Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act Becomes Law

A tax form (Photo – Marco Verch Professional Photographer)

On Thursday, President T. signed into law the bipartisan Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act (H.R. 517), a measure aimed at easing the tax burden for Americans recovering from natural disasters. The new law provides critical relief by allowing the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS to extend federal tax filing deadlines for individuals in state-declared disaster zones, even before a federal disaster declaration is made.

By News Desk

Originally introduced in 2019 by Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), the legislation ensures that disaster survivors receive at least 120 days of tax filing relief, doubling the previous minimum of 60 days. The act empowers state governors to trigger the extension, allowing affected families and businesses to focus on recovery efforts without the added pressure of tax deadlines.

“I’m incredibly proud that our bill… is now the law of the land,” said Rep. Chu. “Families and businesses should be able to focus on recovery without the risk of tax penalties.”

Rep. David Kustoff (TN-08), a co-sponsor of the bill, added: “This new law provides critical relief… When disaster strikes, the last thing families and businesses should have to worry about is missing a tax deadline.”

Support for the bill extended into the Senate. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto emphasized that disaster victims “shouldn’t have to wait for the federal government to act,” while Senator Marsha Blackburn highlighted how the law gives Tennesseans “the flexibility to focus on disaster recovery.”

The law marks a significant shift in federal tax relief policy, offering faster and broader assistance to those affected by tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters.