Tax relief now available to victims of Hurricane Ida; Oct. 15 deadline, other dates extended to Jan. 3

 IRS: Tax relief now available to victims of Hurricane Ida; Oct. 15 deadline, other dates extended to Jan. 3

WASHINGTON — Victims of Hurricane Ida that began on Aug. 26 now have until Jan. 3, 2022, to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments, the Internal Revenue Service announced today.

The IRS is offering this relief to any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as qualifying for individual or public assistance. Currently this includes the entire state of Louisiana, but taxpayers in Ida-impacted localities designated by FEMA in neighboring states will automatically receive the same filing and payment relief. The current list of eligible localities is always available on the disaster relief page on IRS.gov.

“During this difficult time, the IRS stands ready to help victims of Hurricane Ida,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “We want people affected by this devastating hurricane focused on their safety and recovery for themselves and their families. To provide assistance now and in the weeks ahead, we have a variety of different types of relief available to help people and businesses affected by this disaster.”

The tax relief postpones various tax filing and payment deadlines that occurred starting on Aug. 26, 2021. As a result, affected individuals and businesses will have until Jan. 3, 2022, to file returns and pay any taxes that were originally due during this period. This means individuals who had a valid extension to file their 2020 return due to run out on Oct. 15, 2021, will now have until Jan. 3, 2022, to file. The IRS noted, however, that because tax payments related to these 2020 returns were due on May 17, 2021, those payments are not eligible for this relief.

The Jan. 3, 2022 deadline also applies to quarterly estimated income tax payments due on Sept. 15, 2021, and the quarterly payroll and excise tax returns normally due on Nov. 1, 2021. It also applies to tax-exempt organizations, operating on a calendar-year basis, that had a valid extension due to run out on Nov. 15, 2021. Businesses with extensions also have the additional time including, among others, calendar-year corporations whose 2020 extensions run out on Oct. 15, 2021.    

In addition, penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due on or after Aug. 26 and before Sept. 10, will be abated as long as the deposits are made by Sept. 10, 2021.

The IRS disaster relief page has details on other returns, payments and tax-related actions qualifying for the additional time.

The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in the disaster area. Therefore, taxpayers do not need to contact the agency to get this relief. However, if an affected taxpayer receives a late filing or late payment penalty notice from the IRS that has an original or extended filing, payment or deposit due date falling within the postponement period, the taxpayer should call the number on the notice to have the penalty abated.

In addition, the IRS will work with any taxpayer who lives outside the disaster area but whose records necessary to meet a deadline occurring during the postponement period are located in the affected area. Taxpayers qualifying for relief who live outside the disaster area need to contact the IRS at 866-562-5227. This also includes workers assisting the relief activities who are affiliated with a recognized government or philanthropic organization.

Individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area who suffered uninsured or unreimbursed disaster-related losses can choose to claim them on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2021 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year (2020). Be sure to write the FEMA declaration number – 4611 − for Hurricane Ida in Louisiana on any return claiming a loss. See Publication 547 for details.

The tax relief is part of a coordinated federal response to the damage caused by Hurricane Ida and is based on local damage assessments by FEMA. For information on disaster recovery, visit disasterassistance.gov.

Low-income families still have time to sign up for advance child tax credit payments

 Low-income families still have time to sign up for advance child tax credit payments

It's not too late for low-income families to sign up for advance child tax credit payments.

The IRS urges anyone who normally isn't required to file a tax return to explore the tools available on IRS.gov. The Eligibility Assistant can help determine eligibility for the advance child tax credit. The Non-filer Sign-up tool can help people file a simplified tax return to sign up for these payments. Some non-filers may also be eligible for the $1,400 per person Economic Impact Payments and the recovery rebate credit. People can get these benefits, even if they don't work, have no income or don’t have a permanent address.

For these families, each advance CTC payment is up to $300 per month for each qualifying child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child ages 6 through 17.

Payments are generally issued on the 15th of each month through December 2021.

Here are more details and information about how to get the payments:

• The IRS sends advance child tax credit payments to eligible families who filed a 2019 or 2020 income tax return. This includes people who successfully use the Non-filer Sign-up tool for advance CTC, available only on IRS.gov. People can access the Non-filer Sign-up tool or the step-by-step guide for using it on IRS.gov.

• Aside from filing a simplified return from the Non-filer Sign-up tool, families don't have to do anything else if they are eligible to receive monthly payments.

• The Non-filer Sign-up tool is available until October 15, 2021. Using the tool by 11:59 p.m. ET on any month’s deadline will apply to the next month’s payment.
 
• Families who receive their first monthly payment in any month after July will still receive their total advance payment for the year. This means that the total payment will be spread over fewer months, rather than six months, making each monthly payment larger.
 
• The IRS encourages people to request payments by direct deposit, which is faster and more secure than other payment methods. People who don't have a bank account should visit the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation website for details on opening an account online. They can also use the FDIC's BankFind tool to locate an FDIC-insured bank.

• Finally, BankOn, American Bankers Association, Independent Community Bankers of America and National Credit Union Administration have lists of banks and credit unions that can open an account online. Veterans can see the Veterans Benefits Banking Program for financial services at participating banks.

Share this tip on social media -- #IRSTaxTip: Low-income families still have time to sign up for advance child tax credit payments https://go.usa.gov/xFzab

Conozca sus derechos laborales

 

Sepa cuáles son sus derechos como trabajador

Todas las personas que trabajan en Estados Unidos tienen derecho a un lugar de trabajo seguro y saludable, así como al pago completo de sus salarios. Durante la Semana de los Derechos Laborales, del 30 agosto al 3 de septiembre, conozca los recursos existentes, en español, que pueden ayudarle con varios temas relacionados con el trabajo. Entre ellos: Cómo buscar empleo  Cómo preparase para su jubilación Cómo presentar quejas en situaciones que pongan en peligro la seguridad laboral del trabajador

Leon County Recognized for Outstanding Public Works Projects

 

Leon County Recognized for Five Outstanding Public Works Projects

Earlier this month, Leon County Government received five Project of the Year awards from the Big Bend Branch of American Public Works Association (APWA) recognizing outstanding public works projects. Each year, APWA spotlights special projects in the community that have achieved project goals within budget all while exceeding public expectations.

“The County’s award-winning projects demonstrate our commitment to creating safe, long-lasting infrastructure for the community,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Rick Minor. “Well-designed projects such as these serve not just the neighborhoods and businesses of today, but they will also contribute to a high quality of life for future generations.”

This year, the following Leon County Government projects received awards:

• Meridian Road Drainage Improvement Project in the category of Environmental/Stormwater. Historically, heavy rain caused water to run over Meridian Road and created hazardous conditions in the area. To reduce flooding, Leon County improved drainage by installing large box culverts to move water beneath the roadway. Such improvements are also expected to reduce soil erosion, improving the health of adjacent wetlands and Lake Jackson.

• Crowder Road Sidewalk in the category of Transportation. To improve pedestrian safety, Leon County constructed a six-foot wide sidewalk along the north side of Crowder Road and east side of Indian Mound Road. The project also included additional drainage improvements such as the construction of underground storm structures, storm pipes, concrete ditch and sodded swales. 

• Centerville Trace Dam Restoration in the category of Emergency Construction Repair. When homeowners notified the County of a leak in the dam, the County quickly confirmed the leak and conducted a geotechnical analysis of soil samples to determine the extent of needed repairs. To restore dam integrity, an interlocking steel sheet pile retaining wall was built along the center of the dam with a continuous reinforced concrete pile cap, a new dam overflow spillway, a wooden pedestrian boardwalk over the spillway and a stabilized maintenance access road.

• Bradfordville Volunteer Fire Department in the category of Structures. This project consisted of constructing a new fire station in northeast Leon County. The new 1,000 square-foot facility now houses a 2,500-gallon tanker and equipment for the Bradfordville Volunteer Fire Department.

• Old Bainbridge Safety Improvements in the category of Best Performance. With narrow lanes and numerous curves compromising its safety, this segment of Old Bainbridge Road from US-27 to the County Line suffered 120 crashes in five years. To enhance safety, countermeasures were developed including widened shoulders on the outside of curves, added activated solar speed feedback signs, highlighted curve warning signs and intersection ahead warning signs with street name plaques.

“Earning not one, but five distinguished awards showcases how our County teams work alongside our community to produce the best results,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “Our Public Works crews and engineers continue to set the highest standards in public service and infrastructure, all of which will serve our community for years to come.”

The APWA Awards Program promotes excellence in the management and administration of public works projects by recognizing the alliance between the managing agency, the consultant/architect/engineer, and the contractor who accomplished the projects together.

The American Public Works Association is a non-profit international, educational and professional association of public agencies, private companies, and individuals dedicated to improving the quality of life for communities through public works projects and services.

For more information, contact Brent Pell, Director of Public Works, at (850) 606-1500 / PellB@LeonCountyFL.gov or Mathieu Cavell, Community and Media Relations, at (850) 606-5300 / cmr@LeonCountyFL.gov .

 

In 2020, Leon County installed an interlocking steel sheet pile at the Centerville Trace Dam.

 

Leon County improved drainage at Meridian Road by installing large box culverts to move water beneath the roadway.

Cómo las personas pueden reconstruir archivos después de un desastre natural

 Cómo las personas pueden reconstruir archivos después de un desastre natural

Después de un desastre natural, los contribuyentes necesitan archivos para ayudar a comprobar y recuperar las pérdidas relacionadas con el desastre. Esto puede ser para propósitos de impuestos, para obtener asistencia federal o para reclamaciones de seguros.

Ya sea que se trate de propiedades personales o de negocios que se han destruido, no toda esperanza está perdida. Estos son algunos pasos que pueden ayudar a las personas a reconstruir archivos importantes

Archivos de impuestos

• Obtenga transcripciones de declaraciones de impuestos gratuitas inmediatamente a través de la herramienta Ordenar Transcripción en IRS.gov.
• Ordene transcripciones por teléfono, llame al 800-908-9946 y siga las instrucciones.

Estados financieros

Las personas pueden reunir estados financieros de su compañía de tarjeta de crédito o banco. Estos archivos podrían estar disponibles en línea. Las personas también pueden comunicarse con su banco para obtener copias impresas de estos estados de cuenta.

Archivos de la propiedad

• Para recibir copias de los documentos relacionados a su propiedad, debe comunicarse con la compañía de títulos, la compañía de custodia, o el banco que manejó la compra de su casa u otra propiedad.
• Los contribuyentes que realizaron mejoras al hogar deben comunicarse con los contratistas que hicieron el trabajo y pedirles que le provean declaraciones para verificar el trabajo y costo. También pueden obtener declaraciones escritas de amigos y familiares que vieron su casa antes y después de cualquier mejora.
• Para propiedad heredada, los contribuyentes pueden revisar los archivos de la corte para obtener los valores de prueba. Si existió un fideicomiso o patrimonio comuníquese con el abogado que manejo el fideicomiso.
• Cuando no hay otros archivos disponibles, los contribuyentes pueden consultar con la oficina del evaluador del condado para obtener archivos antiguos que podrían referirse al valor de su propiedad.
• Los dueños de vehículos pueden investigar el valor justo del mercado actual de la mayoría de los vehículos. Los recursos están disponibles en línea y en la mayoría de las bibliotecas. Estos recursos incluyen Kelley's Blue Book, Asociación Nacional de Comerciantes de Automóviles, y Edmunds.

Here’s how taxpayers can rebuild records after a natural disaster

After a natural disaster, taxpayers need records to help them prove and recover disaster-related losses. This may be for tax purposes, getting support from federal assistance program or for insurance claims.

While personal or business property may have been destroyed, all hope is not lost. Here are some steps that can help people reconstruct important records.

Tax records

• Get free tax return transcripts immediately using Get Transcript on IRS.gov.
• Order transcripts by calling 800-908-9946 and following the prompts.

Financial statements

People can gather past statements from their credit card company or bank. These records may be available online. People can also contact their bank to get paper copies of these statements.

Property records

• To get documents related to property, homeowners can contact the title company, escrow company or bank that handled the purchase of their home or other property.
• Taxpayers who made home improvements can get in touch with the contractors who did the work and ask for statements to verify the work and cost. They can also get written descriptions from friends and relatives who saw the house before and after any improvements.
• For inherited property, taxpayers can check court records for probate values. If a trust or estate existed, taxpayers can contact the attorney who handled the trust.
• When no other records are available, people should check the county assessor's office for old records that might address the value of the property.
• Car owners can research the current fair-market value for most vehicles. Resources are available online and at most libraries. These include Kelley's Blue Book, the National Automobile Dealers Association and Edmunds.

Orientación adicional importante para empleadores que reclaman el crédito de retención de empleados

 El IRS recientemente emitió más directrices acerca del crédito de retención de empleados. Esto incluye orientación para los empleadores que pagan salarios calificados después del 30 de junio de 2021, y antes del 1ro de junio de 2022, y directrices para los asuntos misceláneos que se aplican al crédito de retención de empleados en 2020 y 2021. Además, el IRS emitió un puerto seguro que permite a los empleadores excluir ciertos artículos de sus recibos brutos únicamente para determinar la elegibilidad para el crédito de retención de empleados.

Aviso 2021-49 (en inglés) explica los cambios hechos bajo La Ley del Plan de Rescate Estadounidense de 2021 al crédito de retención de empleados que aplican para el tercer y cuarto trimestre calendario de 2021.

Esos cambios incluyen:

• Hacer que el crédito esté disponible para los empleadores elegibles que pagan salarios calificados después del 30 de junio de 2021, y antes del 1ro de enero de 2022.
• Expansión de la definición de empleador elegible para incluir negocios de inicio de recuperación.
• Modificación de la definición de salarios calificados para empleadores con dificultades financieras severas.
• Proveee que el crédito de retención de los empleados no se aplica a los salarios calificados considerados como costos de nómina en relación con una subvención de lugar cerrado o una subvención de revitalización de restaurantes.

Esta directriz también responde a varias preguntas acerca del crédito de retención de empleados para los años tributarios 2020 y 2021, que incluyen:

• La definición de empleado a tiempo completo y si esa definición incluye equivalentes a tiempo completo.
• El tratamiento de propinas como salarios calificados y la interacción con el crédito por porción de los impuestos del Seguro Social del empleador pagados con respecto a las propinas en efectivo de los empleados.
• El momento de la desaprobación de deducción de los salarios calificados y si los contribuyentes que ya presentaron una declaración de impuesto deben emendar la declaración después de reclamar el crédito en una declaración de impuestos de empleo ajustada.
• Si los salarios pagados a los propietarios de mayoría y sus cónyuges pueden ser tratados como salarios calificados.

El Procedimiento Administrativo Tributario 2021-33 (en inglés) proporciona un puerto seguro que permite a los empleadores excluir ciertos montos de los ingresos brutos únicamente para determinar la elegibilidad para el crédito de retención de empleados. Estos montos son:

• La cantidad del perdón de un préstamo del Programa de protección de cheques de pago

• Subvenciones para el "Shuttered Venue Operators Grants under the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act"
• Subvenciones de revitalización de restaurantes bajo la Ley del Plan de Rescate Estadounidense de 2021

Un empleador elige aplicar el puerto seguro al excluir estos montos únicamente para determinar si es un empleador elegible para un trimestre calendario para fines de reclamar el crédito de retención de empleados en su declaración de impuestos sobre la nómina.

Reportar

Los empleadores elegibles reportan los totales de sus salarios calificados y los costos del plan de salud relacionados por cada trimestre en su declaración federal del impuesto de nómina, generalmente el Formulario 941, Declaración Trimestral del Impuesto Federal del Empleador (en inglés), para el período aplicable. Si una reducción en los depósitos de impuestos del empleo del empleador no es suficiente para cubrir el crédito, ciertos empleadores pueden recibir un pago anticipado del IRS al enviar el Formulario 7200 (SP), Anticipo de Pago de Créditos del Empleador Debido al COVID-19.

El contribuyente puede protegerse de los estafadores al saber cómo se comunica el IRS

 El contribuyente puede protegerse de los estafadores al saber cómo se comunica el IRS

Si el IRS llama a un contribuyente, no debería ser una sorpresa porque la agencia generalmente enviará un aviso o una carta primero. Comprender cómo se comunica el IRS puede ayudar a los contribuyentes a protegerse de los estafadores que pretenden ser del IRS con el objetivo de robar información personal.

Aquí hay algunos datos sobre cómo se comunica el IRS con los contribuyentes :

• El IRS normalmente no se pone en contacto con los contribuyentes por correo electrónico. No responda a un correo electrónico de alguien que diga ser del IRS porque la dirección de correo electrónico del IRS podría ser suplantada o falsa. Los correos electrónicos de los empleados del IRS terminarán en irs.gov .
• La agencia no envía mensajes de texto ni se comunica con personas a través de las redes sociales. Los estafadores se harán pasar por agentes y agencias gubernamentales legítimos en las redes sociales y tratarán de iniciar contacto con los contribuyentes.
• Cuando el IRS necesita comunicarse con un contribuyente, el primer contacto es normalmente mediante una carta entregada por el Servicio Postal de EE. UU. Las empresas de alivio de la deuda envían ofertas de alivio de la deuda fiscal no solicitadas por correo. Los estafadores a menudo afirman que ya notificaron al contribuyente por correo postal de los EE. UU.
• Dependiendo de la situación, los empleados del IRS pueden llamar o visitar primero a un contribuyente. En algunos casos, el IRS envía una carta o notificación por escrito a un contribuyente por adelantado, pero no siempre. Los contribuyentes pueden buscar avisos del IRS visitando Comprendiendo su aviso o carta del IRS . Sin embargo, no todos los avisos del IRS se pueden buscar en ese sitio y solo porque alguien hace referencia a un aviso del IRS por correo electrónico, llamada telefónica, mensaje de texto o redes sociales, no significa que la solicitud sea legítima.
• Los agentes de impuestos del IRS o los oficiales de cumplimiento tributario pueden llamar a un contribuyente o profesional de impuestos después de enviar un aviso por correo para confirmar una cita o para discutir temas para una auditoría programada. El IRS alienta a los contribuyentes a revisar, Cómo saber si realmente el IRS está llamando o tocando a su puerta: Cobro .
• Los cobradores de deudas privados pueden llamar a los contribuyentes para el cobro de ciertas obligaciones tributarias inactivas pendientes, pero solo después de que el contribuyente y su representante hayan recibido una notificación por escrito. El cobro de deudas privadas no debe confundirse con las empresas de alivio de la deuda que llamarán, enviarán avisos de gravámenes por correo de los EE. UU. O enviarán correos electrónicos a los contribuyentes con ofertas de alivio de la deuda. Los contribuyentes deben comunicarse con el IRS con respecto a la presentación de impuestos atrasados ​​correctamente.
• Los funcionarios y agentes de impuestos del IRS visitan rutinariamente sin previo aviso la casa o el lugar de trabajo de un contribuyente para discutir los impuestos adeudados, las declaraciones de impuestos atrasadas o un negocio que se atrasa en los depósitos de impuestos sobre la nómina. Los funcionarios de impuestos del IRS solicitarán el pago de los impuestos adeudados por el contribuyente. Sin embargo, los contribuyentes deben recordar que el pago nunca se solicitará a una fuente que no sea el Tesoro de los Estados Unidos.
• Cuando los visita alguien del IRS, los contribuyentes siempre deben pedir credenciales. Los representantes del IRS siempre pueden proporcionar dos formas de credenciales oficiales: una comisión de bolsillo y una Credencial de verificación de identidad personal .

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Florida Department of Environmental Protection

 

A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR Summertime is often synonymous with baseball and, just like a baseball team, the Florida Park Service keeps a multitude of statistics. But rather than hits, home runs and strikeouts, we measure our results based on each fiscal year – the most recent of which ended on June 30. I’m pleased to share that our statistics reflect a winning season. Persevering through a time that presented challenge after challenge, our park staff across the state delivered a year for the record books. Among the highlights: We welcomed a record number of visitors in several individual months, which led to our highest total revenue since 2016-2017. Our good work was recognized with a budget from the Florida Legislature that allows us to invest more in park improvements and resource management than ever before. We exceeded our goals for treating invasive exotic vegetation such as Australian pines and Brazilian peppers. Nearly 10 million people enjoyed walking, running, bicycling or any of the myriad ways to explore our state's trails. And while every single member of our team contributed to these successes, I also want to shine a spotlight on an equally important part of our team: our park visitors. None of these achievements would be possible were it not for the people who love Florida State Parks. As we embark on another year, we’re excited to pursue new goals. We’re striving to: Encourage more community members to join our corps of dedicated volunteers –  visit our volunteer portal for more information. Create a richer park experience through updated interpretive facilities, exhibits, programs and events. Continue our pioneering work in prescribed fire, which provides immeasurable benefit to Florida’s natural resources. Recruit new park staff as we continue to deliver outstanding service. We at the Florida Park Service are proud to be the nation's only four-time Gold Medal winner for excellence and we believe that achievement is reflective of our status as America’s best parks. And we also hope that our state parks are a source of pride for all Floridians. Best, Eric Draper

FEATURED STORIES  VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE PLATE! The Florida State Parks Foundation is leading the way for the new Florida State Parks specialty license tag. Vote for your favorite design this month. SPOTLIGHT ON FLORIDA'S POLLINATORS In honor of National Honey Bee Day on Aug. 21, check out some of Florida's favorite pollinating bees, butterflies, moths and birds. METEOR SHOWERS DELIGHT AT THESE STATE PARKS Florida State Parks offer great views for meteor showers and stargazing. Here are four great parks where you can keep an eye on the night sky!   HIT THE BOOKS WITH FLORIDA AUTHORS With World Literacy Day right around the corner, now is a great time to read any of the many books that take place in Florida.   SPOTLIGHT   Summer Sightings Keep an eye out for these Florida natives on your next park visit. Eastern lubber grasshoppers: Seen in South Florida year-round, these large and colorful grasshoppers reach their peak numbers in August along the Gulf Coast..   Juvenile sea turtles: Tiny turtles will be hatching out of their nests throughout late summer and early fall under the cover of night. If you’re out for an early beach walk, look for tiny crawl marks in the sand. Please remember not to pick up or disturb turtles – they’re healthiest when left alone.  Yellow warblers: These tiny songbirds may start their migration early. From Florida, they’ll make a nonstop journey over the Gulf of Mexico to winter in Central America.  American alligator: Late summer means baby alligators. Listen for their little chirps. Not only is it surprisingly cute, it’s also a good warning that mom might be nearby!  Summer wildflowers: Some of our favorite native flowers put on a beautiful summer display. These include beach sunflower, blanket flower, butterflyweed, passionflower swamp rosemallow and spider lilies.