Financial Relief Offered Those Affected by Hurricane

By WYDaily Staff Wednesday, September 07, 2011

The government is providing tax relief to individuals and businesses, as well as supporting homeowners forced from their homes following Hurricane Irene.

On Tuesday, Governor Bob McDonnell authorized Virginia Tax Commissioner Craig M. Burns to provide a one week filing and payment extension to certain individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Irene.

The extension will apply to taxpayers located in the Commonwealth who are unable to meet their filing obligations because the financial records they need to file their taxes, or their tax preparer, are located in cities and counties within the Commonwealth dealing with Hurricane Irene recovery.

“Individuals and businesses in areas impacted by Hurricane Irene already have significant stresses and challenges facing them as they recover from the severe impacts of Hurricane Irene, including damage to businesses, loss of power, loss of business, and personal and professional hardships,” Governor McDonnell said in a press release. “The Commonwealth is dedicated to assisting those whose lives and businesses were impacted by the storm, and this extension of tax deadlines is one action we can take to ease some of the burden on those working to rebuild.”

Individuals and businesses will automatically be allowed an additional seven days to file income and withholding tax returns and make tax payments that have a due date, or an extended due date, of Sept. 15. Tax returns and payments that are due on Sept. 15 will be allowed to be filed or paid on Sept. 22. The Virginia Department of Taxation will abate interest and any late-filing or late-payment penalties that would otherwise apply.

Customers with questions can call 804-367-8031. Business taxpayers can call 804-367-8037 for assistance. Other information is also available by clicking here.

Also Tuesday, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan announced HUD will speed federal disaster assistance to the Commonwealth of Virginia and provide support to homeowners and low-income renters forced from their homes following Hurricane Irene.

“Families who may have been forced from their homes need to know that help is available to begin the rebuilding process,” Donovan said in a press release. “Whether it’s foreclosure relief for FHA-insured families or helping these counties to recover, HUD stands ready to help in any way we can.”

HUD is providing a variety of disaster resources including mortgage insurance for disaster victims and granting immediate foreclosure relief.

For a list and details on the programs HUD is providing, click here.