Freak storm gives some taxpayers more time to file

From time to time, taxpayers in the Northeast get an extra day to file because of Patriots Day. When the Massachusetts state holiday coincides with the IRS due date, the federal tax agency grants residents of the states who send their returns to the Andover, Mass., processing center an extra day.

It's sort of the federal government's tip of the hat to the state that was home to the first tea dunking tax protest.

This year, the patriotic calendar extension was to occur. In January, however, the IRS gave everyone an additional 24 hours to file because of the Washington, D.C., Emancipation Day holiday.

But now, New Englanders once again get a bit more tax-filing time than the rest of us. The reason, though, is not a very welcome one.

The Northeast was pummeled yesterday by a major storm system, so the IRS decided to give residents in affected areas two more days -- until midnight April 19 -- to complete their federal returns without worrying about late-filing penalties.

"Because this unusually forceful storm hit within 24 hours of the filing deadline, we are giving affected taxpayers 48 additional hours," IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson said.

The IRS specifically cited power outages and public transportation problems that might have made it difficult and, in some cases, impossible, for taxpayers and tax professionals to meet today's filing deadline.

If you're an affected taxpayer, write "April 16 Storm" across the top of your paper return. Red is usually a good color ink to use in these situations.

If you e-file, check to see if your software has a "disaster" feature. If so, use it to make the proper notation on your 1040.

Wreaking tax and other havoc: The storm system that rolled into the northeastern United States on Monday produced the heaviest rainfall the New York area has seen in 124 years. Coastal areas were flooded and air and rail traffic were disrupted. More than 100,000 people lost electricity.

A state of emergency was declared In New Jersey in the wake of flooding and beach erosion there. Around 40,000 Garden State residents were without power and 54 highways and roads across the state were closed.

And in Boston, which traditionally celebrates Patriots Day with the Boston Marathon and a morning start time for the annual Red Sox game, the events went on, but under much less than ideal conditions. The runners braved gale force winds and the Sox-Angels game was delayed until after noon.

Elsewhere, up to 17 inches of snow fell in Vermont and parts of upstate New York. Officials in Maine, New Hampshire and Connecticut also declared states of emergency.

Storm damage? Deduct it: If the freaky spring storm damaged your home, business or vehicle, you might be able to turn your weather woes into a tax break. You can claim the damages as a casualty loss.

This story outlines the process. This one goes into a bit more detail on making the actual claim.

Since yesterday's storm didn't prompt a federal disaster declaration from W, you'll have to wait until you file your 2007 return to get any tax help covering your storm costs. So hang onto those receipts.