Tax Help, Unemployment Assistance Available For Jeanne Victims
Release Date: October 29, 2004
Release Number: 1570-019
» More Information on Virginia Severe Storms and Flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Jeanne
SALEM, Mass. -- Both the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Virginia Department of Taxation have announced deadline extensions for victims of Tropical Depression Jeanne in 10 designated localities in western Virginia.
In addition, the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) may be able to help people with employment difficulties related to the storm.
The affected area includes the cities of Salem and Roanoke, and the counties of Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig, Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Patrick and Roanoke.
According to a release put out by the IRS:
- The Federal Tax Deposit Penalty is waived from Sept. 27 to Oct. 7, 2004. This waiver applies to employment and excise tax deposits.
- The extension period for returns and other tax payments is Sept. 27 to Dec. 20, 2004.
- The Disaster Designation for the affected area is “Hurricane Jeanne – VA.” Taxpayers should mark relief-related forms at the top of the form in red with this designation.
- Disaster-related casualty losses can be claimed on federal income tax returns for either this year or last year.
According to the Virginia Department of Taxation, state tax relief is only for taxpayers whose principal residence or principal place of business is located in one of the designated localities; taxpayers whose tax records are located in these areas; and relief workers.
Relief is available for:
- Sales and Use Tax Returns: An extension is granted until Dec. 20, 2004, for taxpayers in the affected areas to file their returns and payments for the period ended Sept. 30, 2004. These payments are normally due on Oct. 20.
- Withholding Tax Returns: An extension is granted until Dec. 20, 2004, for taxpayers in the affected areas to file their monthly and quarterly returns and payments for the period ended Sept. 30, 2004. These payments are normally due on Oct. 31.
- Estimated Tax Payments and Income Tax Returns: Individual, fiduciary and corporate income tax filers whose returns and payments are due on or after Sept. 27, 2004 are granted an extension until Dec. 20, 2004 for filing and payment of the tax.
- Other State Taxes Administered by the Department of Taxation: An automatic extension until Dec. 20, 2004 is granted for filing and paying any other state tax return due on or after Sept. 27, 2004.
The state extensions also apply to filers who use electronic funds transfer (EFT) for payment. EFT filers in the affected areas should contact the Department of Taxation at (804) 367-8037 if they receive notices of penalty or interest.
Taxpayers in the affected areas DO NOT need to file an extension request, officials said. To obtain an automatic extension, taxpayers should write “Hurricane Jeanne” in bold print at the top of each return and file the return with full payment for the tax due on or before the extended due date.
No penalty or interest will apply to returns filed on or before the extended due date.
Meantime, another deadline is approaching. Nov. 22 is the last day to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance through the VEC. Those who lost their job or work time because of the storm in the affected area, and are not covered by regular unemployment insurance, should visit the nearest VEC field office.
Applicants should bring their Social Security number and, if possible, documentation showing earnings for the calendar year 2003.
Farmers who had damage to their primary residence from Tropical Depression Jeanne should register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). If access to their primary residence is limited due to storm damage, they should also register with FEMA. For other agriculture damage, farmers should contact their Farm Service Agency office.
You can register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with a speech or hearing impairment may call TTY 1-800-462-7585. These lines are open 24-hours a day. Those with Internet access can register by logging on to www.FEMA.gov.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA’s continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Friday, 29-Oct-2004 17:05:32