WASHINGTON, D.C. (WGNS) - Local taxpayers are catching a major break as the Internal Revenue Service has officially expanded tax relief following recent disaster declarations. The agency announced that the relief has expanded to not only include Rutherford County but the other 94 counties across Tennessee. Residents and business owners throughout the state now have until June 8, 2026, to meet federal tax obligations that were originally due during the spring filing season.
This postponement covers a wide array of federal filings, including individual income tax returns, corporate and partnership returns, and quarterly estimated tax payments. For small business owners in Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and La Vergne, the relief also extends to quarterly payroll and excise tax returns. The IRS has stated that this measure is intended to provide breathing room for those recovering from the impacts of severe weather across the region.
One of the most significant benefits for local residents is the automatic nature of the relief. Tennessee residents do not have to do anything else to receive this tax relief, as the IRS automatically identifies taxpayers located in the covered disaster area and applies filing and payment relief. This ensures that even those still dealing with property damage or displacement are protected from late filing penalties without needing to submit extra paperwork.
Beyond simple extensions, the IRS noted that additional relief may be available for those who suffered casualty losses not covered by insurance. Taxpayers have the option to claim these losses on either their 2025 or 2026 tax returns. Local residents who receive a late notice from the IRS despite living in the disaster area are encouraged to call the number on the notice to ensure any erroneously applied penalties are abated.
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WGNS) - Local taxpayers are catching a major break as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for those recovering from the aftermath of the January ice storm. The agency announced that individuals and businesses in Rutherford County, along with 22 other Tennessee counties, now have until May 22, 2026, to meet federal tax obligations that were originally due starting in late January.
The relief comes in direct response to the disaster declaration issued for the state following the severe ice storm that began on January 22nd. This postponement covers a wide array of filings, including individual income tax returns, corporate and partnership returns, and quarterly estimated tax payments. For Rutherford County small business owners, the relief also extends to quarterly payroll and excise tax returns normally due in early February and April.
One of the most significant benefits for local residents is the ability to claim "Tennessee Winter Storm Fern" casualty losses. Taxpayers have the option to deduct personal property losses not covered by insurance on either their 2025 or 2026 tax returns. To streamline the process, the IRS has stated it will automatically apply this relief to anyone with an address of record within the designated disaster zones. Furthermore, the agency is waiving fees for copies of previously filed tax returns for affected residents who mark their requests with the storm's name in bold.
Beyond simple extensions, the IRS noted that additional relief may be available through retirement plans. This includes potential hardship withdrawals or special disaster distributions that are not subject to the usual 10% early distribution tax. Local residents who receive a late notice from the IRS despite living in the disaster area are encouraged to call the number on the notice to ensure any erroneously applied penalties are abated.
