Tax Relief for West Virginia Storm Victims: What Tax Preparers Need to Know
Severe storms, landslides, and flooding that began on Feb. 15, 2025 in West Virginia have led the IRS to extend tax deadlines for affected taxpayers to Nov. 3, 2025. As a tax preparer, staying informed about these relief measures is essential to guiding your clients effectively.
Who Qualifies for Tax Relief?
The IRS is offering relief to any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Currently, individuals and households that reside or have a business in Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Wayne and Wyoming counties qualify for tax relief.
The same relief will be available to any other counties added later to the disaster area. The current list of eligible localities is always available on the Tax relief in disaster situations page on IRS.gov.
Extended Deadlines and Relief Measures
The IRS has postponed various filing and payment deadlines to November 3, 2025. This extension includes:
Individual income tax returns
Business tax returns
Quarterly estimated tax payments
Payroll and excise tax returns
Penalties for late filing and late payments will be automatically abated if the taxpayer resides in the eligible disaster area.
How Tax Preparers Can Assist Clients
Identify Eligible Clients – Reach out to clients in the impacted regions and inform them of the deadline extensions.
Adjust Filing Strategies – Advise clients on whether to file now or take advantage of the extended deadline.
Help with Documentation – Ensure clients document storm-related losses to claim possible deductions.
Educate on Additional Relief Options – Clients may qualify for casualty loss deductions or additional federal assistance.
Next Steps
Tax professionals should monitor IRS updates, ensure clients understand their eligibility, and help them navigate extended deadlines. Providing proactive guidance during this challenging time reinforces trust and reliability in your services. For full details, visit the IRS disaster relief page.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal tax advice. Advanced Tax Solutions is not liable or responsible for any damages resulting from or related to your use of this information. It is your responsibility to refer to official IRS documentation for information regarding any tax laws or tax information shown here.
