IRS Gives Tax Relief To Vermont Flood Victims

Victims of flooding in Vermont now have until November 15, 2023 to file individual and business tax returns and to pay any taxes that were originally due between July 9, 2023 and November 15, 2023.

The specific relief postpones the filing deadline for any returns with deadlines starting on July 9, 2023. The relief includes individual and business returns due on either September 15, 2023 or October 16, 2023. Note that for the relief to be granted a valid extension must have been filed for the taxpayer or the business entity. Returns without valid extensions do not qualify for relief and are subject to failure-to-file penalties from the original due date of the return until the return is filed.

The relief also gives taxpayers until November 15, 2023 to make quarterly estimated income tax payments due on September 15, 2023. Penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due after July 9, 2023 but before July 25, 2023 will be abated as long as payments are made on or before July 25, 2023. Note that individual income tax liabilities due on April 18, 2023 are not eligible for penalty relief.

Flood victims who reside or have a business anywhere in Vermont qualify for this relief. Taxpayers who live outside of the affected area who qualify for relief must call the IRS at 866-562-5227. Workers for government or non-profit relief agencies who are assisting with flood relief efforts also must call the IRS but are also eligible for the extended filing and payment deadlines as applicable.

Information on claiming disaster-related tax losses is available in IRS Publication 547 and additional information about relief provisions is available on the Disaster Relief Page at irs.gov.

Taxpayers affected by disasters should be aware that they may still receive notices from the IRS concerning late-filed returns and late payments. Taxpayers should review any additional information included with those notices before attempting to contact the IRS about the problem.