IRS Extends Tax Deadlines for West Virginia Storm Victims
Following FEMA's recent disaster declaration for severe storms and flooding in the Mountain State, impacted taxpayers get more time to file and pay certain federal taxes.


Resident of certain West Virginia counties can wait until June 30, 2021, to file their 2020 federal income tax return. The IRS extended this and other tax deadlines because of the severe storms and flooding that began on February 27, 2021, in parts of the state that were declared a disaster area by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The tax relief applies to residents of Boone, Cabell, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mingo, and Wayne Counties.
Various federal tax filing and payment due dates for individuals and businesses from February 27 to June 29 will be shifted to June 30. In addition to the May 17 personal income tax filing deadline, this includes:
- Various 2020 business returns usually due on March 15;
- 2020 IRA contributions originally due on May 17;
- Quarterly estimated income tax payments normally due on April 15 and June 15;
- Quarterly payroll and excise tax returns ordinarily due on April 30; and
- 2020 returns for tax-exempt organizations typically due on May 17.
Penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due from February 27 to March 14 will also be waived if the deposits were made by March 15.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
You don't have to contact the IRS to get this relief. However, if you receive a late filing or late payment penalty notice from the IRS that has an original or extended filing, payment or deposit due date falling within the postponement period, you should call the number on the notice to have the penalty abated.
In addition, the IRS will work with any taxpayer who lives outside West Virginia, but whose records necessary to meet a deadline occurring during the postponement period are located in the state. Taxpayers qualifying for relief who live in another state need to contact the IRS at 866-562-5227. This also includes workers assisting the relief activities who are affiliated with a recognized government or philanthropic organization.
Individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area who suffered uninsured or unreimbursed disaster-related losses can choose to claim them on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2021 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year. This means that taxpayers can, if they choose, claim these losses on their 2020 return. Be sure to write the FEMA declaration number (FEMA 4605-DR) on any return claiming a loss. It's also a good idea for affected taxpayers claiming the disaster loss on a 2020 return to put the Disaster Designation ("West Virginia Severe Storms and Flooding") in bold letters at the top of the form. See IRS Publication 547 for details.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Rocky Mengle was a Senior Tax Editor for Kiplinger from October 2018 to January 2023 with more than 20 years of experience covering federal and state tax developments. Before coming to Kiplinger, Rocky worked for Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting, and Kleinrock Publishing, where he provided breaking news and guidance for CPAs, tax attorneys, and other tax professionals. He has also been quoted as an expert by USA Today, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Reuters, Accounting Today, and other media outlets. Rocky holds a law degree from the University of Connecticut and a B.A. in History from Salisbury University.
-
Do You Need a Family Office? Four Signs for the Very Wealthy
You may need a family office if you are a high-net-worth individual, because being wealthy turns a family into a family business.
-
Wealth Advisers: In Estate Planning, the End Is Just the Beginning
We need to keep the lines of communication with our clients open so that we can anticipate and help them navigate issues that arise over time.
-
Homeschoolers Could Soon Save on Expenses With 529 Plans
Savings Accounts A new House GOP bill could change how you save for your child's homeschool education. Find out how.
-
Ohio Announces Two-Week Sales Tax Holiday Amid Tariffs, High Prices
State Tax Ohioans won't want to miss out on savings as pressure from tariffs spikes prices.
-
Five ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Tax Changes to Watch in the Senate
Tax Policy The House passed its version of Trump’s "One Big, Beautiful Bill." Here’s what to look for as Senate Republicans take up the mega legislation.
-
New GOP Car Loan Tax Deduction: Which Vehicles and Buyers Qualify
Tax Breaks To fulfill Trump's campaign promise, House GOP lawmakers want to offer a tax deduction for car loan interest. How would it work?
-
Big GOP Tax Bill Could Change Your Estate Planning for 2025
Tax Law The GOP might extend and increase the higher estate and gift tax exemption and AMT thresholds. What might this mean for your estate plan?
-
New 'No Tax on Tips' Bill Approved: What to Know Now
Income Taxes Will you stop paying taxes on your tip income this year?
-
Millions Could Lose SNAP Food Benefits Under Trump Tax Cut Plan
Tax Policy The House Agriculture Committee approved nearly $300 billion in cuts to SNAP benefits, putting many at risk of hunger.
-
Missouri Leads Capital Gains Tax Repeal: Will Your State Follow?
State Tax As one state becomes a test case, policymakers and taxpayers across the U.S. will be watching closely to see what happens next.