Kennedy, Cortez Masto introduce legislation to help Louisianians recover from natural disasters

Press Release

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today joined Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) in introducing the Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act to provide relief for taxpayers in states that have issued state-level disaster declarations. Currently, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has the authority to postpone tax filing deadlines following a presidentially-declared federal disaster, but not following the declaration of a state-level emergency.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) also cosponsored the legislation.

"It seems like Louisianians have been hit with all the storms nature has to offer, and we need all the help we can get to recover, and that includes extensions for filing taxes. 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 the tax extensions necessary for rebuilding after our state declares a natural disaster. I'm thankful to partner with Sen. Cortez Masto on this effort," said Kennedy.

"Nevadans shouldn't be denied tax relief after experiencing wildfires just because the state doesn't receive a federally recognized disaster declaration. Nevadans across the state have been affected by major wildfires in the west, and my legislation would ensure that any taxpayer feeling the impact of a natural disaster can access vital tax relief so our communities are able to recover," said Cortez Masto.

"When disaster strikes, Marylanders need immediate financial flexibility to rebuild and recover. This legislation will help ensure that--even when a federal disaster has not been declared. I'll be working with my colleagues to pass this common-sense, bipartisan bill," said Senator Van Hollen.

The Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act would allow the governor of a state or territory to extend a federal tax filing deadline following a state-declared emergency or disaster instead of waiting for a federally-declared disaster. This means that states would have the ability to provide tax relief independent of the federal government's involvement in an emergency or natural disaster.

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