Ohio Storm Victims Eligible for Disaster Relief

Victims of the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding, and landslides that took place on May 27, 2019 in Ohio may qualify for tax relief from the Internal Revenue Service.

The President has declared that a major disaster occurred in the State of Ohio. Following the recent disaster declaration for individual assistance issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the IRS announced recently that affected taxpayers in certain areas will receive tax relief.

Individuals who reside or have a business in Auglaize, Darke, Greene, Hocking, Mercer, Mahoning, Miami, Montgomery, Muskingum, Perry, and Pickaway counties may qualify for tax relief.

The declaration permits the IRS to postpone certain deadlines for taxpayers who reside or have a business in the disaster area. For instance, certain deadlines falling on or after May 27, 2019 and before Sept. 30, 2019, are granted additional time to file through Sept. 30, 2019. This includes the quarterly estimated income tax payments due on June 17 and Sept. 16, 2019, as well as the employment and excise tax returns that were due on July 31, 2019.

If an affected taxpayer receives a late filing or late payment penalty notice from the IRS that has an original or extended filing, payment or deposit due date that falls within the postponement period, the taxpayer should call the telephone number on the notice to have the IRS abate the penalty.

The IRS automatically identifies taxpayers located in the covered disaster area and applies automatic filing and payment relief. But affected taxpayers who reside or have a business located outside the covered disaster area must call the IRS disaster hotline at 866-562-5227 to request this tax relief.

If you would like to speak to one of our tax specialists for more information, please call: 1 (866) 760-0940 or send a note to Miranda.Hawk@brixeyandmeyer.com to setup a time to speak.