When this guide is useful
Insurance proceeds and repair invoices arrive at different times after property damage.
The distinction that matters
Document the event, damaged assets, payments and restoration separately. A claim settlement does not by itself determine casualty, basis or repair treatment.
A worked situation to investigate
A storm damages a duplex and the insurer pays an advance before the final restoration invoice is available.
The example is illustrative. Begin with the underlying event and its source documents, then separate missing facts from disagreements about their treatment. Work through the checks below in the order that matches your file, rather than treating a completed checklist as a tax conclusion.
Build a traceable handoff
Identify the affected person, entity or property and the relevant period. Keep original evidence, corrections and the reviewer's written conclusion connected. If the facts change after review, preserve the earlier version and ask whether the change affects implementation.