IRS Offers Tax Relief Until February 2, 2026 for Texas & New Mexico Due to Storm and Flood Victims

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Severe storms, flooding, and landslides have recently affected many communities in Texas and New Mexico, causing widespread damage and disruption. In response to these natural disasters, the IRS has announced key tax relief measures to help affected taxpayers stay on top of their tax obligations without added stress. 

If you live or operate a business in the impacted areas, here’s everything you need to know about the extended tax filing deadlines and how to take advantage of the relief offered by the IRS.

Texas: Which Areas Are Covered?

This relief applies to taxpayers residing or operating businesses in federally declared disaster areas in Texas, including counties such as:

• Harris County (Houston)
• Dallas County
• Bexar County (San Antonio)
• And other counties designated by FEMA and the federal government

Extended Tax Deadlines

For taxpayers in the designated disaster zones, the IRS has extended the deadline for filing tax returns and paying taxes originally due between July 26, 2024, and January 31, 2025, to February 2, 2026.

This extension covers:

• Individual and business income tax returns
• Quarterly estimated tax payments
• Payroll and excise tax returns
• Other IRS tax-related deadlines

Who Qualifies?

• Individuals and businesses with a primary address in the affected disaster areas automatically qualify for this tax relief.
• No special applications or forms are required to receive the extension.
• Taxpayers outside the disaster area who incurred losses due to the storms or flooding in the affected zones may also be eligible, but must request the relief by attaching a statement to their tax return.

New Mexico: Which Areas Are Covered?

This relief applies to taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas in New Mexico, including counties such as:

• Bernalillo (which includes Albuquerque)
• Santa Fe
• Sandoval
• Torrance
• And other counties designated by FEMA and the federal government

Extended Deadlines

Taxpayers in these areas now have until February 2, 2026, to:

• File various tax returns originally due between July 26, 2024, and January 31, 2025
• Make tax payments that would have otherwise been due during this period, including quarterly estimated taxes and payroll tax deposits.

Who Qualifies?

• Individuals and businesses with an address located in the disaster area automatically qualify for this relief.
• No special forms or applications are needed to receive this extension.
• Taxpayers who do not live in the disaster zone but suffered losses because of the disaster in the affected areas may also qualify by requesting an extension and including a statement with their tax return.

IRS Tax Relief for Other States 

Earlier this year, the IRS announced tax relief for taxpayers affected by severe weather and disasters in Arkansas, California, Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Various tax deadlines originally due between July 26, 2024, and January 31, 2025, have been extended to November 3, 2025.

The relief applies to income tax returns, estimated tax payments, payroll tax filings, and excise tax deadlines. To learn more about this, click here.

Conclusion

These extensions ensure that taxpayers have additional time to file returns and make necessary payments without facing penalties, helping them focus on recovery efforts. 

ExpressExtension is here to assist with seamless e-filing, ensuring you meet IRS requirements while taking advantage of disaster relief. Stay informed and stay ahead!