IRS answers requests for tax relief for victims of terrorist attacks.

• Position: Tax info - Brief Article

In response to requests from the AICPA and other organizations, the Internal Revenue Service has announced administrative tax relief for individual and business taxpayers who are unable to meet their federal tax obligations because they were affected by the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11. The AICPA sent a letter to the IRS asking for help on Wednesday, Sept. 12, the day after the terrorist attacks that shocked the world.

For all taxpayers, a blanket extension to Sept. 24 was announced for all returns, payments and elections due between Sept. 11 and 24, whether or not taxpayers were affected by the attacks. In addition, the IRS is providing broader relief to all taxpayers in the five boroughs of New York City declared disaster areas by President Bush. Relief also is being provided to taxpayers located in Arlington County, Va., home of the Pentagon, which also was declared a disaster area.

The same broad relief is being provided to all taxpayers -- regardless of where they reside -- directly affected by the attacks. Examples include the victims on airplanes, taxpayers whose place of employment is in a disaster area, and taxpayers with records maintained in a disaster area.

Affected taxpayers (all but individuals) who had an original filing deadline between Sept. 11 and Nov. 30 have an additional six months plus 120 days of time to file that return and make any payment due with that return. All taxpayers who are currently on an extension that expires between Sept. 11 and Nov. 30 will have an additional 120 days from the extended due date to file that return.

Affected taxpayers who faced an estimated tax payment date on Sept. 17 may postpone that payment by including the amount with their final estimated payments for tax year 2001, which are due on Jan. 15, 2002.

For corporate taxpayers affected by the attacks, those...