Internal Revenue Service (IRS) said victims of hurricane Ida in parts of New York and New Jersey now have until 3 January 2022 to file federal personal and business tax returns.
This means that the individuals who had a valid extension to file their 2020 returns until 15 October 2021 will now have until 3 January 2022 to file them. IRS said tax payments related to 2020 returns that were due on 17 May 2021, were not eligible for this relief.
IRS announced that affected taxpayers in certain areas will receive tax relief, following the recent disaster declaration issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Individuals and households affected by hurricane Ida that live or have a business in Bronx, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester counties qualify for tax relief. IRS provides relief in parts of Pennsylvania. The list of eligible localities is accessible on the website, IRS.gov.
Taxpayers in localities impacted by Ida and subsequently designated by FEMA in other parts of these states will automatically receive the same filing and payment relief.
Charles Rettig, commissioner at IRS said, “During this difficult time, the IRS stands ready to help victims of hurricane Ida. We want people affected by this devastating hurricane to focus on their safety and recovery for themselves and their families”.
Taxpayers identified by IRS can automatically receive filing and payment relief
Many taxpayers will automatically receive filing and penalty relief, as long as they have an address of record in the disaster area. Those who receive a late payment notice can call the number provided to waive the fee.
IRS will automatically identify the taxpayers that are located in the covered disaster area and will apply for the filing and payment relief. However, the affected taxpayers who reside or have a business located outside the covered disaster area should call the IRS disaster hotline at 866-562-5227 to request this tax relief.
The New Jersey state government is following the lead of the IRS and extending tax filing and payment deadlines for certain taxpayers impacted by Tropical Storm Ida.
Elizabeth Maher Muoio, treasurer, in New Jersey said, “The breadth and scope of damage caused by Ida have taken an immense toll on many New Jersey residents: physically, emotionally, and financially,” .
“By mirroring the IRS extension, we hope to provide some measure of relief for both residents and relief workers, so they can focus on recovering from the storm and getting back on their feet,” she added.