The Internal Revenue Service has announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in Washington affected by severe storms and related disasters that began on December 9, 2025. Following a federal disaster declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, eligible taxpayers now have until May 1, 2026, to file federal tax returns and make payments.
The relief applies to residents and businesses in multiple counties, including King, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston, and Yakima. Deadlines for individual and business tax filings, estimated tax payments, and certain payroll and excise tax returns that fell between December 9, 2025, and May 1, 2026, are automatically extended.
Penalties for certain payroll and excise tax deposits may be waived if deposits were made by December 29, 2025. The IRS also noted that affected taxpayers may qualify for additional relief, including the ability to claim disaster-related losses on either their 2024 or 2025 tax returns.
Most eligible taxpayers will receive relief automatically. Those outside the designated disaster area but impacted may request assistance directly from the IRS.
WR encourages members to review eligibility and consult a tax professional to understand how this relief may apply to their business operations.
