Author: Alexis Long

Categories
General

Creating a Meaningful Employee Benefits Package for Your Team

By Gabrielle Lorbiecki, CPA, CPC, QKC, QPA, QKA 

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The Top Line 

In today’s competitive job market, a strong employee benefits package is essential for attracting and retaining top talent. While salary plays a critical role, benefits significantly influence employee satisfaction, engagement, and long-term loyalty. 

Developing an effective benefits plan is not a one size fits all process. It requires a thoughtful approach that reflects both the needs of your workforce and the goals of your business. Below are key strategies to help you create a benefits package that delivers real value for your team. 

 

  1. Understand Your Workforce

What it means for your business:
Start by learning what matters most to your employees. A younger team may value student loan repayment or flexible work schedules. More experienced employees might prioritize health insurance, retirement savings, or long-term care support. 

Strategic takeaway:
Use surveys or focus groups to tailor your offerings. Personalizing benefits to your team’s needs improves participation and ensures your investment is going where it matters most. 

 

  1. Align Benefits with Business Goals

What it means for your business:
Your benefits strategy should support your company’s long-term vision. For example, if employee retention is a challenge, consider incentives like profit sharing or enhanced retirement contributions. If you are focused on boosting productivity, wellness programs or mental health services can make a measurable difference. 

Strategic takeaway:
Choose benefits that reinforce your culture and support your workforce strategy. 

 

  1. Balance Cost and Value

What it means for your business:
Benefits are a major investment. Compare plan options and providers carefully to strike the right balance between cost and quality. For example, pairing a high deductible health plan with a Health Savings Account can reduce costs while still offering valuable coverage. 

Strategic takeaway:
Use data and employee feedback to invest in benefits that deliver both value and sustainability. 

 

  1. Comply with Legal Requirements

What it means for your business:
Federal and state regulations govern many aspects of employee benefits. Rules from the Affordable Care Act, ERISA, FMLA, and others must be followed to avoid fines and legal complications. 

Strategic takeaway:
Work with an HR advisor or benefits consultant to ensure your offerings meet all legal standards. Staying compliant protects your business and builds employee trust. 

 

  1. Communicate Clearly and Consistently

What it means for your business:
Even the most robust benefits package has little impact if employees do not understand how to use it. Clear communication improves participation and helps employees recognize the true value of their benefits. 

Strategic takeaway:
Use handbooks, info sessions, and digital portals to ensure employees stay informed and engaged year round. 

 

  1. Plan for Future Growth

What it means for your business:
As your business grows, your benefits should evolve with it. Choose providers and platforms that are built to scale and can accommodate additional offerings as your needs expand. 

Strategic takeaway:
Build flexibility into your benefits structure so you can adapt without disruption. 

 

  1. Review and Update Regularly

What it means for your business:
Employee expectations and market standards shift over time. Regular reviews help you stay current and competitive. 

Strategic takeaway:
Reevaluate your plan annually. Gather employee feedback, benchmark against peers, and adjust offerings to maintain relevance and compliance. 

 

Schedule a Consultation 

Navigating retirement plan compliance is complex. Whether you need support with annual filings like Form 5500, plan testing, or simply want expert guidance, Gabrielle Lorbiecki is here to help. 

Gabrielle specializes in retirement plan consulting and ensures that businesses remain compliant with Department of Labor and IRS regulations. 

Contact Gabrielle today to schedule a personalized consultation and set your retirement plan on the path to long-term success. 

Categories
IT Services

Tech Planning and Budgeting with a Virtual CIO: A Winning Strategy for Growth

By Michael Laffoon | Managed IT Services Practice Leader

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The Top Line 

Technology decisions can make or break a business. Without a clear plan, they often become guesswork. Many small and midsized companies either spend too much on the wrong tools or invest too little in systems that could drive real growth. 

A strategic technology plan combined with expert guidance from a virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) ensures every IT decision supports your long-term business goals. From setting priorities to managing budgets, a vCIO helps your business stay focused, adaptable, and competitive. 

 

  1. Build a Strong Tech Foundation with a Strategic Plan

What it means for your business: 

  • A smart technology strategy starts with a full assessment of your current systems. Identify what is working, what is outdated, and what is underused. 
  • Align technology decisions with business goals such as expansion, efficiency, or security. 
  • Define success metrics and revisit your plan regularly to stay on track. 

Strategic takeaway:
Treat your technology plan as a flexible roadmap that grows and evolves with your business. 

 

  1. Tech Budgeting That Actually Works

What it means for your business: 

  • Planning ahead and prioritizing areas where technology brings the most value helps turn your IT budget into a growth driver. 
  • Ask for employee input to uncover day-to-day tech challenges. 
  • Lay out a clear timeline for system improvements and updates. 

Strategic takeaway:
A proactive budget improves decision-making, increases efficiency, and helps ensure better return on every technology investment. 

 

  1. Do Not Overlook the Essentials in Your Budget

What it means for your business:
A good technology budget should prepare you for more than just routine expenses. Be sure to include: 

  • Regular maintenance and technical support 
  • System upgrades and hardware replacements 
  • Renewals for software, licenses, and warranties 
  • Contingency funds for emergencies like cybersecurity events or outages 

Strategic takeaway:
Budgeting for both expected and unexpected costs keeps your business protected and financially prepared. 

 

  1. Why a vCIO Is a Smart Move for Growing Companies

What it means for your business:
Hiring a full-time Chief Information Officer may not be practical, but a vCIO provides the same strategic value at a lower cost. A vCIO can: 

  • Align your IT strategy with business objectives 
  • Develop and manage your technology budget 
  • Lead vendor selection and contract negotiations 
  • Strengthen your cybersecurity plan 
  • Create continuity and disaster recovery strategies 

Strategic takeaway:
A vCIO adds leadership and expertise to your technology decisions without expanding your executive team. 

 

  1. Take Control of Your Technology Future

What it means for your business:
With the right partner and a solid strategy, technology becomes a foundation for growth rather than a challenge to manage. 

Strategic takeaway:
A strategic vCIO relationship allows your business to stay ahead, make smarter investments, and grow with confidence. 

 

Let’s Build Your Tech Strategy Together 

Ready to rethink how your business plans and budgets for technology? ATA’s vCIO and strategic IT planning services are here to help. 

Contact us today to schedule a consultation: https://ata.net/contact-us/ 

Categories
Tax

It’s Wedding Season: Say ‘I Do’ to This Tax Checklist

By Elizabeth Russell Owen CPA | Private Client Tax Services Practice Leader 

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The Top Line 

Wedding season is a time for celebration, but it also marks a new chapter in your financial life. Along with shared responsibilities and future planning, marriage brings several important tax considerations that newlyweds should not overlook. 

Whether you are still enjoying your honeymoon or diving into name change paperwork, now is the perfect time to update your tax situation and avoid surprises next spring. Here are four key steps every newly married couple should take. 

 

  1. Report Any Name Changes

What it means for you:
If either spouse changed their last name, you must update that information with the Social Security Administration. If your tax return name does not match the name on file, your refund could be delayed. 

To update your name, file Form SS5, Application for a Social Security Card. You can complete this through SSA.gov, by calling 800 772 1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office. 

Takeaway:
Make the update as soon as possible to avoid errors when filing your return. 

 

  1. Update Your Address with the Right Agencies

What it means for you:
If you moved after getting married, inform the IRS, your employer, and the postal service to ensure timely delivery of important tax documents. 

To notify the IRS directly, complete and submit Form 8822, Change of Address. Instructions for filing are included on page two of the form. 

Takeaway:
Keeping your address current helps ensure W-2s, IRS letters, and refunds reach you without delay. 

 

  1. Check and Adjust Your Withholding

What it means for you:
Marriage may place you in a different tax bracket. If both spouses work, the change could lead to a higher combined income and affect your tax liability. 

Submit a new Form W4 to your employer within ten days of getting married. Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator online to make sure your new withholding is accurate and helps avoid tax season surprises. 

Takeaway:
This quick step can prevent underpayment penalties and reduce stress at tax time. 

 

  1. Choose the Right Filing Status

What it means for you:
Your marital status as of December 31 determines your filing status for the entire tax year. Couples may choose to file jointly or separately. 

Filing jointly often results in better tax benefits, but depending on income and deductions, filing separately may be more advantageous. Use a comparison calculator or consult a tax advisor to explore both options. 

Takeaway:
A thoughtful filing decision can result in significant savings or better refund outcomes. 

 

Why This Matters to You 

Marriage is an exciting life change, and getting your taxes in order now can help you start this chapter with financial clarity and confidence. By updating records and understanding how your new status affects your taxes, you can avoid delays, penalties, or missed savings. 

 

Resources for More Information 

  • IRS Topic 157: Change Your Address 
  • IRS Publication 505: Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax 

Questions about your new tax situation? Contact our team for personalized guidance. We are here to help you start your financial journey on the right foot.

Congratulations to all the newlyweds celebrating this wedding season; best wishes for a successful marriage and a prosperous financial future! 

 

Categories
Helpful Articles Paris, TN Tax

Still Have Tax Questions? You’re Not Alone 

By Elizabeth Russell Owen, CPA | Private Client Tax Services Practice Leader  

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Executive Summary 

Even after filing a federal income tax return, many individuals still face important follow-up items. From tracking refunds, organizing records, and responding to IRS correspondence, this article outlines five post-filing priorities to help you stay organized, informed, and prepared. Our team remains available year-round to support you beyond tax season. 

Key Highlights 

  • Track Your Refund: Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool with your Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount. 
  • Record Retention: Keep supporting tax documents for at least six years; some should be stored indefinitely. Use cloud storage to back up essential files. 
  • Amendment Window: Did you miss any deductions or credits? File Form 1040-X within three years of filing or two years of payment to receive a refund. 

Even after submitting your federal return, there are often a few loose ends to tie up. Below are some of the top things our clients ask about and what to do next. 

  1. Wondering when your refund will arrive?

Use the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool at IRS.gov to track the status. Have the following ready: 

  • Your Social Security number 
  • Filing status 
  • Exact refund amount 

Once submitted, the tracker will show whether your refund has been received, approved, or issued. 

  1. How long should you hold on to tax records?

At a minimum, keep records associated with your tax return for as long as the IRS has the authority to audit or assess additional taxes. In most cases, this period is known as the statute of limitations, which is three years from the date you filed your return. That means you can typically remove most supporting documentation related to 2021 and earlier years, unless you filed late or with an extension (if you filed an extended 2021 return, wait at least three years from the filing date before removing records). 

However, that time frame can extend to six years if more than 25% of your gross income was omitted from a return. In rare cases, such as failing to file a return or filing a fraudulent one, the IRS has no time limit to act. Hence, keeping supporting tax return documents for at least six years is recommended.  

Certain records should be kept longer: 

  • Keep all filed tax returns indefinitely to confirm your filing history. 
  • Upload older records to secure cloud storage before discarding physical files, ensuring you maintain access if needed later. This approach helps reduce clutter while preserving key documents in case of a future inquiry. 
  • Other types of documents should be kept longer or permanently in some cases. Examples include but are not limited to business and payroll documentation, estate and trust records, and property basis support. Consult with an ATA professional for details. 
  1. Think you missed a deduction or credit?

You may still be eligible for a refund by filing an amended return (Form 1040-X). In most cases, you have: 

  • Three years from the original filing date, or 
  • Two years from the date you paid the tax — whichever is later 

In limited situations, additional time may be available, such as up to seven years to claim a bad debt deduction. 

While the IRS has time limits for assessment of additional taxes, if income was omitted or understated, the IRS will usually accept an amended return past the three-year window if the amendment results in a balance due. It is best to file the amended return as soon as the discrepancy is discovered to minimize interest and penalties.  

  1. Received a notice from the IRS?

If the IRS needs additional information or adjusts your return, you’ll be contacted by mail only. Be aware: the IRS will never call, text, or email you to discuss your return. If you receive a letter from the IRS, reach out to us, and we’ll help you review the notice and respond appropriately.

  1. Moved recently? Don’t forget to update your address.

To avoid missing important IRS correspondence, complete Form 8822 to officially report a change of address. 

We’re Here for You Year-Round 

Tax questions don’t stop after April 15 and neither do we. Whether you’re facing a notice, amending a return, or preparing for next year, our team is here to help every step of the way. 

Need More Help? Contact your ATA tax advisor today. 

Categories
Helpful Articles Memphis, TN Tax

What Income Tax Documents Should You Keep and What Can You Discard? 

By Mark Puckett, CPA | Tax Principal 

Key Highlights 

  • Keep income tax returns forever as proof of filing. 
  • Hold supporting documents for six years, depending on your situation. 
  • Retain property and investment records until six years after the asset is sold. 
  • In divorce or separation, keep copies of joint returns and custody agreements. 
  • Protect documents using cloud storage or a fireproof safe. 

Once your 2024 tax return is filed, it may be tempting to clear out your files. But before you reach for the shredder or delete old digital folders, consider this: certain documents can still protect you in the event of an IRS audit or help establish the value of assets you sell in the future. 

Keep Your Tax Returns — Indefinitely 

Your filed tax returns serve as the cornerstone of your financial records. These should always be kept permanently. While most supporting documents (like receipts or canceled checks) only need to be retained temporarily, the return itself is essential for confirming what was filed and when. 

Supporting Documentation — Hold for at Least Six Years 

In general, the IRS has three years from the due date of your return (or the actual filing date, if later) to audit you, unless exceptions apply. During this window, you should keep supporting records such as: 

  • W-2s and 1099s 
  • Receipts and invoices 
  • Bank and credit card statements 
  • Charitable donation records 
  • Medical expense documentation 

If you understated income by more than 25%, the IRS has six years to assess taxes. And if you never file a return, there’s no time limit. Keep signed copies of all returns to prove filing. 

Property and Investment Records — Keep Until Six Years After Sale 

Some documents tie to transactions that span decades. For example, if you: 

  • Bought a home in 2009 
  • Made improvements in 2016 
  • Sold the home in 2024 

For this example, you’ll need to retain documentation from 2009 and 2016 to prove your cost basis on your 2024 tax return. This includes: 

  • Purchase documents 
  • Receipts for renovations 
  • Closing statements 

This same rule applies to investment assets, such as stocks or mutual funds, especially if dividends are reinvested over time. Each reinvestment counts as a separate purchase and should be documented. 

Special Circumstances — Divorce or Separation 

If you’re going through a divorce or separation, secure copies of all joint tax returns and related documents. Access to these records may be difficult later, and both spouses remain jointly liable for taxes filed on a joint return. Also retain custody agreements and any documents stating which parent can claim dependents. 

Protect Your Records from Loss 

Fire, theft, and natural disasters can destroy paper records. To keep your information safe: 

  • Use a fireproof safe or bank safe deposit box 
  • Maintain digital backups in encrypted cloud storage 
  • Organize records in a central location for quick evacuation if needed 

We’re Here to Help 

If you’re unsure about what records to keep and for how long, our team can guide you. Thoughtful record keeping today can help you avoid stress, penalties, and lost deductions tomorrow. Contact your ATA representative for guidance.  

 

Categories
Helpful Articles Henderson, KY

The Importance of Employee Theft and Dishonesty Insurance and Extra Expense Coverage

By Malcolm E. “Mac” Neel III, CPA, CFE | Forensic-Litigation Practice Leader 

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Executive Summary 

In today’s fast-paced business environment, internal risks can be as damaging as external threats, yet they are often overlooked. Two essential but often underutilized insurance protections are Employee Theft and Dishonesty Insurance and Extra Expense Coverage. These policies help businesses recover from internal fraud, embezzlement, and associated investigative costs. This article outlines why these coverages matter, what they include, and how they can provide critical financial protection for organizations of all sizes. 

Key Highlights 

  • Internal fraud poses a significant risk, costing organizations an estimated 5% of their annual revenue, according to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. 
  • No business is immune — even trusted, long-time employees may act dishonestly under personal or financial pressure. 
  • Coverage is affordable: A $100,000 policy typically costs between $600 and $750 per year. 
  • Extra Expense Coverage pays for legal and investigative costs related to financial misconduct, providing an added layer of protection. 
  • Work with a trusted advisor to determine the appropriate level of coverage for your business. 

Protecting Against Internal Risks Via Employee Theft and Dishonesty Coverage 

Employee Theft and Dishonesty Insurance, also known as fidelity bond or commercial crime insurance, provides crucial protection against financial losses. This coverage safeguards businesses from financial loss due to fraudulent or dishonest acts committed by employees, including theft of money, securities, property, embezzlement, forgery, and fraud. A well-structured insurance policy offers peace of mind and a financial safety net. Again, recent research indicates that $100,000 in coverage typically costs between $600 and $750 per year. The level of coverage your business ideally should have in place is best determined by consultation with your insurance agent or advisor. 

Extra Expense Coverage 

This policy covers investigative and legal costs resulting from internal financial crimes, such as embezzlement or misappropriation of funds. It complements employee theft coverage and is also relatively inexpensive given the level of protection it offers. 

True Story-Sad Story 

Thirty years ago, when I was a young staff accountant performing a review for a client, I noticed a few odd items of documentation provided to us which led to more questions. Secondly, the bookkeeper, in answering our standard inquiries, provided responses which were thoroughly illogical and made absolutely no sense. We made further inquiry of the owner and president of the business, providing him the documents we were given, and he asked us to dig a bit deeper into the matter.  

After gathering additional information, we noticed more inconsistencies and documentation which appeared to have been altered and checks which appeared to be signed by someone forging the owner’s name. In summary, the secretary-bookkeeper had embezzled approximately $190,000. The business had no Employee Theft and Dishonesty Coverage, and the company filed for bankruptcy as it was unable to meet its obligations. Had adequate coverage been in place, the company would have been made whole. 

Schedule a Consultation 

If you’re unsure whether your business is adequately protected against internal risks, our team can help you evaluate your insurance strategy and recommend next steps. Let’s make sure you have the safeguards in place to protect what you’ve built. Schedule a 30-minute complimentary consultation with me by filling out our contact form. 

Categories
News Tax

IRS Pushes Kentucky’s Tax Deadline to Nov. 3 After Spring Storms

IRS news Release KY-2025-02 granted comprehensive disaster‑related tax relief for individuals and businesses across the entire state of Kentucky after the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, and landslides that began on February 14, 2025. Kentucky taxpayers now have until November 3, 2025 to file enumerated federal returns and make tax payments.

The news Release specifies that a Nov. 3, 2025 deadline will now apply to:

  • Individual income tax returns and payments normally due on April 15, 2025.
  • 2024 contributions to IRAs and health savings accounts for eligible taxpayers.
  • The estimated tax payments normally due on April 15, June 16, and Sept. 15, 2025.
  • Penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due on or after Feb. 14, 2025, and before March 3, 2025, will be abated as long as the tax deposits are made by March 3, 2025.
  • Estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax returns that have an original or extended due date occurring on or after Feb. 14, 2025, and before Nov. 3, 2025.
  • Calendar-year fiduciary returns and payments normally due on April 15, 2025.
  • Calendar-year tax-exempt organization returns normally due on May 15, 2025.

The Nov. 3, 2025, deadline also applies to affected businesses:

  • Calendar-year corporation returns and payments normally due on April 15, 2025.
  • Quarterly payroll and excise tax returns normally due on April 30, July 31, and Oct. 31, 2025.
  • Calendar-year partnership and S corporation returns normally due on March 17, 2025.

Taxpayers who receive qualified disaster relief payments may generally exclude payments from gross income.

Taxpayers may be able to take a special disaster distribution from retirement plans or individual retirement arrangements (IRAs) without being subjected to the additional 10% early distribution tax and may be able to spread the income over three years.

Click here to read the full IRS statement. Please contact us if you have further questions.

Categories
AR Tax

All of Arkansas qualifies for disaster tax relief; various deadlines postponed to Nov. 3

IRS Information Release IR-2025-49 grants comprehensive disaster‑related tax relief to all individuals and businesses across Arkansas’s 75 counties after the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that began on April  2,  2025. Arkansas taxpayers now have until November 3, 2025 to file and pay enumerated  federal returns and related taxes.

The Notice specifies that the Nov. 3, 2025 deadline will now apply to:

  • Individual income tax returns and payments normally due on April 15, 2025.
  • 2024 contributions to IRAs and health savings accounts for eligible taxpayers.
  • Quarterly estimated tax payments normally due on April 15, June 16 and Sept. 15, 2025.
  • Quarterly payroll and excise tax returns normally due on April 30, July 31 and Oct. 31, 2025.
  • Calendar-year corporation and fiduciary returns and payments normally due on April 15, 2025.
  • Calendar-year tax-exempt organization returns normally due on May 15, 2025.

In addition, penalty for failing to make payroll and excise tax deposits on or after April 2, 2025, and before April 17, 2025 will be abated if deposits are made by April 17, 2025.

Further, the Notice provides guidance on how individuals and business who suffered uninsured or unreimbursed disaster-related losses can choose to claim them.

Taxpayers who receive qualified disaster relief payments may generally exclude such payments from gross income.

Taxpayers may be able to take a special disaster distribution from retirement plans or individual retirement arrangements (IRAs) without being subjected to the additional 10% early distribution tax and may be able to spread the income over three years.

Click here to read the full IRS statement. Please contact us if you have further questions.

Categories
Tax TN

All of Tennessee qualifies for disaster tax relief; various deadlines postponed to Nov. 3, 2025

IRS Information Release IR-2025-47 grants comprehensive disaster‑related tax relief to all individuals and businesses across Tennessee’s 95 counties after the severe storms, tornadoes, straight‑line winds and flooding that began on April  2,  2025. Tennessee taxpayers now have until November 3, 2025 to file and pay enumerated  federal returns and related taxes.

The Notice specifies that the Nov. 3, 2025 deadline will now apply to:

  • Individual income tax returns and payments normally due on April 15, 2025.

  • 2024 contributions to IRAs and health savings accounts for eligible taxpayers.

  • Quarterly estimated tax payments normally due on April 15, June 16 and Sept. 15, 2025.

  • Quarterly payroll and excise tax returns normally due on April 30, July 31 and Oct. 31, 2025.

  • Calendar-year corporation and fiduciary returns and payments normally due on April 15, 2025.

  • Calendar-year tax-exempt organization returns normally due on May 15, 2025.

Further, the Notice provides guidance on how individuals and business who suffered uninsured or unreimbursed disaster-related losses can choose to claim them.

Taxpayers who receive qualified disaster relief payments may generally exclude such payments from gross income.

Taxpayers may be able to take a special disaster distribution from retirement plans or individual retirement arrangements (IRAs) without being subjected to the additional 10% early distribution tax and may be able to spread the income over three years.

Click here to read the full IRS statement. Please contact us if you have further questions.

Categories
Tax

IRS Update: Key Tax Extension Guidance for Disaster-Affected Businesses

By Mark Puckett, CPA | Tax Principal 

The IRS reminds taxpayers affected by 2024 federally declared disasters that they automatically receive extended deadlines to file and pay 2024 federal income taxes. In most cases, the new deadline is May 1, 2025. Additional relief applies in select areas and for individuals impacted by international events. 

 

Key Highlights 

  • May 1, 2025, is the new deadline for most affected taxpayers 
  • Applies automatically—no need to request relief 
  • Further extensions: Oct. 15 and Nov. 3 in certain states, Sept. 30 for international cases 
  • Tax payments are still due by May 1, even if filing is delayed 

 

Who Qualifies for the May 1 Deadline? 

The May 1, 2025, deadline applies to taxpayers in areas covered by 2024 FEMA disaster declarations, including: 

  • Entire states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina 
  • Localities in: Alaska (Juneau), New Mexico (Chaves County), Tennessee (refer to detailed list), Virginia (refer to detailed list) 

The full list is here.   

 

What’s Covered Under the Extension 

Automatic relief includes: 

  • 2024 individual tax returns and payments (normally due April 15) 
  • Partnership and S Corporation returns (normally due March 17) 
  • Corporate and fiduciary returns and payments (normally due April 15) 
  • Quarterly estimated taxes (normally due April 15) 
  • Other time-sensitive filings as designated by the IRS  

No action is needed if your IRS address is in an affected area.  

 

Need More Time to File? 

To file beyond May 1, submit Form 4868: 

  • Electronically if before April 15 
  • On paper if between April 15 and May 1 

This extends the filing deadline to October 15, 2025, but does not extend the payment deadline—taxes must still be paid by May 1. 

 

Extended Relief: Other Deadlines 

Some areas have later deadlines: 

  • Oct. 15, 2025 – Los Angeles County, CA (January wildfires) 
  • Nov. 3, 2025 – All of Kentucky and parts of West Virginia 
  • Sept. 30, 2025 – U.S. taxpayers affected by 2023 terrorist attacks in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank 

 

Additional Notes 

  • Penalty relief is automatic, but call the IRS if you get a notice in error 
  • Taxpayers outside the disaster area with records inside it can request relief: 866-562-5227 
  • Workers aiding disaster recovery may also qualify 
  • Disaster losses can be claimed on either the current or prior year’s return (see Publication 547) 

 

Need More Help? Contact your ATA tax advisor or visit IRS Disaster Relief Center