The IRS has announced new disaster relief measures aimed at helping millions of wildfire victims on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in eastern Arizona.
The fire, which raged from July 10 to 17, prompted the evacuation of over 400 residents and led officials to declare a state of emergency. The blaze scorched 2,162 acres, destroyed at least 21 homes and left many more without power. Officials arrested a man in July on suspicion of starting the fire.
The man, identified as 22-year-old Keanu Dude, is believed to be a member of the San Carlos Apache tribe.
Following an IRS announcement, affected taxpayers will now have more time to handle their taxes without penalties, until February 3, 2025.
In this June 29, 2008 file photo, smoke rises above Black Canyon, City, Ariz. The IRS has approved disaster relief for victims of a wildfire in Arizona in July.
Ross D. Franklin/AP
This applies to any tax deadlines or payments that were originally due starting from July 10, 2024. However, if someone owed taxes before April 15, 2024, those payments are not eligible for the extension, as they were due before the disaster occurred. So, only deadlines that began after the wildfire are extended.
“Individuals and households that reside or have a business in this locality qualify for tax relief,” the IRS said in a news release.
Some of the due dates that are covered under the relief include quarterly estimated income tax payments that would have been due on September 16 and January 15 and quarterly payroll and excise tax returns that were originally due on July 31, October 31, and January 31.
It comes after President Joe Biden approved federal disaster assistance for victims of the fire last week.
The assistance will include grants for temporary housing and building repairs, the White House said in a press release.
Some residents may also be eligible for small loans to help cover uninsured damages. The San Carlos Apache Tribe and private nonprofit organizations will also receive financial assistance, with distribution managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
“What we really need going forward is millions of dollars in monetary donations that will be used to rebuild homes, vehicles, critical infrastructure and landscapes that were damaged by the fast-moving fire,” San Carlos Apache Tribe Chairman Terry Rambler said in July.
The Watch Fire was the most serious structural fire on the Reservation in at least 30 years. No injuries or fatalities were reported. It is believed a thunderstorm and strong winds caused the fire to rapidly spread.
The tribe requested disaster assistance from state and federal governments. In response, Gov. Katie Hobbs sent $400,000 from the Joint Heat Relief Initiative to support the tribal community and provide resources.
“I’m proud to be delivering this immediate relief to tribal, county and municipal governments affected by the Watch Fire, and will continue working to deliver support to Arizonans affected by natural disasters. But I know we need more support. I stand with the San Carlos Apache Tribe in asking the federal government for a major disaster declaration, allowing FEMA to deliver critical assistance to communities on the ground during this fire season,” Hobbs said in July.
