IRS Grants 48 Hour Extension to Storm Victims

In response to the weather that has ravaged much of the Northeast, the Internal Revenue Service is offering a two day extension for victims of the storm. People who were directly affected by the storm and wish to claim the extension do not need to file an additional form, but they do need to post their returns before midnight, April 19th.

The IRS cited the storm that hit within the 24 hours of the tax deadline as the reason for giving the extension. Power outages and flooding are preventing many people for meeting with their tax professionals or finishing their returns themselves.

To indicate that you intend to take advantage of the extension the IRS says you must only write the words "April 16 Storm" directly on the return. For those that wish to file using a digital tax return, you can use the program's disaster feature to indicate you are using the storm extension.

For those that do not qualify for the 48 hour storm extension, an extension still may be granted by the IRS if paperwork is filed by the April 17th deadline. Keep in mind that filing for an extension of time to file is not the same as filing for an extension of time to pay. You must file both forms if you require them.

Even if you do qualify for an extension, still consider trying to get your tax return in on time if possible. Even if October seems like a good time to file taxes, you won't think so in the fall when it comes time to tackle this task once again. Worse, you'll have to fill again in six months.

If you have all of the information required to file your return but the paperwork is preventing you from finishing, consider a licensed tax professional. Most tax agencies have extended hours, so even at this late date you could get an appointment.

Electronic filing has also become more popular in recent years and can be an excellent way of getting in your tax return on time. By using this filing method you should get your refund in half the time. If you choose direct deposit for any expected refund you should get your refund even sooner.