A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the rules for postponing certain deadlines by reason of disaster.

1/17/2025, 11:56 AM

Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act

This bill authorizes the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to postpone federal tax deadlines for taxpayers affected by a qualified state declared disaster, upon written request by the state governor. The bill also increases the automatic extension of federal tax deadlines for certain taxpayers.

Under current law, the IRS may postpone federal tax deadlines for taxpayers affected by a federally declared disaster, including (but not limited to) deadlines for (1) filing federal tax returns, (2) paying federal taxes, (3) making retirement plan contributions, and (4) tax assessments and collections.

The bill authorizes the IRS to postpone such federal tax deadlines for taxpayers affected by a qualified state declared disaster upon written request by the state’s governor (or the District of Columbia mayor). Under the bill, a state includes the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

The bill defines qualified state declared disaster as any natural catastrophe, fire, flood, or explosion that causes damage of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant a request to postpone such federal tax deadlines.

Further, under current law, an automatic 60-day extension of such federal tax deadlines applies to certain relief workers, individuals killed or injured as a result of a federally declared disaster, and taxpayers whose principal residence, business, or tax records are located in a federally declared disaster area.

The bill increases to 120 days the automatic extension of federal tax deadlines for these taxpayers.

Bill 119 s 132, also known as the Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2021, is a proposed amendment to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The purpose of this bill is to make changes to the rules regarding the postponement of certain tax deadlines in the event of a disaster.

Specifically, the bill aims to provide relief to taxpayers who are affected by natural disasters or other emergencies by allowing them more time to meet their tax obligations. This includes extending deadlines for filing tax returns, making tax payments, and other related requirements.

The Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2021 seeks to streamline and improve the process for taxpayers seeking relief in the aftermath of a disaster. It also includes provisions to ensure that taxpayers are not penalized for late filings or payments due to circumstances beyond their control. Overall, this bill is designed to provide much-needed assistance to individuals and businesses who are facing financial challenges as a result of a disaster. It aims to make the tax system more flexible and responsive to the needs of taxpayers during difficult times.
Congress
119

Number
S - 132

Introduced on
2025-01-16

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act

This bill authorizes the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to postpone federal tax deadlines for taxpayers affected by a qualified state declared disaster, upon written request by the state governor. The bill also increases the automatic extension of federal tax deadlines for certain taxpayers.

Under current law, the IRS may postpone federal tax deadlines for taxpayers affected by a federally declared disaster, including (but not limited to) deadlines for (1) filing federal tax returns, (2) paying federal taxes, (3) making retirement plan contributions, and (4) tax assessments and collections.

The bill authorizes the IRS to postpone such federal tax deadlines for taxpayers affected by a qualified state declared disaster upon written request by the state’s governor (or the District of Columbia mayor). Under the bill, a state includes the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

The bill defines qualified state declared disaster as any natural catastrophe, fire, flood, or explosion that causes damage of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant a request to postpone such federal tax deadlines.

Further, under current law, an automatic 60-day extension of such federal tax deadlines applies to certain relief workers, individuals killed or injured as a result of a federally declared disaster, and taxpayers whose principal residence, business, or tax records are located in a federally declared disaster area.

The bill increases to 120 days the automatic extension of federal tax deadlines for these taxpayers.

Bill 119 s 132, also known as the Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2021, is a proposed amendment to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The purpose of this bill is to make changes to the rules regarding the postponement of certain tax deadlines in the event of a disaster.

Specifically, the bill aims to provide relief to taxpayers who are affected by natural disasters or other emergencies by allowing them more time to meet their tax obligations. This includes extending deadlines for filing tax returns, making tax payments, and other related requirements.

The Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2021 seeks to streamline and improve the process for taxpayers seeking relief in the aftermath of a disaster. It also includes provisions to ensure that taxpayers are not penalized for late filings or payments due to circumstances beyond their control. Overall, this bill is designed to provide much-needed assistance to individuals and businesses who are facing financial challenges as a result of a disaster. It aims to make the tax system more flexible and responsive to the needs of taxpayers during difficult times.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the rules for postponing certain deadlines by reason of disaster.

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary3/27/2025

Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act

This bill authorizes the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to postpone federal tax deadlines for taxpayers affected by a qualified state declared disaster, upon written request by the sta...


Latest Action1/16/2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.