Tax Deadlines Postponed For Counties Affected By February Floods

Taxpayers in six West Virginia counties affected by flash flooding and severe weather in February automatically qualify for extra time to file their taxes this year.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced earlier this month that individuals and businesses in Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Wayne and Wyoming counties have until Nov. 3 to file their federal tax returns. Generally, residents must otherwise file their returns by April 15.

These counties received a major disaster declaration from the federal government after flash flooding, severe winds and mudslides in February proved deadly — claiming at least three lives in West Virginia and causing significant property and infrastructure damage in some areas.

The announcement aims to give affected taxpayers more time to prepare their tax returns. Individuals do not need to apply for the extension, as the IRS automatically applies it to residents of the counties.

Residents affected by the flooding may also qualify for financial aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Emergency relief funds delivered through FEMA or other government agencies can be excluded from an individual’s gross income on their tax returns.