Press releases

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today joined Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) in reintroducing the Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act to provide relief for taxpayers in states that have issued state-level disaster declarations. Currently, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has the authority to postpone tax filing deadlines following a presidentially declared federal disaster but not following the declaration of a state-level emergency.

“Louisianians have worked tirelessly to rebuild after historic storms took their toll, so giving them the time they need to file taxes after a natural disaster is a no-brainer. Since Louisiana can’t always rely on Washington to get us the relief we need when we need it, this bill would make sure that Louisianians get tax extensions that are crucial for recovering after our state declares a natural disaster. I’m glad to partner again with Sen. Cortez Masto on this effort,” said Kennedy.

The Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act would allow the governor of a state or territory to extend a federal tax filing deadline following a state-declared emergency or natural disaster instead of waiting for a federal disaster declaration. This means that states would have the ability to provide federal tax extensions independent of the federal government’s involvement in an emergency or natural disaster. 

The bill would also expand the mandatory federal filing extension from 60 days to 120 days.

“Nevadans experiencing natural disasters deserve tax relief, regardless of whether the state receives a federally recognized disaster declaration. My bipartisan, bicameral bill would ensure that Nevada taxpayers impacted by wildfires, winter storms, floods, and more have the financial flexibility they need to recover,” said Cortez Masto.

Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) also cosponsored the bill.

The full bill text is available here.