What You Need to Know About IRS Tax Relief in West Virginia

If you’re a tax professional working in West Virginia, it’s time to take a breather, the IRS just handed out a major relief extension until November 3, 2025. This isn’t just a simple delay; we’re talking extra months to file taxes for your clients impacted by severe weather. Whether you’re working with individuals or businesses, here’s the 411 on everything you need to know to keep your clients on track and ensure they don't miss out on these juicy benefits.

Let’s Check the List

Before advising clients to take advantage of this extension, make sure they qualify. The IRS relief applies to taxpayers in Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Wayne, and Wyoming counties, areas hit hardest by the Feb. 15, 2025, storms, floods, and mudslides. But that’s not all. If FEMA expands the disaster zone, additional counties could be added. Plus, businesses and individuals who don’t live in these counties but store tax records there may also qualify. If that’s the case, they can call the IRS Disaster Tax Relief line at 866-562-5227 to request assistance. For tax professionals handling multiple affected clients, this means proactively confirming eligibility to ensure no one misses out on critical relief.

More Than Just April 15th

This IRS relief package doesn’t just buy time for individual tax filings, it covers a wide range of tax deadlines, including business filings and estimated tax payments. Here’s what’s included:

• Individual Income Tax Returns & Payments: Due April 15, 2025. Not anymore. New deadline: November 3, 2025.
• 2024 IRA & HSA Contributions: Taxpayers now have extra time to max out retirement and health savings contributions.
• Estimated Quarterly Tax Payments: April 15, June 16, and September 15 deadlines? All are pushed to November 3.
• Business Tax Filings: S Corps, Partnerships, Corporations, and Nonprofits that normally file in March, April, or May get extra time.
• Quarterly Payroll & Excise Tax Returns: The April 30, July 31, and October 31 deadlines now fall under this extension.

For businesses, this relief could be a game-changer, allowing them to focus on rebuilding rather than scrambling to meet tax deadlines. CPAs should ensure clients strategically use this extra time, rather than just kicking the can down the road.

What’s in It for Taxpayers?

Beyond filing extensions, the IRS is offering disaster-related tax relief that can help storm victims recover financially:

• Casualty Loss Deductions: If a client suffered uninsured property damage, they could claim the loss on either their 2024 or 2025 tax return. The best option depends on their tax situation, so running the numbers is crucial. CPAs should help clients weigh the tax benefit of each year before making a decision.
• Retirement Plan Relief: Normally, pulling money from an IRA or 401(k) early comes with a 10% penalty, but not in this case. Disaster victims can withdraw funds penalty-free and spread the tax liability over three years. This is a major cash-flow advantage for those in urgent need.

If your client qualifies, use Form 8915-F to report these disaster-related withdrawals and ensure they take full advantage of this provision.

The Balls in Your Court, Tax Professionals!

Here’s the good news: For most affected taxpayers, this IRS relief is automatic. No extra paperwork is needed. But there are exceptions:

• If a client doesn’t have an IRS address of record in a disaster area but qualifies, they must manually request relief.
• If a client receives a late filing or late-payment penalty notice, don’t panic—call the IRS and request abatement.

The IRS is waiving fees for requesting past tax returns. If clients need copies for insurance claims or rebuilding records, now’s the time to act.

Free Help is Here

Even seasoned tax pros appreciate a little backup, and there are free resources available for affected taxpayers:

• VITA & TCE Programs: Free tax prep services for qualifying individuals.
• IRS Free File: Available for those with an AGI below $84,000.
• MilTax: A no-cost tax filing option for military personnel and veterans.

Educating clients about these resources can help those who may not need full CPA services but still require guidance. Proactively providing this info also enhances your firm’s value, clients appreciate it when their tax pro goes the extra mile.

Making It All Work

This IRS extension for tax filing and payment deadlines due to the severe storms in West Virginia is more than just a break, it’s an opportunity for tax professionals to provide exceptional value to clients in need. Whether it's helping clients optimize casualty loss deductions, guiding them through penalty-free retirement withdrawals, or simply making sure they don’t miss the extended filing deadlines, your role has never been more crucial. This is your moment to show clients how strategic tax planning can make a world of difference in tough times. The best trends, strategies, and expert takes, are delivered to you before everyone else. Join our newsletter and stay a step ahead!