If you or your business, reside in an “affected area,” you are automatically granted relief from certain deadlines (Treas. Reg. §301.7508A-1(c)). In addition to those direct taxpayers, if your business records necessary to meet the deadline are located in an “affected area” you are also entitled to relief,” in addition to relief workers, and any individual visiting the area who is killed or injured.
The following counties qualify as federal declared disasters for Hurricane Michael, and may claim their losses from this Hurricane as qualified disaster loss:
Florida counties: Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Hamilton, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, Wakulla, and Washington. Georgia counties: Baker, Bleckley, Burke, Calhoun, Colquitt, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Dooly, Dougherty, Early, Emanuel, Grady, Houston, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Laurens, Lee, Macon, Miller, Mitchell, Pulaski, Seminole, Sumter, Terrell, Thomas, Treutlen, Turner, Wilcox, and Worth. Notice from the IRS dated 10/12/2018, and amended on 10/13/2018 and 10/14/2018.
– Tax Returns on Extension: Any taxpayer who had a return for 2017 on extension to 10/15/2018, is granted additional time to file through 2/28/2019.
– 4th Quarter Estimated Income Tax Payments: normally due on 1/15/2019 aren’t due now until 2/28/2019.
– Other Required Act: extensions of time are granted for individuals required to take a specific action for a like-kind exchange are likewise granted additional time.
– Casualty loses: Taxpayers who qualify due to a federally declared disaster loss may choose to claim the loss in the current year 2018 or they may claim the loss in 2017. If the taxpayer has already filed, they can amend their filed return. The TCJA that was signed into law on December 22, 2017 made significant changes to how individuals compute their taxes and their itemized deductions. Because of the differences and how it may apply in your case, I highly recommend you seek help from a professional to assist you in making this decision.
– Requests for previously filed returns: The IRS will waive the usual fees and expedite requests of taxpayers for previously filed tax returns. On the top of form 4506 be sure to write “Florida Hurricane Michael” in red ink.
Although the IRS automatically identifies taxpayers located in the covered disaster area and applies the automatic filing and payment relief, as a precaution you should write in red ink “Florida, Hurricane Michael” at the top of the form.
Last Updated: 10/18/2018
