Attention all American taxpayers! The tax deadline for most tax returns is quickly approaching on May 17th. This year, there are some important things to know, especially if you live in an area recently affected by natural disasters.
Tax Relief for Disaster Areas
If you live in the Wrangell Cooperative Association of Alaska Tribal Nation, you’ve been granted an extension by the IRS to file your taxes. This is because the area was hit hard by severe storms, landslides, and mudslides in late 2023. You now have until July 15, 2024, to file your federal individual and business tax returns. This relief also applies to any other Alaska localities that are later added to the disaster area.
What Does the Extension Cover?
The extension applies to various tax deadlines that fell between November 20, 2023, and July 15, 2024. This gives you extra time to file your tax return, make contributions to retirement accounts, and submit your estimated tax payments – all without penalty!
Here’s a breakdown of what’s included:
- Individual income tax returns
- Contributions to IRAs and health savings accounts (HSAs)
- Estimated tax payments
- Payroll and excise tax returns
- Partnership and corporation returns
- Tax-exempt organization returns
There’s more good news! Penalties for not meeting certain tax deposit deadlines during this period will also be waived, as long as your deposits were made by December 5th, 2023. You can find all the details about what qualifies for relief on the IRS disaster relief webpage [IRS disaster relief ON IRS (.gov) irs.gov].
How to Get Relief Automatically
If the IRS already has your address on file and it’s located in the disaster area, you’ll automatically receive tax filing and penalty relief. This means less paperwork and stress for you during this difficult time.
However, if you recently moved to the disaster area after filing your taxes, you might get a penalty notice from the IRS for the extended filing period. Don’t panic! Just contact the IRS as soon as possible and request that the penalty be removed.
What If I Live Outside the Disaster Area?
Even if you don’t live in the disaster area, you might still qualify for relief if you have essential tax records located there, or if you’re involved in relief efforts. The IRS encourages anyone who believes they might qualify to reach out to them directly.
Need More Time to File?
If you need an extension beyond July 15th, you can request one electronically by April 15th, 2024. However, if you wait until after that date, you’ll need to submit a paper form. While the filing deadline is extended to October 15th, 2024, any taxes owed are still due by July 15th. Make sure to pay on time to avoid late payment penalties.
Tax Relief for Disaster Losses
Did your property sustain damage from the recent natural disasters? You might be able to claim these losses on your tax return, either for the current year or the prior year. This can help ease the financial burden of recovering from a disaster.
Free Tax Help is Available!
Filing taxes can be complicated, especially after a disaster. The IRS offers several free tax preparation programs to help, including Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), and IRS Free File. These programs can connect you with tax professionals who can help you understand your tax options and file your return accurately.
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Conclusion
Whether you’re facing a May 17th deadline or dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster, the IRS has resources to help. By taking advantage of the extensions, tax relief provisions, and support services available, you can navigate tax season with confidence and get the tax benefits you deserve.