HOU-2011-01, Oct. 4, 2011 HOUSTON –– The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers affected by Texas wildfires that they have been granted an extended amount of time, until Oct. 31, to meet certain tax filing and payment obligations and announced that e-file and Free File would remain available to accept their returns. “The IRS recognizes the impact the Texas wildfires have had on many individuals and businesses in the state," IRS Spokesperson Lea Crusberg said. E-file, which will close for all other taxpayers following the Oct. 17 extension filing deadline, will be open through the end of October to any taxpayer who lives or has a business in areas granted tax relief because of the Texas wildfires. Special Instructions for e-filers Otherwise, the IRS encouraged any taxpayer who wants to include a payment with the tax return to e-file by Oct. 20. Because of year-end programming changes, IRS e-file will not accept returns that include payments after Oct 20 (except for taxpayers included in areas that have been granted tax relief). E-file returns that include a payment after that date will be rejected, but the IRS offers other options for these taxpayers to still e-file but pay separately by using: EFTPS (The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System) credit or debit card check or money order These guidelines apply to e-file and Free File returns only. Payments accompanying paper returns are not affected.
