Hit by a Disaster? The IRS May Have Pushed Back Your Tax Deadlines Already

More time to file and pay, at no cost

If a disaster hit your area, you may not have to scramble to meet your usual tax deadlines. When the federal government declares a disaster, the IRS often gives people and businesses in the affected area extra time to file returns and make payments.

This relief is free. You do not need to pay anyone to get it. In many cases the IRS applies it for you based on your address on file.

September is a common month for estimated tax payments. If a disaster touched your county, that deadline may be one of the things the IRS has already pushed back.

How the relief usually works

The IRS ties disaster tax relief to areas covered by a federal disaster declaration. If your address is in the covered area, the extra time typically applies to you automatically.

The relief can cover different filing and payment deadlines that fall during the disaster period. The exact dates and deadlines depend on the specific declaration for your area.

Because the details change with each disaster, the safest move is to check the IRS disaster relief page for your state and event rather than guessing.

What to do this month

If you had a quarterly estimated payment due and a disaster hit your area, check before you assume you are late. You may have more time.

If you live outside the disaster area but your tax records are inside it, you may still qualify. In that case you may need to contact the IRS.

Keep any records of storm or disaster damage. They can matter for your taxes and for other help you may be owed.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to apply for disaster tax relief?

Often no. The IRS usually applies it automatically if your address of record is in the covered disaster area. Check the IRS disaster page for your event to confirm.

What if I live outside the disaster area but my records are inside it?

You may still qualify. The IRS page explains this situation, and you may need to call the IRS to have the relief applied.

Does this cost anything?

No. Disaster tax relief from the IRS is free. You never need to pay a middleman to get more time to file or pay.

How do I know the new deadline for my area?

The new dates depend on your specific disaster declaration. Look up your state and event on the IRS disaster relief page for the exact deadlines.