IRS extends tax deadlines in disaster areas
From Staff Reports

Victims of recent storms in Georgia may qualify for tax relief from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Following severe storms and tornadoes beginning March 14, the federal government declared Bartow, Burke, DeKalb, Floyd, Fulton, Jefferson and Polk counties a presidential disaster area qualifying for individual assistance.

As a result, the IRS is postponing until May 19 certain deadlines for taxpayers who reside or have a business in the disaster area. The postponement applies to return filing, tax payment and certain other time-sensitive acts otherwise due between March 14 and May 19.

"We realize that the IRS and tax obligations are the last thing on the minds of many Georgia taxpayers right now," said IRS spokesman Mark S. Green. "People are concerned about their homes and businesses. Our prayers go out to the families."

In addition, the IRS will waive the failure-to-deposit penalties for employment and excise deposits due on or after March 14 and on or before March 31, as long as the deposits are made by March 31.

If an affected taxpayer receives a penalty notice from the IRS, the taxpayer should call the number on the notice to have the IRS abate any interest and any late filing or late payment penalties that would otherwise apply. Penalties or interest will be abated only for taxpayers who have an original or extended filing, payment or deposit due date, including an extended filing or payment due date, from March 14 to May 19.

IRS computer systems automatically identify taxpayers located in the covered disaster area and apply automatic filing and payment relief. Affected taxpayers who reside or have a business located outside the covered disaster area must call the IRS disaster hotline at 1(866) 562-5227 to request tax relief.

Taxpayers whose books, records or tax professionals' offices are in the covered disaster area are also entitled to relief. In addition, all relief workers affiliated with a recognized government or philanthropic organization assisting in the relief activities in the covered disaster area are eligible.