The IRS has extended the tax filing deadline for individuals and businesses in Los Angeles County until October 15, following the devastating wildfires and severe winds earlier this month. This extension is aimed at providing relief to those who were directly impacted by the disaster, helping them manage their tax obligations during this challenging time.
This extension comes as a result of FEMA declaring Los Angeles County a disaster area. When such declarations are made, it opens the door for various forms of federal assistance, including tax relief.
For residents affected by the wildfires, this extension means they now have more time to gather vital documents that may have been lost or destroyed. Additionally, property tax payments for wildfire victims have been pushed to next year, offering further financial relief during recovery.
The extended deadline covers individual and business tax returns, quarterly estimated tax payments, and other tax-related obligations, allowing taxpayers to focus on rebuilding and recovery without immediate pressure.
In most cases, taxpayers don’t need to take any action to benefit from this extension. The IRS will automatically identify and include taxpayers in Los Angeles County who are eligible for the extension.
However, if you live or own a business outside of L.A. County but believe you were affected by the disaster, you can still request relief. For example, if you stored tax documents in Los Angeles County and they were lost or damaged, you can ask for an extension. Relief also applies to government and nonprofit workers assisting in recovery efforts.
To request an extension, contact the IRS disaster hotline at (866) 562-5227
The IRS has stated that penalties related to late filings or payments during the postponement period should be waived. If you receive a late penalty notice despite qualifying for relief, call the phone number listed on the notice to request its removal.
- More Time to File and Pay: Taxpayers now have until October 15 to file returns and make payments.
- Automatic Qualification: Most taxpayers in Los Angeles County will be automatically included in the extension.
- Support for Affected Residents: Those outside the affected area can also request relief if their situation qualifies.
- Penalty Relief: Late fees incurred during the extended period can be waived upon request.
This extension is part of broader efforts to support disaster recovery in Los Angeles County. With wildfires becoming increasingly common in California, tax relief measures like this one are vital for helping residents rebuild their lives and regain stability.
The IRS encourages taxpayers to take advantage of this extension to ensure they meet their filing obligations while focusing on recovery efforts. For more details, visit the official IRS website or contact their disaster hotline for assistance.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Premlata is a seasoned finance writer with a keen eye for unraveling complex global financial systems. From government benefits to energy rebates and recruitment trends, she empowers readers with actionable insights and clarity. When she’s not crafting impactful articles, you can find her sharing her expertise on LinkedIn or connecting via email at biswaspremlata@gmail.com.
