IRS reminder to taxpayers affected by terrorist attacks in Israel: reliefs available
The IRS is reminding taxpayers affected by the terrorist attacks in Israel that the deadline for filing their 2023 federal income tax returns and making payments has been extended to October 7, 2024.
This extension applies to individuals who live in the United States and were either injured in the attacks or are the survivors of individuals who were killed as a result of the attacks.
Also read – Expat tax due dates and deadlines
Background
The attacks, which occurred in Israel in 2023, resulted in significant loss of life and injury. In response to the attacks, the IRS is providing special tax relief to affected taxpayers.
This relief is designed to help ease the financial burden faced by those affected by the attacks.
Relief available
In addition to the extended deadline, affected taxpayers may also be eligible for other forms of relief, including:
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Claiming casualty losses: Taxpayers who suffered uninsured or unreimbursed disaster-related losses may be able to claim these losses on their tax return for the year of the loss or the prior year.
This can help taxpayers recover some of the financial losses they incurred as a result of the attacks. -
Amending prior-year returns: Taxpayers who have already filed their 2023 tax return may be able to amend it to claim a casualty loss deduction for the disaster-related losses.
This can allow taxpayers to take advantage of tax benefits they may not have been aware of when they initially filed their return. -
Refund claims for prior-year returns: Taxpayers who have already filed their 2023 tax return and did not claim a casualty loss deduction for the disaster-related losses may be able to file an amended return to claim a refund for the overpayment of taxes.
This can help taxpayers recover some of the taxes they paid on income that was ultimately lost as a result of the attacks. -
Taxpayer assistance: The IRS is offering assistance to affected taxpayers through its toll-free disaster assistance hotline at 866-562-5227. Taxpayers can also visit the IRS website for more information and resources.
The IRS is committed to helping affected taxpayers navigate the tax relief process and recover from the effects of the attacks.
How to request relief
Taxpayers who are eligible for relief should write "Israel Terrorist Attacks" in red ink at the top of their tax forms to indicate that they are claiming the special tax relief.
They should also attach a statement to their tax return explaining how they were affected by the attacks.
This will help ensure that their claims for relief are processed quickly and accurately.
Conclusion
The IRS encourages affected taxpayers to take advantage of these relief measures and to reach out for assistance if needed.
The agency is committed to helping taxpayers recover from the effects of the attacks and is working to provide assistance wherever possible.
Taxpayers can visit the IRS website or contact the disaster assistance hotline for more information on the relief measures available to them.