As our area recovers in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, one less thing we need to worry about in the immediate future are certain tax matters. The IRS has issued relief to taxpayers in Presidential Disaster Areas, which includes Lee, Charlotte, and Collier Counties. Among the relief granted, for affected individuals and businesses there is an extension to January 31, 2018 to file returns and pay taxes originally due during the period starting September 4, 2017.  So, if you were on extension to file your income tax return for your business (generally due September 15, 2017) or individually (due October 15, 2017), you now have until January 31, 2018 to file that return.

Keep in mind, this relief does not extend the time to pay income taxes for 2016, which were due on April 15, 2017 (even if your return was on extension).

The IRS continues to provide updates on areas covered and the relief granted. More information can be found at https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/help-for-victims-of-hurricane-irma.

Tax photo courtesy of 401(K) 2012 under Flickr Creative Commons License