President Signs Rep. Chu’s Tax Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act Into Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, President Trump signed into law the bipartisan Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act (H.R. 517), delivering critical tax relief to Americans recovering from natural disasters. 

This legislation, first introduced by Rep. Chu in 2019, authorizes the Treasury Department and IRS to extend federal tax filing deadlines for individuals living in state-declared disaster zones, even before a federal disaster declaration is issued. The law ensures that families and communities facing the aftermath of a disaster aren’t burdened with immediate tax filing requirements while focusing on their recovery. And, it ensures that survivors benefit from at least 120 days of filing relief, double the previous minimum extension of 60 days. 

“I’m incredibly proud that our bill, the Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act, is now the law of the land. When catastrophe strikes during tax filing season, families and businesses should be able to focus on recovery without the risk of tax penalties. Our bill extends this support to more taxpayers by giving Treasury and the IRS the authority to extend federal filing deadlines when a governor declares a state-level emergency, ensuring more disaster survivors get the relief and support they need and deserve,” said Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28).

“I thank President Trump for signing my bill, the Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act, into law today,” said Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08). “This new law provides critical relief for all Americans when tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, flooding and other calamities affect communities across the nation. When disaster strikes, the last thing families and businesses should have to worry about is missing a tax deadline or paying Uncle Sam. The Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act will ensure that these victims have the flexibility they need to rebuild and recover.”

“When a natural disaster strikes, hard-hit families looking for tax relief shouldn’t have to wait for the federal government to act,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This commonsense bill will ensure that taxpayers who have been through state emergencies can get the flexibility from the IRS that they deserve while recovering.”

“When a disaster like Hurricane Helene hits, the last thing Tennesseans should have to worry about is meeting a tax-filing deadline,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act empowers the governor to extend tax deadlines, giving Tennesseans the flexibility to focus on disaster recovery.”

###