In Ike’s wake, IRS gives extension to victims

Taxpayers and tax preparers in areas affected by Hurricane Ike will get an extra week to file returns and make payments due Sept. 15, the Internal Revenue Service said Friday.

The tax agency said those directly impacted by the storm will have until midnight, Sept. 22, to file corporate tax returns and third-quarter estimated taxes normally due on Sept. 15.

The IRS said the deadline will likely be extended again following damage assessments by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Affected taxpayers can mark paper tax returns with the words "Hurricane Ike." Those filing electronically can use the software's "disaster" feature, if available.