Does this loss generate a deductible casualty loss or an involuntary conversion deferred gain? 
2. Can I have both a deductible casualty loss and an involuntary conversion deferred gain? 
3. Does the IRS have a form to claim a casualty loss?
4. Does the IRS have a form to disclose an involuntary conversion gain deferral?
5. If a casualty loss is not available, are there other tax benefits available due to the loss?
6. What are the timing restrictions and limitations?
7. Is there a difference between disclosing insurance proceeds and a settlement of a lawsuit?
8. Is there a difference between a lawsuit against an insurance company and a public utility?
9. What if I just ignore the whole tax disclosure process?
10. How are fees paid to a public adjuster handled?
11. Are grants received from charities, FEMA, employers and go-fund-me campaigns taxable? 
12. All records of my cost basis in the home were lost in the fire; how do I determine the cost basis of the property that was lost?
13. Do I have to rebuild or may I sell the lot and purchase a replacement property?
14. is there a tax consequence if I rent the personal residence I rebuild after the loss?
15. Are SBA loans taxable?

You will have other questions in addition to these. A tax professional with years of experience preparing disaster-related tax returns can answer all your questions without having to spend hours researching the answers.