The Internal Revenue Service has announced federal tax relief for individuals and businesses impacted by wildfires and straight-line winds in Southeast Georgia beginning April 18, 2026. Affected taxpayers in Clinch, Echols, and Brantley counties now have until August 20, 2026, to file various federal tax returns and make tax payments.

The relief applies to tax deadlines that originally fell between April 18 and August 20, 2026. This includes individual income tax returns, quarterly payroll and excise tax returns, estimated tax payments, and several business-related filings. The IRS says penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due between April 18 and May 4 will also be waived if payments are made by May 4.

Taxpayers living or operating businesses outside the disaster area, but whose records are located in the impacted counties, may also qualify for relief by contacting the IRS Special Services hotline. The agency says additional counties could later be added to the disaster declaration area.

The IRS also reminded residents that qualified wildfire relief payments may be excluded from taxable income and that some retirement plan hardship withdrawals may qualify for special disaster-related tax treatment. Free tax preparation assistance remains available through programs such as VITA, TCE, AARP Tax-Aide, and IRS Free File.