Topline:
The IRS has extended filing deadlines for taxpayers in Los Angeles County to Oct. 15, due to the wildfires and high winds earlier this month.
Why now? Extensions can happen when FEMA declares a disaster, which it has for L.A. County. Property tax payments for wildfire victims have also been extended to next year. The delays give people time to recoup vital records that may have been lost in recent events. The extension applies to individual and business returns, estimated payments, and more.
Do I need to do anything to get it? Usually, no. The IRS automatically identifies taxpayers. If you live or have a business outside of L.A. County and believe you were affected, you can ask for an extension. This can include, for example, if you stored tax records in L.A. County that were destroyed. Government or philanthropic relief workers helping with the recovery efforts should also qualify. You can call the IRS disaster hotline at (866) 562-5227 to request it.
What if I receive a late penalty? The IRS should abate those as long as they fall within the postponement period. The bureau said if that happens, you should call the number on the notice to have the fee removed.