Missouri River flood victims deserve tax filing extension, says Graves

U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) this week formally requested that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) extend the tax filing deadline or delay the late-filing penalty for his home-state constituents impacted by Missouri River flooding.

“Folks in Northwest Missouri affected by the flooding are hurting and have many more pressing issues to deal with as they start the recovery process,” Rep. Graves said on Monday. 

While Missouri Gov. Mike Parson in March declared a state of emergency following the river flooding, disaster-related tax filing extension is available to Americans only when a federal disaster declaration has been made. Missouri residents still await the federal determination, Rep. Graves said. 

“While we wait for a federal disaster declaration, giving them an extension on filing their taxes or delaying any late-filing penalty would help ease the burden,” the congressman said. “I hope the IRS will recognize the extenuating circumstances my constituents are facing.”

Gov. Parson on April 5 requested a joint preliminary assessment of damage by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and the U.S. Small Business Administration in preparation for an official request for federal disaster assistance, according to information provided by Rep. Graves’ office. 

However, the lawmaker said it is uncertain when the assessments will be completed as many areas remain under water, Rep. Graves wrote in an April 8 letter sent to IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig.

“This has made it exceedingly difficult to finalize assessments and determine the total cost of damages quickly,” wrote Rep. Graves.

The joint assessment is an important next step for the state in preparing to request federal assistance, he added.

“My constituents are struggling to rebuild their communities now and do not have the time to wait indefinitely for officials to declare for federal disaster assistance,” wrote Rep. Graves. “As the deadline for filing tax returns rapidly approaches and with the ongoing preliminary joint assessment being conducted with FEMA, I respectfully urge you to delay the filing deadline or delay the late-filing penalty for those affected by the floods in Missouri.”