WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service said Monday it is providing tax relief to individuals and businesses in parts of Louisiana affected by Tropical Storm Arthur, extending multiple federal tax deadlines to Nov. 2, 2026.
The relief follows a federal disaster declaration issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency covering Avoyelles, St. Landry, St. Tammany and Terrebonne parishes. Taxpayers in those areas now have additional time to file returns and make payments originally due on or after June 17, 2026, and before Nov. 2, 2026.
The extension applies to a range of filings, including individual and business income tax returns, quarterly payroll and certain excise tax returns, and estimated income tax payments. Individuals who had already received an extension for their 2025 income tax return will also have until Nov. 2 to file, though payments for those returns that were due April 15 are not eligible for relief.
The IRS said penalties for payroll and excise tax deposits due between June 17 and July 2 will be waived if deposits are made by July 2. Taxpayers who receive penalty notices tied to deadlines within the relief window are advised to contact the IRS to request abatement.
Under the Disaster Related Extension of Deadlines Act, the postponement is treated as an extension for purposes of calculating the time limit for claiming tax refunds, giving affected taxpayers additional time to seek credits or refunds.
The relief covers individuals and businesses located in the designated disaster areas, as well as taxpayers outside those areas whose necessary records are located within them. Relief also extends to certain aid workers and individuals affected by the disaster.
Taxpayers may also claim disaster-related casualty losses on either their 2026 or 2025 federal income tax returns, with up to six months after the normal filing deadline to make that election. Losses must not be covered by insurance or other reimbursements.
The IRS said it will waive fees for copies of previously filed tax returns for affected taxpayers. Qualified disaster relief payments, including government assistance for housing repairs or living expenses, are generally excluded from gross income.
Additional relief may be available for retirement plan participants, including penalty-free disaster distributions and hardship withdrawals under certain conditions.
The agency noted that further relief could be announced if conditions warrant. Taxpayers impacted by the storm who are under IRS examination or collection should notify the agency to receive appropriate consideration.