Extension to File Tax Return for Sandy Victims

Last updated on November 14, 2012

Sandy has done much damage to millions of households. To provide relief to the victims of Sandy, many organizations and the government are donating blankets, cash, food supplies etc. The IRS has also come up with tax help for Sandy victims.

Victims of Sandy who come under Presidential Disaster Areas (PDA) can now file their tax return till Feb 1, 2013. After an assessment of the hurricane hit areas, more areas will be included in the PDA. Individuals and businesses in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut were to file their return till January 15, 2013. Now they can file their tax return till Feb 1, 2013.

Taxpayers in PDA do not need to contact the IRS for the extension. The deadline has automatically been extended for these areas. Taxpayers who have seen damage to their books, tax records etc. due to Sandy, but are not included in the PDA can contact the IRS to get the return filing deadline extended.

Those who are helping Sandy victims also get extension to file tax returns. Owners of low-income housing who have opened their doors to the victims of Sandy get tax credits. Volunteers who are affiliated with IRS-recognized government or charitable organizations get extension to file taxes till Feb 1, 2013. Volunteers working with 501(c)3 charities get to deduct their transportation costs.

If you make a cash donation to a 501(c)3 charity and get a receipt, you can get tax benefit. Employees of a company, if the company has such a program, can donate their vacation, sick leave etc. in exchange for employer cash payments that go to qualified organizations to help victims of Sandy.

This help by the IRS has provided relief to Sandy victims. The IRS may roll out more tax help to Sandy victims. To keep you updated on the latest by the IRS, visit their website.