WASHINGTON, D.C. — In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has declared extensive tax relief measures for individuals and businesses across the affected regions. This relief extends to the entire states of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, as well as parts of Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia, offering a lifeline to those grappling with the aftermath of the disaster.
Eligible taxpayers in these areas now have until May 1, 2025, to file their federal tax returns and fulfill payment obligations. This extension covers a spectrum of tax filings and payments, including 2024 individual and business returns due in March and April 2025, 2023 returns with valid extensions, and quarterly estimated tax payments. The IRS aligns this relief with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) disaster designations, promising support to any future localities similarly impacted.
Automatic relief is granted to taxpayers whose addresses of record with the IRS are within the designated disaster areas. Those without such records, possibly due to recent relocations, may receive penalty notices but can have these abated by contacting the IRS directly. Additionally, taxpayers residing outside the disaster zones but whose crucial records are located within can request relief via the IRS disaster hotline at 866-562-5227.
The IRS has also introduced provisions for taxpayers who have incurred uninsured or unreimbursed losses due to the hurricane. These individuals can elect to claim their losses on their 2024 or 2023 tax returns, with an extended deadline of October 15, 2025, for making this choice. It is essential to include the FEMA declaration number on any claim. Qualified disaster relief payments for personal and property damage are typically excluded from taxable income, providing further financial respite.
Moreover, hurricane victims engaging with retirement plans or IRAs have access to special disaster distributions free from the usual 10% early withdrawal penalty, with the option to spread the income over three years. Provisions for hardship withdrawals are also in place, with specific plan guidelines applicable.
The IRS’s tax relief efforts form part of a broader federal strategy to address the destruction wrought by Hurricane Helene, reflecting damage assessments conducted by FEMA. The agency remains committed to adjusting its support in line with evolving needs, ensuring that affected taxpayers receive comprehensive assistance during this challenging period. For further disaster recovery information, individuals are encouraged to visit disasterassistance.gov.
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