Tax Experts
Tax Deadline Blown Back
The IRS granted an extension for taxpayers affected by the big East Coast storm.
By Kevin McCormally, Editorial Director, Kiplinger.com
April 18, 2007
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I heard the tax deadline has been pushed back because of the big storm that hit the Northeast. Does that apply to everyone or just folks in certain states?
Kevin responds:
After the Nor'easter lashed the East Coast over the weekend, the IRS announced a two-day delay -- pushing the deadline to April 19 -- for taxpayers who "are prevented from filing in a timely manner because of the storm."
The break is not limited to taxpayers in certain states, but is available to anyone who can make a reasonable argument that the storm made it difficult to meet the midnight April 17 filing deadline. Someone who was stranded away from home because of a flight cancellation, for example, could qualify.
If you do, write "April 16 Storm" at the top of your return so you won't be penalized for late filing if the IRS notices an April 18 or April 19 postmark. In the highly unlikely event that the IRS challenges your 48-hour respite, you'll need an explanation of how you were affected by the storm.
Although this relief puts off the deadline for filing a 2006 tax return, it doesn't grant any reprieve to folks who faced an April 17 deadline for making a first-quarter 2007 estimated tax payment. That deadline stands, come hell or high water.
See the previous question and answer and our archive of questions and answers.