IRS Gives Additional Time to Taxpayers and Preparers Affected by Hurricane Sandy

The Internal Revenue Service today announced it will extend the Oct. 31 deadline to file returns and accompanying payments to Nov. 7 for taxpayers and tax preparers affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Again, this relief applies to taxpayers and tax preparers in an area affected by Hurricane Sandy or otherwise impacted by the storm that hit the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States this week.

The IRS says the releif is automatic, so no action is required by the taxpayer. Regular federal tax deposits are due according to current rules.

However, the IRS notes that if taxpayers or tax practitioners receive a penalty notice for this period, they can contact the IRS at the number on the notice to request penalty abatement due to reasonable cause on account of the storm.

The IRS will be granting additional filing and payment relief as qualifying disaster declarations are issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Ongoing details will be posted on the Tax Relief in Disaster Situations page on The IRS's website.