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512-463-4070
1-800-531-5441 Fax 512-475-0345 www.window.state.tx.us |
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For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, October 25, 2006 |
Contact: Dick Ellis or Sheila Clancy
512-463-4070 |
Comptroller Strayhorn Announces Tax Relief for Flooded Southeast Texas
(Austin)--Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn today announced that Texas taxpayers in nine Southeast Texas counties may request extensions of up to 90 days to file state tax returns due in October and November. Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Newton, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto and Tyler counties have been declared disaster areas due to recent heavy rainfall and flooding.
"Now is the time to be focusing on recovery, not worrying about filing tax returns," Strayhorn said.
"When a disaster impacts hard-working Texans' lives and livelihoods, I want to do everything I can to help the folks who are affected," Strayhorn said. "These individuals and families need time to get their lives, homes and businesses back in order."
In addition to extending tax-filing deadlines, Texas law allows Comptroller Strayhorn to exempt from sales taxes:
- The cost of labor to repair storm-damaged, nonresidential property, including office buildings and stores (labor charges must be separately stated on the repair bill, Texas does not impose sales tax on labor for residential repairs);
- Services used to restore storm-damaged property, including dry cleaning of clothing and draperies, rug and carpet cleaning and appliance repairs.
"I strongly encourage business owners and homeowners to take advantage of the tax extensions and exemptions that are available to them," Strayhorn said.
For more information or to request a tax filing extension, call the Comptroller's toll-free tax assistance line in Austin at (800) 252-5555.
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