To all Florida residents, we here at Laus Consulting Services hope that you, your loved ones, and belongings are safe despite the destruction Irma has caused. Following the recent disaster declaration for individual assistance issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the IRS announced today that affected taxpayers in Florida will also be eligible to receive tax relief.
As of today, individuals who reside or have a business in Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter and Volusia may qualify for tax relief.
What this entails is that the IRS has postponed certain deadlines for taxpayers who reside in these locations. In particular, deadlines falling on or after Sept. 4, 2017 and before Jan. 31, 2018, are granted additional time to file through Jan. 31, 2018. This includes taxpayers who had a valid extension to file their 2016 return that was due to run out on Oct. 16, 2017. It also includes the quarterly estimated income tax payments originally due on Sept. 15, 2017 and Jan. 16, 2018, and the quarterly payroll and excise tax returns normally due on Oct. 31, 2017. It also includes tax-exempt organizations that operate on a calendar-year basis and had an automatic extension due to run out on Nov. 15, 2017. In addition, penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due on or after Sept. 4, 2017, and before Sept. 19, 2017, will be abated as long as the deposits are made by Sept. 19, 2017.
For any individuals who reside in the above area who needs any assistance from FEMA, you can also go register online at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ to apply for various forms of aid.
Article by Laus Consulting Services
