Tax deadline extension announced for SW.Va. flood victims
According to the Virginia Department of Taxation, the tax filing and payment deadline for victims of the February flooding in Southwest Virginia has been extended to November 3. The new deadline applies to taxpayers located in 36 counties, including Tazewell, Bland, Buchanan, Giles, Smyth, Russell, Dickenson, Washington, Wise and Wythe.
Taxpayers located in the impacted areas do not need to take any action, as extensions and waivers are automatic as long as missing returns and payments are made by November 3, according to the state tax office.
U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Va., who represents Virginia's 9th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, announced the deadline extension Thursday.
'After the February winter storms, I sought to help deliver tax relief to the impacted Southwest Virginia communities,' Griffith said. 'After weeks of advocacy and extensive talks, I am glad that we reached this milestone. Today's announcement is significant help for Southwest Virginia, but I will continue to advocate for access to more recovery services.'
Griffith said the extension applies to individual income tax returns and payments that are normally due in mid April.
A number of factors contributed to the Feb. 15 flood, including a torrential rainfall that morning, melting snowfall and a ground that was already saturated by prior rains.
The flooding caused significant damage and problems across the region, including in neighboring West Virginia.
Griffith joined the region's congressional delegation in asking for President Donald Trump to approve Governor Glenn Youngkin's request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the region, which was later approved by Trump.
Griffith said other impacted taxpayers, including businesses, which can demonstrate a hardship attributable to the February flooding in Southwest Virginia should submit a written request for penalty and interest waivers for any state taxes due on or after the flooding to the Virginia Department of Taxation at Customer Service Section Severe Storm Relief, P.O. Box 1115, Richmond, Va. 23218-1115.
U.S. Senator Mark Warner, D-Va., also confirmed the filing deadline extension Thursday.
'Good news for Southwest Virginians,' Warner said. 'After my advocacy, folks impacted by severe flooding have until November 3 to file their taxes — essential breathing room for folks that are still rebuilding from heartbreaking destruction.'
Contact Charles Owens at
cowens@bdtonline.com
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