When natural disasters strike, they leave behind more than just damaged homes and communities—they also disrupt lives during critical periods like tax season. Thanks to a new bipartisan federal law, residents now have greater flexibility to recover without the added pressure of immediate tax deadlines. The Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act (H.R. 517), introduced by Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), was signed into law last week and expands disaster tax relief.
Filing deadlines extended in more cases
The new law authorizes the U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to grant tax filing extensions as soon as a state governor declares a disaster emergency. Previously, taxpayers had to wait for a federal disaster declaration before the IRS could issue such relief. That delay left many residents navigating recovery efforts while still required to meet federal tax deadlines.
Under H.R. 517, families, small business owners, and individuals now benefit from a guaranteed minimum of 120 days to file federal tax returns in disaster-affected areas. This doubles the prior minimum extension of 60 days. The law ensures that taxpayers have adequate time to organize financial records and apply for assistance while addressing urgent recovery needs.
Support from local leadership
“This bill is about helping people focus on recovery when their lives are turned upside down,” said Rep. Judy Chu in a press release issued after the law was signed. “Our communities in California and across the country are facing wildfires, floods, and other disasters more frequently. Tax deadlines should not be an added burden.”
Rep. Chu, who represents California’s 28th Congressional District, first introduced the legislation in 2019 after seeing how state-declared disasters often left residents with little recourse until federal action followed. The law was reintroduced and passed with bipartisan support before being signed by President Trump.
Implications for San Gabriel Valley residents
In cities like El Monte, Baldwin Park, and Rosemead—areas that have faced flooding, high wind events, and regional wildfires in recent years—the disaster tax filing relief law offers an important new protection. Many residents in these communities lack the resources to quickly rebuild and resume normal life. The law recognizes that recovery takes time and ensures tax penalties don’t fall on those already facing hardship.
For example, during the 2023 winter storms in Southern California, some local residents waited days for federal declarations before they were eligible for IRS relief. Under the new law, once the state governor issues an emergency declaration, affected taxpayers can immediately qualify for deadline extensions—giving them critical time to prioritize safety and recovery.
How to access the relief
Taxpayers in a declared state-level disaster area should monitor IRS announcements and the California Office of Emergency Services for updates. Once an area is recognized under the new criteria, the IRS will publish specific guidance on deadlines and eligibility.
To verify if an address qualifies for relief or to learn more, taxpayers can visit the IRS disaster relief page.
Looking ahead
As climate events grow more frequent and severe, lawmakers are emphasizing the importance of responsive systems that serve the public in times of crisis. The Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act stands as a legislative step toward that goal, removing red tape and making it easier for individuals to access the support they need.
Residents in the San Gabriel Valley should speak with a tax professional or local IRS office if they experience a state-declared disaster to take full advantage of the new protections under this law. With more flexibility built into the system, recovery can come with one less worry.
The new law marks a significant change in how disaster tax filing relief is administered—and provides much-needed certainty when residents need it most.
