IRS Gives Oklahoma Tornado Victims Time To For Return Filing and Tax Payment

                                                     And Deadlines Extended to September 30

 After Monday’s devastating tornado in Moore and Oklahoma City,   the Internal Revenue Service today provided tax relief to individuals and businesses affected by this and other severe storms occurring in parts of Oklahoma.

The tax relief postpones various tax filing and payment deadlines that occurred starting on May 18, 2013. As a result, affected individuals and businesses will have until Sept. 30, 2013 to file these returns and pay any taxes due. This includes the June 17 and Sept. 16 deadlines for making estimated tax payments. A variety of business tax deadlines are also affected including the July 31 deadline for second quarter payroll and excise tax returns and the Sept. 3 deadline for truckers filing highway use tax returns. I advise my clients if you were affected by the storm, please use this time to get things taken care of.

The IRS will abate any interest, late-payment or late-filing penalty that would otherwise apply. The agency automatically provides this relief to any taxpayer located in the disaster area. Taxpayers need not contact the IRS to get this relief.

Beyond the relief provided to taxpayers in the FEMA-designated counties, the IRS will work with any taxpayer who lives outside the disaster area but whose books, records or tax professional are located in the areas affected by these storms.

 All workers assisting the relief activities who are affiliated with a recognized government or philanthropic organization also qualify for relief. Taxpayers qualifying for relief who live outside the disaster area need to contact the IRS at 866-562-5227.

Per IRS.gov

 Tips for Dealing with Notices

 

Each year, the IRS sends millions of letters and notices to taxpayers for a variety of reasons.                     

                                 Here are a some suggestions that may help you if this happens to you.

         1. Don’t panic. Many of these letters require a simple response.

 

2. There are many reasons why the IRS sends correspondence. If you receive an IRS notice, it will typically cover a very specific issue about your account or tax return.

 

3. Each notice offers specific instructions on what you need to do to satisfy the inquiry.

 

4. If you receive a notice advising you that the IRS has corrected your tax return, you should review the correspondence and compare it with the information on your return.

 

5. If you agree with the correction to your account, then usually no reply is necessary unless a payment is due or the notice directs otherwise.

 

6. If you do not agree with the correction the IRS made, it is important that you respond as requested. You should send a written explanation of why you disagree. Allow at least 30 days for a response.

 

7. Remember to keep copies of any notices you receive with your other income tax records.

 

8. The IRS sends notices and letters by mail.

 

If you receive a notice go to IRS.gov or call  1-800-829-3676.

 

Per the irs.gov