Tax Fraud and Scams Online and Offshore: The IRS Dirty Dozen, Part 2

Tax Fraud and Scams Online and Offshore: The IRS Dirty Dozen, Part 2

As part of the Dirty Dozen tax scams and fraud awareness effort, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) encourages people to report individuals who promote improper and abusive tax schemes, as well as tax return preparers who deliberately prepare improper returns.

In this second installment of our overview of the 2024 Dirty Dozen, we look at the stern warnings issued by the IRS regarding scammers who promote schemes designed to evade taxes, scams targeting the wealthy, and dubious social media advice.

Tax Evasion Pitched as “Tax Strategies”

Thinly veiled tax evasion schemes come in various forms and can pose significant threats to taxpayers, sometimes even involving international elements—for example, concealing money and digital assets in foreign accounts or using foreign captive insurance and foreign individual retirement accounts.

“Taxpayers should be wary of anything that seeks to completely eliminate a legitimate tax responsibility,” says IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “[Scammers] continue to peddle elaborate schemes to reduce taxes and make a handsome profit. Taxpayers contemplating these arrangements should always seek advice from a trusted tax professional, not an aggressive promoter focused on pushing questionable transactions to make a buck.”

Some prominent examples include exploitative agreements related to syndicated conservation easements, micro-captive insurance arrangements, foreign individual retirement arrangements, and “hidden” digital assets.

Syndicated Conservation Easements

A conservation easement is a restriction on the use of real property. Generally, taxpayers may claim a charitable contribution deduction for the fair market value of a conservation easement transferred to a charity if the transfer meets the requirements of Internal Revenue Code section 170.

In abusive arrangements, scammers syndicate conservation easement transactions, offering investors the opportunity to claim charitable contribution deductions and corresponding tax savings that far exceed the amount invested. These arrangements generate high fees for scammers and attempt to exploit the tax system with grossly inflated tax deductions.

Micro-Captive Insurance Arrangements

A micro-captive, also known as a small captive, is an insurance company whose owners elect to be taxed on the captive’s investment income only. Abusive micro-captives involve schemes that lack many of the attributes of legitimate insurance, such as implausible risks, failure to match genuine business needs, and unnecessary duplication of the taxpayer’s commercial coverages. The premiums paid under these arrangements are often excessive, reflecting non-arm’s length pricing. The IRS has made enforcement against abusive micro-captive transactions a high priority, prevailing in related Tax Court and appellate court cases since 2017.

Schemes with International Elements

Scammers may also promote tax avoidance through contributing to foreign individual retirement arrangements, which allow contributions in a form other than cash and do not limit the amount of contributions by reference to employment or self-employment activities. By improperly asserting this as a “pension fund” for U.S. tax treaty purposes, the taxpayer claims an exemption from U.S. income tax on gains and earnings in, and distributions from, the foreign individual retirement arrangement.

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) plays a critical role in combating tax evasion by U.S. persons holding accounts and other financial assets offshore. It requires most U.S. taxpayers with financial assets outside the United States to report these assets to the IRS, and certain foreign financial institutions must report directly to the IRS about financial accounts held by U.S. taxpayers. Reporting requirements carry penalties for failure to file.

Despite these measures, scammers continue to lure U.S. persons into placing their assets in offshore accounts and structures, falsely claiming they are out of reach of the IRS. These assertions are untrue, as the IRS can identify and track anonymous transactions of foreign financial accounts.

“Untraceable” Digital Assets

Digital assets are digital representations of value recorded on a cryptographically secured, distributed ledger or similar technology. Common examples include convertible virtual currency, cryptocurrency, stablecoins, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Scammers often falsely claim that digital assets are untraceable and undiscoverable by the IRS. In reality, the IRS can track anonymous transactions of digital assets globally. For federal tax purposes, digital assets are treated as property, and general tax principles applicable to property transactions apply to transactions using digital assets.

Aggressive Tax Strategies Targeting the Wealthy

The IRS has also issued a warning to high-income individuals about three specific tax traps designed by scammers and shady tax practitioners. Wealthy taxpayers are particularly susceptible to schemes that promise to reduce their tax burden but can lead to severe legal consequences.

High-income individuals often become targets for various aggressive tax strategies and schemes. These strategies can range from inflated art donation deductions to aggressive charitable remainder annuity trusts and complex shelters designed to delay the payment of gains on property.

Improper Art Donation Deductions

Some scammers exploit art donations by promising inflated values. These scammers encourage taxpayers to purchase art at a “discounted” price, which may include additional services like storage, shipping, appraisal, and donation arrangements. The scammers claim that the art is worth significantly more than the purchase price, encouraging taxpayers to donate the art after a year and claim a tax deduction for an inflated fair market value.

The IRS has a team of professionally trained appraisers who assist in valuing personal property and works of art to ensure compliance with tax laws. Commissioner Werfel warned, “Creativity in art is a beautiful thing, but aggressive creativity in art donation deductions can paint a bad picture for people pulled into these schemes. Taxpayers should be careful to understand the rules and watch out for inflated values or questionable appraisals.”

Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust (CRAT)

A Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust (CRAT) is an irrevocable trust allowing individuals to donate assets to charity while drawing annual income for life or a specific period. However, some scammers misuse CRATs to eliminate capital gains improperly.

In these schemes, appreciated property is transferred to a CRAT, and the transfer is wrongly claimed to provide a step-up in basis to fair market value. The CRAT sells the property without recognizing gain and uses the proceeds to purchase a single premium immediate annuity (SPIA). The beneficiary then reports only a small portion of the annuity as income, misapplying the rules to exclude the remaining payment as a return of investment. Taxpayers should be wary of such schemes, as they misapply the laws relating to CRATs.

Monetized Installment Sales

Monetized installment sales are another aggressive tax strategy used by scammers to defer gain recognition on the sale of appreciated property. In these transactions, an intermediary purchases the property in exchange for an installment note, which typically includes interest-only payments with the principal due at the end of the term.

The seller receives most of the proceeds but improperly delays gain recognition until the final installment payment, often scheduled many years later. This strategy can lead to significant legal trouble as it abuses the tax system.

The IRS urges wealthy individuals to remain cautious and seek advice from independent tax or legal professionals. By avoiding scammers and understanding the rules, taxpayers can protect themselves from schemes that distort tax laws and result in severe penalties.

Bad Tax Advice on Social Media

The IRS has also warned taxpayers about the dangers of bad tax information circulating on social media. Platforms like TikTok are rife with inaccurate or misleading tax advice, which can lead to serious consequences, including identity theft and tax problems.

Social media can often spread incorrect tax information, where users share wildly inaccurate advice. Some schemes involve urging people to misuse common tax documents like Form W-2 or more obscure ones like Form 8944, a technical e-file form not commonly used by taxpayers. Both scams encourage the submission of false information in hopes of obtaining a refund.

The IRS is aware of various filing season hashtags and social media topics leading to inaccurate and potentially fraudulent information.

Fraudulent Advice on Form W-2

One scheme encourages people to use tax software to manually fill out Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, and include false income information. Scam artists suggest making up large income and withholding figures, as well as the employer details. They instruct people to file the bogus tax return electronically in hopes of getting a substantial refund, sometimes as much as five figures.

According to the IRS, variations of this scheme involve misusing Form 7202 and Schedule H to claim credits and refunds based on false information.

Form 8944 Scheme

Another example involves Form 8944, Preparer e-file Hardship Waiver Request. False claims circulating on social media suggest that taxpayers can use this form to receive a refund from the IRS, even if they have a balance due. This information is incorrect. Form 8944 is intended for tax return preparers who request a waiver to file returns on paper instead of electronically.

Taxpayers who intentionally file forms with false information can face severe consequences, including civil and criminal penalties, such as criminal prosecution for filing a false tax return and a frivolous return penalty of $5,000.

Verifying Tax Information

The best place for taxpayers to learn how to properly use tax forms and follow legitimate social media channels related to taxes is IRS.gov. The website provides a repository of forms with detailed instructions and links to official IRS social media accounts.

Reporting Fraud

To report such activities, individuals can use the online Form 14242. The form can also be printed and completed to be sent by mail or fax to the IRS Lead Development Center in the Office of Promoter Investigations:

 

Internal Revenue Service Lead Development Center

Stop MS5040

24000 Avila Road

Laguna Niguel, CA 92677-3405

Fax: 877-477-9135

 

Alternatively, taxpayers and tax practitioners may send information to the IRS Whistleblower Office for a possible monetary award.

For more information, visit the IRS page on abusive tax schemes and preparers.

This article is for informational purposes only and not for legal or financial advice.

Article provided by Taxing Subjects.

How to Prevent Costly Tax Return Mistakes

How to Prevent Costly Tax Return Mistakes

Preparing to file your federal tax return? Review some common mistakes people make and how you can avoid them this tax season.

Making a mistake on your tax return can slow down its processing and even delay your refund. If the IRS spots any errors, they may reject your return, requiring you to correct the issue and resubmit it promptly. Many common tax return mistakes are simple human error, unrelated to the complex tax laws provided.

By paying a bit more attention and double checking your information, you can make tax season smoother and error free.

Let’s review some common mistakes and ways to resolve them.

Don’t miss out on tax deductions and credits…

There are various tax deductions and credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, that can help lower your tax liability and even increase your tax refund. However, if you overlook a specific tax break on your return, the IRS won’t notify you what may have been missed. Be diligent in reviewing all deductions and credits.

Hiring a tax preparer will further help in finding the best deductions and credits for you.

Providing incorrect Social Security information…

A recurring error is entering your Social Security Numbers (SSNs) incorrectly. If your SSNs on your tax return are wrong, the IRS will decline it. Many tax benefits available, like the Child Tax Credit, education credits, or Child and Dependent Care Credit, depend on accurate SSNs. Make sure when filing your return you double check all SSNs for typos or inconsistencies.

Names do not match up with Social Security cards…

Surprisingly, one of the main reasons the IRS will reject tax returns is due to a name mismatch. While misspellings can occur, the primary issue is when a dependent child’s name doesn’t match the name on their Social Security cards. The IRS database is synchronized with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Therefore, if the IRS system can’t find a specific name on your tax return in the SSA’s database, it will outright reject the return. Although this is an easy fix, your return will not be processed until the correction is made.

Not entering your income…

If you accidentally omit your exact income on your tax return, the IRS will notify you. They track income deposited into your bank and any investment accounts using your SSN and tax forms. If a mistake is found, you might owe penalties and interest on that unreported income. Therefore, it is wise to double check that all your income is reported properly before filing your return.

Choosing an incorrect filing status…

The IRS determines many tax deduction amounts, including the standard deduction, based on filing status. Therefore, it’s crucial to meet the strict criteria for each status. Your options include:

  • Single
  • Head of household
  • Married filing jointly
  • Married filing separately
  • Qualifying widow or widower

Choosing the wrong filing status will result in the IRS denying your return. Sometimes, you may qualify for more than one status. In such cases, select the one that offers a larger tax refund or a lower tax payment.

Work with your tax preparer to make sure you choose the correct status.

Check out this article for more information: “What is my filing status?”

Math Problems in your tax return…

One of the most frequent mistakes on tax returns is incorrect calculations. Errors in your math or transferring numbers between forms can lead to an immediate correction notice from the IRS. These math mistakes might also reduce your tax refund or cause you to owe more than necessary.

Your tax preparer should be able to spot these errors for you, but make sure you are double checking your work for a better experience with your appointment.

Failing to meet the April tax return deadline…

The final tax return mistake is easy to avoid: ensure you file your tax return on time. If you need more time, submit Form 4868 by April 15 to get an automatic six month extension.

Keep in mind that you still need to pay any taxes owed by the Tax Day deadline (usually April 15) to avoid late filing penalties, interest, and fees. If you can’t afford to pay the full amount, the IRS offers payment plans.

Check with your preparer for more information.

Incorrect account numbers or routing information for direct deposits…

If you opt for a direct deposit of your refund into one or multiple banking accounts, make sure you double check the bank account numbers you enter. Even a single incorrect digit can lead to several extra weeks of waiting for your refund, someone else receiving your tax refund, or your refund being returned to the IRS.

The key to a quick and efficient tax year is to work with your tax preparer to help resolve any mistakes. Double check your information and verify all data to have a successful tax season.

This blog post serves as informational content and does not constitute legal or financial advice.

The post How to Prevent Costly Tax Return Mistakes appeared first on taxPRO Websites.

Article provided by Tax News.

Tax Audit: How to Stop Worrying in Five Easy Steps

Tax Audit: How to Stop Worrying in Five Easy Steps

If you’ve been losing sleep over the possibility of a tax audit, put your mind at ease. Here are five reasons why you might want to stop worrying about it.

A Tax Audit is Not Always Trouble

An audit doesn’t automatically mean you’re in trouble. Sometimes, it’s just a random selection. Even if there’s a discrepancy in your return, like a math error or typo, the IRS may simply ask for additional documents or an amended return.

IRS.Gov Audit Information

Time Limit

Most tax audits focus on returns filed within the last three years. Rarely do they go back more than six years, so you don’t need to worry about ancient tax seasons.

Reduce Your Risk

Certain items on your tax return can attract the IRS’s attention. Just be diligent and accurate in your data collection which can reduce your chances of an audit.

Stay Calm

If the IRS does audit you, don’t panic. It’s a specific process, and you can work through it with the right documentation. This is why it is important to work with a certified tax preparer or better yet, an Enrolled Agent.  An Enrolled Agent (EA) is an individual who has earned the privilege of representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

What is an Enrolled agent on IRS.Gov

Low Audit Risk 

For taxpayers in the middle or lower income range and have relatively uncomplicated taxes, the likelihood of an IRS audit is quite minimal. For example: between the years of 2010 to 2019, the IRS audited approximately 0.25% of individual tax returns on record.

Low Audit Risk information on gao.gov

The IRS usually focuses their audits on high income earners. In 2019, a little more than 2% of Americans earning more than $5 million per year had their taxes audited. That’s down from 16% in 2010. “For taxpayers earning over $1 million, there has been substantial reduction in audit rates, but they are still audited more frequently than taxpayers earning below $200,000,” said Alex Muresianu, a policy analyst at the Tax Foundation.

Article on declining IRS audits at CNBC.com

Learn how to avoid the possibility of a tax audit…

  1. Be thorough and accurate when reporting all of your expenses
  2. Itemizing tax deductions with accuracy is essential
  3. Provide appropriate details when required
  4. File your taxes on time, as much as possible
  5. Avoid amending returns. If you must, proceed with caution
  6. Check your math. Now, check it again
  7. Avoid using round numbers
  8. Do not make too many deductions

Although there is no guarantee that the IRS won’t audit you, knowing some specific facts about tax audits during the filing process can help alleviate your concerns.

Make sure to check out our article “Mid-Year Business Tax Review: Maximizing Tax Efficiency” which can assist you in alleviating those tax audit worries.

This blog post serves as informational content and does not constitute legal or financial advice.

The post Tax Audit: How to Stop Worrying in Five Easy Steps appeared first on taxPRO Websites.

Article provided by Tax News.

Mid-Year Business Tax Review: Maximizing Tax Efficiency

Mid-Year Business Tax Review: Maximizing Tax Efficiency

Now is the time to perform a mid-year review of your business activities. Staying on top of these five steps will  benefit you throughout the year while saving time, money, and making tax time a breeze.

* Lower taxable income with these deductions

After assessing your cash flow, explore reinvesting within your business. Whether it’s buying new equipment or expanding your advertising efforts, these investments often come with tax advantages. As part of your business, you can typically deduct equipment and advertising costs on your tax returns.

Review this list of small business deductions you can take to help your business grow and lower taxable income:

Credits and deductions for businesses

* Managing personal and business finances separately

As your business income becomes consistent, consider opening a dedicated bank account or credit card for business use. This simplifies tracking income and expenses and provides a central reference point for tax filing.

Separating business and personal finances is a smart move. To get started:

  1. Open Up Separate Accounts: Set up distinct bank accounts, with one for business transactions and the other for personal use. This will ensure a clear separation of these accounts.
  2. Track Your Transactions: Record all your business related income and expenses separately. Use your favorite accounting software or a spreadsheet to stay organized.
  3. Avoid Mixing Business and Personal Funds: Never use your business funds for personal expenses, and vice versa. Keep them separate for easier management.

Remember, this practice simplifies tax reporting during tax season and protects your financial well being!

* Organize receipts for expenses

As a business owner, working to maintain detailed records of your transactions is crucial to your tax time success. Here’s why keeping your business receipts organized matters:

  1. Expense Management: Receipts will help you track your expenses effectively, ensuring you manage costs efficiently for all of your business needs.
  2. Accounting and Budgeting: This data will provide a clear record of business expenses and all income, which can be used in financial statements and other accounting records.
  3. Accurate Financial Records: Receipts serve as documented proof of financial transactions, essential for bookkeeping, accounting, and tax purposes.
  4. Legal and Tax Compliance: Having receipts ensures compliance with tax laws and protects both buyers and sellers by injecting transparency into transactions.

So, snap those receipts and keep them organized during this mid year tax review — it’s more than just storage; it’s about financial health! If you haven’t done so yet, there’s still time to catch up!

More information: What kind of records should I keep

* Estimate tax payments quarterly

What are the benefits of quarterly estimated tax payments and how should you prepare for them…

  1. Avoid a Big Tax Bill: By paying quarterly, you are able to spread your tax liability throughout the year. This will prevent a hefty tax bill when it comes time to file your annual return. It’s like making payments in installments rather than all at once.
  2. Penalty Prevention: You should stay current with your taxes. If you underpay or miss payments, the IRS may impose penalties. Quarterly payments will help you stay on track and avoid any surprises.
  3. Estimation Process:
    • Gather Information: Estimate your taxable income, including any self-employment income, interest, dividends, and other earnings.
    • Deductions and Credits: Consider deductions (like business expenses) and tax credits (such as child tax credit or education credits).
    • Last Year’s Return: Use your previous year’s tax return as a guide.
    • Calculate Tax: Determine your income tax and self-employment tax (if applicable).

Remember, quarterly estimated tax payments keeps you in good standing with the IRS and ensures a smoother tax season.

Find out more: What Is Estimated Tax and Who Must Pay It?

*  Keep your income and expense records up to date

As a business owner, maintaining meticulous records of your income and expenses is crucial. Here’s why:

  1. Clear View of Cash Flow: Detailed records provide insight into your business’s financial health. You can track cash flow, identify patterns, and make informed decisions.
  2. Maximizing Deductions: Good records help you identify eligible deductions. By keeping track of expenses, you can maximize deductions and reduce your taxable income.
  3. Estimating Quarterly Tax Payments: Accurate records allow you to estimate quarterly tax payments effectively. Staying current with taxes ensures smooth financial management.

Whether you use software or spreadsheets, organized records empower your business!


Take the time to tackle these steps to minimize any tax liabilities and stay on top of your finances.

This blog post serves as informational content and does not constitute legal or financial advice.

The post Mid-Year Business Tax Review: Maximizing Tax Efficiency appeared first on taxPRO Websites.

Article provided by Tax News.

Mid-Year Business Tax Review: Maximizing Tax Efficiency

Mid-Year Business Tax Review: Maximizing Tax Efficiency

Now is the time to perform a mid-year review of your business activities. Staying on top of these five steps will  benefit you throughout the year while saving time, money, and making tax time a breeze.

* Lower taxable income with these deductions

After assessing your cash flow, explore reinvesting within your business. Whether it’s buying new equipment or expanding your advertising efforts, these investments often come with tax advantages. As part of your business, you can typically deduct equipment and advertising costs on your tax returns.

Review this list of small business deductions you can take to help your business grow and lower taxable income:

Credits and deductions for businesses

* Managing personal and business finances separately

As your business income becomes consistent, consider opening a dedicated bank account or credit card for business use. This simplifies tracking income and expenses and provides a central reference point for tax filing.

Separating business and personal finances is a smart move. To get started:

  1. Open Up Separate Accounts: Set up distinct bank accounts, with one for business transactions and the other for personal use. This will ensure a clear separation of these accounts.
  2. Track Your Transactions: Record all your business related income and expenses separately. Use your favorite accounting software or a spreadsheet to stay organized.
  3. Avoid Mixing Business and Personal Funds: Never use your business funds for personal expenses, and vice versa. Keep them separate for easier management.

Remember, this practice simplifies tax reporting during tax season and protects your financial well being!

* Organize receipts for expenses

As a business owner, working to maintain detailed records of your transactions is crucial to your tax time success. Here’s why keeping your business receipts organized matters:

  1. Expense Management: Receipts will help you track your expenses effectively, ensuring you manage costs efficiently for all of your business needs.
  2. Accounting and Budgeting: This data will provide a clear record of business expenses and all income, which can be used in financial statements and other accounting records.
  3. Accurate Financial Records: Receipts serve as documented proof of financial transactions, essential for bookkeeping, accounting, and tax purposes.
  4. Legal and Tax Compliance: Having receipts ensures compliance with tax laws and protects both buyers and sellers by injecting transparency into transactions.

So, snap those receipts and keep them organized during this mid year tax review — it’s more than just storage; it’s about financial health! If you haven’t done so yet, there’s still time to catch up!

More information: What kind of records should I keep

* Estimate tax payments quarterly

What are the benefits of quarterly estimated tax payments and how should you prepare for them…

  1. Avoid a Big Tax Bill: By paying quarterly, you are able to spread your tax liability throughout the year. This will prevent a hefty tax bill when it comes time to file your annual return. It’s like making payments in installments rather than all at once.
  2. Penalty Prevention: You should stay current with your taxes. If you underpay or miss payments, the IRS may impose penalties. Quarterly payments will help you stay on track and avoid any surprises.
  3. Estimation Process:
    • Gather Information: Estimate your taxable income, including any self-employment income, interest, dividends, and other earnings.
    • Deductions and Credits: Consider deductions (like business expenses) and tax credits (such as child tax credit or education credits).
    • Last Year’s Return: Use your previous year’s tax return as a guide.
    • Calculate Tax: Determine your income tax and self-employment tax (if applicable).

Remember, quarterly estimated tax payments keeps you in good standing with the IRS and ensures a smoother tax season.

Find out more: What Is Estimated Tax and Who Must Pay It?

*  Keep your income and expense records up to date

As a business owner, maintaining meticulous records of your income and expenses is crucial. Here’s why:

  1. Clear View of Cash Flow: Detailed records provide insight into your business’s financial health. You can track cash flow, identify patterns, and make informed decisions.
  2. Maximizing Deductions: Good records help you identify eligible deductions. By keeping track of expenses, you can maximize deductions and reduce your taxable income.
  3. Estimating Quarterly Tax Payments: Accurate records allow you to estimate quarterly tax payments effectively. Staying current with taxes ensures smooth financial management.

Whether you use software or spreadsheets, organized records empower your business!


Take the time to tackle these steps to minimize any tax liabilities and stay on top of your finances.

This blog post serves as informational content and does not constitute legal or financial advice.

The post Mid-Year Business Tax Review: Maximizing Tax Efficiency appeared first on taxPRO Websites.

Article provided by Tax News.

IRS Disaster Relief

IRS Disaster Relief

Filing deadlines often change for taxpayers in regions that experience natural disasters. When these extreme weather events hit, the Internal Revenue Service frequently provides tax due date extensions to areas designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The relaxed due dates are intended to give more time to the individuals and businesses impacted by the natural disaster to prioritize relief and recovery instead of drawing their focus to a filing deadline. Following are notices for the upcoming tax season. We encourage you to visit the Tax Relief in Disaster Situations page on the IRS website for the very latest updates. 

Arkansas High Winds and Flooding

On May 24, heavy weather in Arkansas created tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding for several counties in the state. The IRS issued these regions (designated as a disaster zone by FEMA) additional time for their tax deadline. The new date is November 1 for businesses and individuals filing tax returns. The list of qualifying counties can be found in the IRS info link for Arkansas.

IRS Information on Arkansas Weather Tax Relief

West Virginia Extreme Weather Tax Relief

A storm system over West Virginia hit on April 2, 2024. The following damage caused FEMA to designate certain counties as disaster zones. The IRS issued a filing extension to the affected regions now due November 1, 2024 for entities and individuals in the impacted areas. The full county list and additional instructions are available in the IRS news release.

IRS Information on West Virginia Storm Relief

Storm Disasters in Kentucky

Landslides, mudslides, and other extreme weather struck Kentucky on April 2, 2023. A taxpayer deadline extension from the IRS now allows for a new date of November 1, 2024 to businesses and individuals from the impacted counties.

IRS News Release on Kentucky Storm Tax Relief

Massachusetts Flooding

The IRS decided on a new tax payment date for the counties of Bristol and Worcester, MA after a storm event from September 11, 2023 brought flooding to the region. The current filing date for affected individuals and business entities is now July 31, 2024.

IRS information on Massachusetts Storm Tax Relief

Destructive Weather in Texas

An intense storm system came through Texas on April 26, 2024 causing straight-line winds, tornados, and flood damage. More than a dozen counties will receive more time time to file taxes according to a recent IRS notice. The new due date for tax payments is on November 1, 2024. The full list of counties can be found through the IRS link.

IRS information on Texas Tornado Tax Relief

Severe Weather in Iowa

Iowa experienced destructive weather and tornados on April 26, 2024. Eight counties in the disaster zone quantified by FEMA qualify for extra time filing taxes according to a recent IRS notice. The new date for payment is October 15, 2024. A second round of storms hit May 20, 2023. Those affected can find out more about their tax deadline on November 1, 2024 here. The state will also create a temporary taxpayer assistance center.

IRS information on Iowa Extreme Weather Tax Relief

Tornados in Nebraska

Storms with strong winds and tornados destroyed areas of Nebraska on April 26, 2024. A disaster relief extension from the IRS now allows taxpaying entities to file on October 15, 2024. Visit the information release for the full list of counties the tax postponement affects. 

IRS information on Nebraska Tornado Relief

Ohio Tornados 

Tornados ripped through Ohio on March 14, 2024 causing damage to for tax-paying businesses and individuals. The IRS created an extension to September 3, 2024 for the counties impacted by the high winds to help to those impacted by the weather events focus on reconstruction and sooth financial worries.

IRS information on Ohio Tornado Tax Relief

Oklahoma Tornados 

High winds, storms, flooding and tornados struck several counties in the state of Oklahoma on April 25, 2024. In an information release, the IRS issued an extension to taxpayers in the affected counties to ease tax-related burdens to those impacted by the weather events.

IRS information on Oklahoma Tornado Tax Relief

The Hawaii Wildfires 

Parts of Hawaii and counties in Maui have been granted an additional individual and business return filing extension now due August 7th, 2024 to help the victims of the fires to focus on disaster recovery.

IRS information on Hawaiian Wildfires

Mudslides and Other Disasters in Alaska

Heavy storms in the Wrangell Cooperative Association of Alaska Tribal Nation caused landslides and mudslides beginning November 20, 2023. Taxpayers of the FEMA-identified region may qualify for a tax filing extension now due July 15, 2024. The full guidelines with additional information and the required qualifications are available on the IRS website.

IRS Information on Alaskan Severe Weather

Spokane Wildfires

Wildfires burned in Spokane, Washington beginning August, 18 2024. Taxpayers in Spokane County may qualify for a tax filing extension due June 17, 2024 designated by the IRS to encourage disaster relief. The full guidelines on qualifications are available at this IRS Information link.

IRS Information on Spokane Fires

Strong Storms and Flooding in San Diego County

Fierce weather struck San Diego on January 21, 2024 causing serious damage to individuals and infrastructure. The IRS recently declared that those who qualify (as having their business or property hurt by the disasters) will have until June 17, 2024 to file their taxes.

IRS Information on San Diego Serious Weather Tax Relief

Michigan Severe Weather: Flooding, Tornadoes, and Storms

Powerful storms rocked Michigan August 24, 2023. FEMA ruled that many counties experienced natural disasters and the IRS will allow them to qualify for a filing extension which now has taxes due June 17, 2024. All counties which qualify are included in this IRS news release link.

IRS Information on Michigan Storm Damage Tax Relief

Mudslides and Other Extreme Weather in West Virginia

Landslides, mudslides, flooding, and storm damage hit West Virginia counties August 28, 2023. Taxpayers in the region may qualify for extra time filing taxes with a new date of June 17th, 2024 established by the IRS. 

IRS Information on Relief to Those Impacted by West Virginia Extreme Weather

Storm Destruction in the State of Maine

Several counties in Maine will experience a tax payment due date change to June 17, 2024. This decisions comes in the wake of heavy storms which hit the region December 17, 2023. A list of all areas designated by the IRS under the relief order can be found below. Another round of weather on January 9th, 2024 struck the state causing the IRS to provide extensions until July 15th. The relief package information for this disaster event is available here.

IRS Information on Tax Extensions for the 12-17-23 Maine Storm Damage

Rhode Island Storms, Tornado, and Flooding

A tax deadline change to June 17, 2024 was issued by the IRS to victims of extreme weather occurrences in Providence County. Citizens and businesses of the county affected by the disasters have been given additional time to get their taxes in order because of the damage caused by the intense weather of September 10, 2023. Another pattern of severe weather on December 17th and Jan 9th caused additional flooding. The relief extensions from these natural disasters last until July 15th and are available at this link.

IRS Information on the 9-10-24 Rhode Island Severe Weather Filing Extensions

Connecticut Storms, Flooding, and Dam Breach

The recent severe weather on January 10, 2024 caused widespread damage to taxpayers in Connecticut. To offer relief to those affected in New London County, and the Mogehan and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nations, the IRS extended their dues until June 17, 2024.

IRS Information on Connecticut Storm Tax Relief

Tornado Storm Damage 

A recently announced filing deadline for both individuals and business organizations in parts of Tennessee is now in effect. The severe tornadoes prompted the IRS to extend the due date for payments to June 17, 2024. People, households, and entities with addresses inside the area designated by FEMA are automatically able to make use of the extension. They do not need to contact the IRS to become eligible.

IRS Information on Relief for Tennessee Tornadoes

California Storm Victims

55 of 58 counties in California qualify for a 2022 tax season filing extension which is now due on November 16, 2023. This deadline extension originates from strong storms in the region last winter which caused flooding, landslides, and other severe weather phenomena.

IRS Information on California Storm Victims

Terrorist Attacks in Israel

The IRS adjusts due dates for certain payments and filing that fall between Oct. 7, 2023 and Oct. 7, 2024. Individuals such as humanitarian workers and businesses whose central place of operation is Israel may be able to receive this relief.

IRS Information on Terrorist Impacted Individuals and Entities in Israel

Louisiana Seawater Intrusion

Individuals or businesses residing in Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines and St. Bernard parishes may now be able to delay filing returns and paying taxes until Feb, 15, 2024.

IRS Information on Louisiana Seawater Intrusion Tax Relief 

Drought Impacted Industry

Qualifying farmers and ranchers in 49 states, two U.S. Territories, and D.C. who were forced to sell livestock due to drought conditions will have an extended window to replace the livestock and report gains.

IRS Information on Drought Impacted Livestock Sales

Hurricane Lee 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a disaster declaration for all counties in Massachusetts and Maine. These states are eligible for tax relief and their tax dates are now rescheduled to February 15th. 

More IRS Information on Hurricane Lee 

Hurricane Idalia 

The IRS has announced tax relief packages for regions in the states of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina to help those affected concentrate on rebuilding after the storm. Tax payments are now pushed back until February 15th, 2024. 

IRS information on Hurricane Idalia

Article provided by Taxing Subjects.