IRS officially Confirmed SPECIAL Tax Relief 2025: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced tax relief for people and businesses in parts of West Virginia that were hit by strong storms, floods, landslides, and mudslides starting on February 15, 2025. This means those affected now have more time to file their taxes and make payments without facing penalties.
Who Qualifies for Tax Relief?
The tax relief is for areas marked by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) as disaster zones. Currently, these counties in West Virginia are included: Greenbrier, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Summers, Wayne, and Wyoming.
If more counties are added to the disaster list later, they will also get the same tax relief. You can always check the updated list on the IRS website’s Tax relief in disaster situations page.
New Tax Deadlines
People and businesses in the affected areas now have until November 3, 2025, to file their federal tax returns and make payments. This extension applies to any tax deadlines between February 15 and November 3, 2025.
Here are some examples of what’s included:
For Individuals:
You can file your 2024 tax return (normally due April 15, 2025) by November 3, 2025.
You can contribute to your IRA or Health Savings Account (HSA) for 2024 by the new deadline.
Quarterly estimated tax payments that were due on April 15, June 16, or September 15 are also extended to November 3.
For Businesses:
Quarterly payroll and excise tax returns due on April 30, July 31, and October 31 now have a November 3 deadline.
Partnership and S corporation returns (usually due March 17) are also postponed.
Corporation and fiduciary returns (normally due April 15) have the same extension.
Tax-exempt organizations with returns due May 15, 2025, now have until November 3 as well.
Also, if payroll or excise tax deposits were due between February 15 and March 3, and were paid by March 3, no penalties will apply.
How to Get the Relief
If your address on file with the IRS is within the disaster area, the IRS will give you the relief automatically. You don’t need to contact them.
If you’ve recently moved into the disaster area or are affected but your address is not updated with the IRS, you might get a late payment or filing notice. If that happens, call the IRS Special Services at 866-562-5227 to fix it and request relief.
Even if you live outside the disaster area but your records are in the affected zone, or you’re a relief worker, you may also qualify. You’ll need to call the same number for help.
Claiming Disaster Losses
If you had property damage or other losses that weren’t covered by insurance, you can claim them on your 2025 tax return or on your 2024 return – whichever benefits you more. You have until October 15, 2026, to make this choice.
Make sure to write the FEMA declaration number “4861-DR” on your tax return when claiming the loss.
Special Rules for Disaster Payments and Retirement Accounts
If you receive money from a government agency to cover personal or family expenses, home repairs, or funeral costs due to the disaster, you may not have to pay tax on it. Check IRS Publication 525 for full details.
If you’re taking money out of your retirement plan or IRA because of the disaster, you may avoid the usual 10% early withdrawal penalty. You might also be able to spread the income over three years or take a hardship withdrawal, depending on your plan’s rules.
What If You’re Not Eligible?
If you’re not eligible for disaster tax relief but had a good reason for missing a deadline, you can still ask for penalty relief. Look into the Penalty relief for reasonable cause section on the IRS website.
Free Help with Tax Filing
If you need help filing your taxes, there are free options:
You can go to a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) or TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) site. Use the VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887.
For AARP Tax-Aide, use their Site Locator Tool or call 888-227-7669.
If your income in 2024 was ₹84,000 or less, you can use IRS Free File software to prepare and file taxes for free.
Free File Fillable Forms are another free option for those comfortable doing taxes on their own.
Military families and some veterans can use MilTax to file for free.
The IRS is giving extra time and support to people and businesses in West Virginia dealing with natural disasters. This tax relief helps reduce stress and gives more time to get finances in order. If you think you qualify, check your details, stay updated through the IRS website, and don’t hesitate to call for help.
