Cortez Masto’s bipartisan, bicameral bill would provide relief for Nevada taxpayers who have experienced natural disasters including those impacted by the Davis Fire
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced bipartisan legislation Senators John Kennedy (R-La.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) to provide relief for impacted taxpayers in states that have issued state-level disaster declarations. Currently, the IRS has the authority to postpone filing deadlines in the event of a presidentially-declared federal disaster, but this does not extend to state-level emergencies. Representatives David Kustoff (R-Tenn.-08) and Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28) have introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Each year, the state of Nevada declares state-level emergencies for disasters like flooding and wildfires. In 2023, the Davis Fire in Reno burned nearly 6,000 acres, destroyed 14 homes and businesses, and caused week-long evacuations for thousands of Nevada residents. Under current law, Nevadans impacted by this fire, and other state-level disasters, are not eligible for any tax relief because the fire was declared a disaster only at a state level and not also declared by the President of the United States. Cortez Masto’s legislation would ensure that states get the support they need to recover from natural disasters.
“Nevadans experiencing natural disasters deserve tax relief, regardless of whether the state receives a federally recognized disaster declaration,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “My bipartisan, bicameral bill would ensure that Nevada taxpayers impacted by wildfires, winter storms, floods, and more have the financial flexibility they need to recover.”
“Louisianians have worked tirelessly to rebuild after historic storms took their toll, so giving them the time they need to file taxes after a natural disaster is a no-brainer. Since Louisiana can’t always rely on Washington to get us the relief we need when we need it, this bill would make sure that Louisianians get tax extensions that are crucial for recovering after our state declares a natural disaster. I’m glad to partner again with Sen. Cortez Masto on this effort,” said Senator Kennedy.
“When disaster strikes, the burden families face on the long road to recovery is overwhelming. This bipartisan bill provides financial flexibility for Americans impacted by disaster so they can focus on rebuilding their lives and livelihoods,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“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.”
The Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act would allow the governor of a state or territory to extend a federal tax filing deadline in the event of a state-declared emergency or disaster, which happens automatically for federally-declared disasters. Extending this authority to states gives them the ability to provide relief independent of the federal government’s involvement in an emergency or natural disaster. The legislation would also expand the mandatory federal filing extension from 60 days to 120 days.
Senator Cortez Masto is committed to ensuring Nevadans have access to resources in the face of natural disasters that threaten the state. Cortez Masto has worked to deliver funding to help improve the resiliency of state infrastructure and is leading legislation protect electric grids at military bases and rural water utilities from the effects of extreme weather. The Inflation Reduction Act, which she helped pass, includes legislation she personally negotiated to combat drought in the states bordering the Colorado River and address the wildfire crisis. She also secured key provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which provided billions to fund wildfire prevention efforts in Nevada.
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