IRS Offers Tax Relief After Severe West Virginia Storms

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced tax relief measures for individuals and businesses in West Virginia following severe storms, flooding, and landslides that began on February 15, 2025.

This extension of tax deadlines is a crucial financial relief for residents struggling with the aftermath of the devastating weather events. The IRS has stepped in to assist those affected by the severe conditions that prompted an emergency declaration from West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, who noted “downed trees, power outages, and road blockages” throughout the Mountain State.

The federal government subsequently issued a major disaster declaration, enabling the IRS to extend tax deadlines for thousands in impacted counties. The initial areas qualifying for this relief, as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), include Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. Any additional counties added to the disaster area will also benefit from the extended deadlines.

The tax relief encompasses a wide range of deadlines, including individual income tax returns and payments originally due on April 15, 2025. Affected taxpayers will have until November 3, 2025, to file and pay their taxes typically due during this period.

Additionally, for those who missed payroll or excise tax deposit deadlines between February 15 and March 3, 2025, IRS penalties will be lifted if the payments are made by the March deadline.

The IRS will automatically provide this relief to taxpayers with an IRS address of record in the designated areas. Those who may have relocated to these regions or have records in the affected counties but lack a corresponding address should reach out to the IRS Special Services at 866-562-5227 for assistance.

Further tax relief measures include the opportunity for individuals and businesses to claim uninsured disaster-related losses on their 2024 tax returns. There is also a provision allowing for special disaster distributions from retirement plans with no early withdrawal penalties imposed.

For additional support, taxpayers can visit Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites for free help in preparing their tax returns.

In a separate announcement, the U.S. Department of Agriculture stated that almost 3,000 households in four West Virginia counties may qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, providing vital assistance for grocery expenses.

According to a March 10 press release from Governor Morrisey’s office, residents in Logan and Wayne counties, along with McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, and Wyoming counties, are now eligible for individual assistance from the federal government.

The Individual Assistance (IA) program helps families recover from disasters with financial aid or direct services, ensuring those with pressing needs receive essential support. Governor Morrisey expressed gratitude for the recovery assistance approved by the federal government, which he stated will be crucial for those in need and will support recovery efforts across southern West Virginia.

With the November 3, 2025, tax deadline approaching, affected individuals and businesses must ensure they file their returns and payments on time to avoid penalties. More information regarding the deadline extension can be found on the IRS website.