Here's what you should know about hurricane damage and your taxes

[UNITED STATES] The IRS has announced significant tax relief for individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene, covering seven states including Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and parts of Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia. This comprehensive relief package extends various tax filing and payment deadlines to May 1, 2025, providing much-needed breathing room for those impacted by the disaster.

Tax Relief Measures for Hurricane Victims

The IRS has implemented several measures to assist taxpayers affected by Hurricane Helene:

Extended Filing Deadlines: Individuals and businesses with 2024 returns normally due in March or April 2025 now have until May 1, 2025, to file.

Postponed Tax Payments: Quarterly estimated income tax payments due on January 15, 2025, and April 15, 2025, are now postponed to May 1, 2025.

Payroll and Excise Tax Relief: Quarterly payroll and excise tax returns normally due on October 31, 2024, and January 31 and April 30, 2025, are also extended to May 1, 2025.

Penalty Abatement: The IRS will abate penalties for failing to make payroll and excise tax deposits during specified relief periods.

Claiming Disaster Losses on Your Tax Return

Taxpayers affected by Hurricane Helene have options when it comes to claiming disaster losses:

Choice of Tax Year: Victims can choose to claim uninsured or unreimbursed disaster-related losses on either their 2023 or 2024 tax return.

Extended Deadline: Individual taxpayers have until October 15, 2025, to make this election.

FEMA Declaration Number: When claiming a loss, it's crucial to write the FEMA declaration number on the tax return.

Calculating and Reporting Casualty Losses

Determining Your Casualty Loss

To calculate your casualty loss:

Determine the adjusted basis of your property before the hurricane.

Calculate the decline in fair market value due to the damage.

Subtract any insurance or other reimbursements received4.

Reporting Losses to the IRS

Use IRS Form 4684, "Casualties and Thefts," to report your hurricane-related losses. This form guides you through the process step-by-step.

Important considerations:

For personal-use property, you may need to subtract $100 from each casualty loss and 10% of your adjusted gross income from the total losses for the year.

Itemize your deduction on Form 1040, Schedule A.

Timing Your Casualty Loss Claim

You have two options for claiming your loss:

Claim it in the disaster year (2024 for Hurricane Helene).

Claim it in the preceding year (2023) by filing an amended return.

Claiming the loss in the preceding year may result in a quicker tax refund, potentially providing much-needed funds for recovery efforts.

Business Considerations and Tax Implications

Business Interruption Insurance

If your business received payments from business interruption insurance, these are generally considered taxable income. However, you can deduct expenses related to the interruption, such as temporary relocation costs or employee wages paid during the shutdown period.

Real Estate Damage

For businesses with damaged real estate:

You may be eligible for a business casualty loss deduction, reported on Form 4684.

The deduction amount is the lesser of your adjusted basis in the property or the decline in value due to the hurricane.

Inventory Losses

If your business suffered inventory losses:

You can deduct the cost of lost inventory.

Insurance proceeds for inventory losses are generally taxable, but the timing of recognition depends on when you receive the payment.

Maximizing Tax Benefits and Avoiding Pitfalls

Documentation is Key

Proper documentation is crucial for claiming hurricane-related tax benefits:

Keep before and after photos of damaged property.

Retain receipts, canceled checks, and professional appraisals.

Maintain a detailed record of all hurricane-related expenses4.

Seeking Professional Assistance

Given the complexity of disaster-related tax provisions, consulting with a tax professional can help you:

Navigate complex tax laws and recent changes.

Maximize available tax relief.

Ensure proper documentation and reporting of losses.

Additional Relief and Resources

FEMA Assistance

While FEMA assistance is primarily for primary residences, it's important to note that FEMA cannot offer repair assistance for second homes.

Charitable Contributions

If you made charitable contributions to assist hurricane victims, you may be eligible for enhanced deductions, especially for businesses donating inventory.

Looking Ahead: Tax Planning for Future Disasters

Hurricane Preparedness Tax Incentives

Some states offer tax incentives for hurricane preparedness measures. Check with your state's tax authority for potential credits or deductions for items like hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows.

Building Resilience

Consider how investments in property improvements to mitigate future hurricane damage might affect your property's basis and potential future casualty loss calculations.

Navigating the tax implications of Hurricane Helene's aftermath can be challenging, but understanding available relief measures and proper reporting procedures can significantly aid in recovery efforts. Remember, the IRS automatically provides tax relief to those with an IRS address of record in the disaster area, but if you're outside the area and affected, you'll need to contact the IRS directly.

As you work through the recovery process, keep detailed records, consult with tax professionals when needed, and stay informed about any additional relief measures that may be announced. By taking advantage of available tax benefits and planning carefully, you can maximize your financial recovery in the wake of this devastating hurricane.