PASSED: Kustoff Bill to Help Americans Recover from Natural Disasters Passed by the House of Representatives

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 517, the Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act, that was introduced by Reps. David Kustoff (R-TN) and Judy Chu (D-CA). This bipartisan legislation will provide relief to taxpayers impacted by natural disasters and emergencies. 

Click here to watch Congressman Kustoff's remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives. 
 
“When disaster strikes, victims should be focused on rebuilding, recovering, and caring for their loved ones. They should not have to worry about complying with bureaucratic red tape from the IRS," said Congressman Kustoff. “I am proud to see the House of Representatives pass my bill, the Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act. This commonsense legislation will make much needed changes to the tax code and ensure communities have the flexibility they need to start the recovery process."

“A slow Washington bureaucracy should not stand in the way of recovery after a hurricane, tornado, or other natural disaster destroys a community. Victims of such catastrophes should be able to have their tax filing deadlines postponed regardless of whether the federal or state government declares a disaster first. I want to thank Representative Kustoff for putting forward a common-sense idea that helps the people of West Tennessee and all Americans hit by a natural disaster,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO). 
 
Background:
Currently, the U.S. Department of Treasury has the authority to postpone tax filing deadlines to taxpayers affected by federally-declared disasters. However, this does not extend to state-level emergencies. The Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act would authorize the Treasury, in consultation with FEMA, to extend relief to impacted taxpayers as soon as the governor of a state declares a disaster or state of emergency. This legislation would also expand the current mandatory extension following a federally-declared disaster declaration from 60 to 120 days.

The Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act unanimously passed out of the House Committee on Ways and Means on February 26, 2025. Click here to read the full text of the bill.
 

###