The IRS recently published guidance containing certain relief for those individuals and businesses affected by the continuing Hawaii volcanic eruptions and earthquakes that started on May 3, 2018.

Specifically, the IRS offered extensions of certain tax filing deadlines because of this natural disaster. The extensions apply automatically to any individual or business in an area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as qualifying for individual assistance. So, in Hawaii, individuals who reside or have a business in Hawaii County may qualify for tax relief. As a result, if a form was due on or after May 3, 2018, and before Sept. 17, 2018, additional time to file the form through Sept. 17, 2018, is available.

The relief would apply to quarterly payroll/employment/excise tax filings due. Additionally, employers in Hawaii County should also keep the relief in mind if they have difficulty gathering the documentation needed to complete their Form 5500. Some employers may still wish to file Form 5558 (Application for Extension of Time to File Certain Employee Returns), which, if timely filed, provides an automatic two-and-a-half months extension (i.e., to October 15 for calendar-year plans).

 

Source: NFP BenefitsPartners