How Climate Change is Lengthening Tax Season for Americans

Climate change is extending more than just hurricane and tornado seasons; it’s also prolonging tax season. The IRS has granted extensions to taxpayers in seven states this year due to natural disasters, such as storms, flooding, mudslides, and tornadoes. As a result, many Americans are finding their tax season getting longer, and the rush to file taxes is changing.

Source: CBS 8 San Diego/Youtube

The growing frequency of severe storms and natural disasters linked to Climate change is affecting when Americans file their taxes. As more people experience the impacts of these events, the IRS has issued more extensions to help individuals and businesses cope with the aftermath and pay their taxes later.

Since 2021, the IRS has postponed the April tax deadline for parts of 15 states with federally declared “major disaster areas.” During the same period, it has granted relief for other tax due dates, including quarterly taxes, to parts of 27 states. Disaster tax relief allows affected filers to get at least 120 days more for filings and payments without penalty or interest. For more severe disasters, the IRS can provide even longer deferrals.

More than 40 percent of Americans lived in counties hit by climate disasters in 2021, according to an analysis of federal disaster declarations. With the growing risks, it’s essential to recognize that every aspect of our lives is being affected by Climate change, from our taxes to our vacations, homes, jobs, and health.

As tax season becomes part of the changes we’re experiencing due to climate change, it’s crucial for state and federal lawmakers to implement policies that help families and businesses receive disaster tax deductions without having to wait for a postponed return. The tax industry, designed to serve filers between January and April, may need to adapt to better Support taxpayers filing later in the year because of disasters.

Now is the time for us to take action to address Climate change and protect our communities from its impacts. Start by making small, everyday changes to reduce your carbon footprint and Support policies that promote a greener, more sustainable future. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a better tomorrow for generations to come.

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