IR-2007-45

From TaxAlmanac

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Farmers, Fishermen Affected by Storms Can Seek Penalty Relief

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that farmers and fishermen may ask the IRS to waive any estimated tax penalties if the taxpayers were affected by the snowstorms that began on February 19, 2006.

The timing and suddenness of the storm, as well as the resulting power outages, may have affected the ability of many farmers and fishermen to file their 2006 calendar year return by March 1, 2007.

Generally, farmers and fisherman can avoid an estimated tax penalty if they file their returns and pay the full amount of tax shown on their return by March 1, 2006. An individual is a farmer or fisherman for these purposes if two-thirds of the individual’s total gross income for the taxable year or the preceding taxable year is from farming or fishing (including oyster farming).

If a taxpayer has an underpayment of estimated tax, all or part of the penalty for the underpayment may be waived if the IRS determines that the underpayment was due to a casualty, disaster or other unusual circumstance and it would be inequitable to impose the penalty.

To request a waiver of the estimated tax penalty, complete Form 2210-F Underpayment of Estimated Tax by Farmers and Fisherman. As indicated in the instructions, attach a statement explaining the reasons you are unable to meet the estimated tax requirements. At the top of your request write “Request for Waiver Due to Winter Ice Storms”.

Taxpayers may download forms and publications from IRS.gov or may order them by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676). The IRS toll-free number for general tax questions is 1-800-829-1040.