In today's episode, I'm going over the IRS benefits for those affected by federally declared disasters and highlighting the automatic qualification for disaster relief, including filing and payment extensions, and the option to file an amended return.

Join me to learn about the various IRS tax benefits and relief measures available to you if you're ever impacted by a federally declared disaster.

Also mentioned in today's episode:

• Casualty losses and amended returns 7:55

• Disaster declaration numbers and deadline extensions 11:53

• Non-taxable disaster relief payments 15:44

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Links:

tax return preparation options

• Eligible individuals or families can get free help preparing their tax return at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites. To find the closest free tax help site, use the VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887. Note that normally, VITA sites cannot help claim disaster losses.

• To find an AARP Tax-Aide site, use the AARP Site Locator Tool or call 888-227-7669.

• Any individual or family whose adjusted gross income (AGI) was $79,000 or less in 2023 can use IRS Free File's Guided Tax Software at no cost. There are products in English and Spanish.

• Another Free File option is Free File Fillable Forms. These are electronic federal tax forms, equivalent to a paper 1040 and are designed for taxpayers who are comfortable filling out IRS tax forms. Anyone, regardless of income, can use this option.

• MilTax, a Department of Defense program, offers free return preparation software and electronic filing for federal tax returns and up to three state income tax returns. It's available for all military members and some veterans, with no income limit.

Ways to help WNC Relief efforts:

1. Emergency Relief Fund Grants for Artists

2. The WNC Strong: Rebuilding Together Grant for grant aid to help local WNC businesses survive and rebuild

3. The Sunlight Tax Paypal mutual aid fund. 100% of donations will be given to people I know and love and who need it

4. Love Asheville from Afar: links to WNC businesses that have inventory and would love your support. Please consider Asheville and WNC businesses as you send gifts this fall and for the holidays.