IRS provides relief to flash flooding victims

OXFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Individuals and businesses affected by severe flooding last month now have the option to receive tax relief, according to an announcement from the Internal Revenue Service on Tuesday.

The IRS is offering relief to areas affected by the Aug. 18 flash flooding , which is designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and includes individuals or households that reside or have a business in Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven counties.

Eligible taxpayers now have until next Feb. 2 to file federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. The new deadline will apply to:

• Any individual, business or tax-exempt organization that has a valid extension to file their 2023 federal return. The IRS noted, however, that payments on these returns are not eligible for the extra time because they were due last spring before the storm occurred.
• Quarterly estimated income tax payments normally due on Sept. 16, 2024, and Jan. 15, 2025.
• Quarterly payroll and excise tax returns normally due on Oct. 31, 2024, and Jan. 31, 2025.

The IRS is also abating penalties incurred for failing to make payroll and excise tax deposits due on or after Aug. 18 and before Sept. 3.

The agency will automatically provide filing and penalty relief to taxpayers with an IRS address in a disaster area. There is no need to contact the IRS for this relief unless you moved to an affected area after last filing your taxes.

The current list of relief-eligible areas is always available on the IRS website, under the “ tax relief in disaster situations ” page. More information on relief can be found there too.

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