What is the Typical IRS Extension Relief for Natural Disasters
What is the Typical IRS Extension Relief for Natural Disasters
The IRS allows most taxpayers affected by disasters additional time to file and pay their taxes. We review some of those details.
It appears that we are having more natural disasters and due to those events, the IRS will allow affected taxpayers additional time to file and pay their taxes.
The Tax Code has a provision that automatically extends these deadlines by 60 days. This was passed at the end of 2019 along with the SECURE Act. However, the IRS has additional discretion to extend this deadline by another 60 days or 120 days total.
The IRS has a FAQ section for disaster victims.
As an example, the IRS just put out a news release reminding taxpayers in California, and parts of Alabama and Georgia that their extended deadline is October 15. Tax returns due on April 15 were automatically extended to October 15. This is an 180-day extension.
The most recent Idalia storm extends the October 16 deadline now to February 15 which equals the 120-day extension.
As you can see the IRS is very generous to taxpayers affected by natural disasters. As you read the list of disasters for this year you will find that there are at least 17 states and territories that were affected by disasters and will receive this relief.