IRS Announces Disaster Aid for Arizona Wildfire Victims

The IRS announced new relief measures aimed at helping millions of wildfire victims on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in eastern Arizona.

The fire, which lasted from July 10 to 17, prompted the evacuation of more than 400 residents and led authorities to declare a state of emergency. The fire burned 2,162 acres, destroyed at least 21 homes and left many others without power. Authorities 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 announcement from the IRS, affected taxpayers will now have more time to pay their taxes without penalty, until February 3, 2025.

This applies to any tax deadlines or payments originally due on or after 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 occurrence of the disaster. Therefore, only deadlines that started after the fire will be extended.

“Individuals and families who reside or do business in this location qualify for tax benefits,” the IRS said in a press release.

Some of the due dates covered by the exemption include estimated quarterly income tax payments that would be due on September 16 and January 15 and quarterly payroll and excise tax statements that were originally due on July 31, 31 October and January 31st.

This comes after President Joe Biden approved federal disaster assistance for wildfire victims 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 in the future is millions of dollars in monetary donations that will be used to rebuild homes, vehicles, critical infrastructure and landscapes that were damaged by the rapid 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 deaths were reported. It is believed a storm and strong winds caused the fire to spread quickly.

The tribe has requested disaster assistance from the state and federal governments. In response, Governor Katie Hobbs sent $400,000 from the Joint Heat Relief Initiative to support the tribal community and provide resources.

“I’m proud to deliver this immediate relief to tribal, county and city governments affected by the Watch Fire, and I will continue working to provide support to Arizonans affected by natural disasters. But I know we need more support. I stand with the San Apache Tribe Carlos by asking the federal government for a major disaster declaration, allowing FEMA to provide critical assistance to local communities during this fire season,” Hobbs said in July.