IRS gives local taxpayers more time to file because of recent disasters

Taxpayers living in Ventura and Santa Barbara County will have an additional two weeks to file their returns with the IRS, due to the federal disaster declaration following the Thomas Fire and Montecito mudslides.

“For an individual, as long as they live in Santa Barbara County, they get the relief automatically. The IRS has coded all the zip codes within Santa Barbara County. Taxpayers don’t need to identify themselves to get the relief,” said IRS Media Relations specialist Marquez Anabel.

Taxes are due this year on April 17, but are extended to April 30 for both individuals who live in the affected areas, and for those who own businesses in the two counties. However, those business owners who don’t live locally must contact the IRS in order to receive the extension. The extension covers individual tax returns, and estimated returns from the first quarter of 2018.

Questions about the extension can be directed to the IRS Disaster hotline at (866) 562-5227.