There is good news for Nebraskans regarding the filing of income taxes. The IRS announced today that due to the flooding and the federal disaster declaration, the 2018 individual income tax returns and the quarterly estimated income tax payments deadline has been extended to July 31st.
This is for those who live or have business in Butler, Cass, Colfax, Dodge, Douglas, Nemaha, Sarpy, Saunders or Washington Counties. The extension is also available to taxpayers wanting to make 2018 IRA contributions.
Penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due on or after March 9 and before March 25 will also be abated as long as deposits were made by March 25.
The IRS can identify taxpayers in the disaster area and applies the filing payment relief. Those living outside of the disaster area should call the IRS disaster hotline at 866-562-5227.
Those affected can also claim disaster-related casualty losses on their income tax form. Personal property losses not covered by insurance can be deducted if there are no other reimbursements.
Those claiming disaster loss should put "Nebraska, severe winter storm, straight-line winds, and flooding" at the top of the form so it can be expedited.
The IRS will also provide copies of old tax returns to flood victims at no cost. That too should be written on the forms.
Those with questions can contact their local IRS office.