The IRS has once again extended the tax filing and payment deadlines in most parts of California due to destruction caused by landslides, mudslides, and severe storms. Now those Californians have until October 16th to file, as opposed to the previously announced May 15th date.

The IRS has extended the fourth quarter 2022 estimated tax payment deadline to October 16th. The 2023 estimated tax payments due on April 18th, June 15th, and September 15th, as well as the quarterly payroll and excise tax returns due on January 31st, April 30th, and July 31st, have also been delayed until October 16th. No contact or extension paperwork is necessary to take advantage of the extended time. If taxpayers receive penalty notifications within the postponed period, they should contact the number provided for the penalty to be waived.

The IRS recently issued a warning about a dramatic increase in the number of tax-related texting scams (also called “smishing”) occurring across the U.S. The scammers typically send a text message that appears to be from the IRS, which might include fake instructions to create an online IRS account, threats of tax penalties, or promises of tax or disaster relief. The message then urges recipients to click a link or call a phone number, where criminals stand ready to steal sensitive personal information like Social Security or bank account numbers.

If you receive a suspicious text claiming to be from the IRS, do not respond or click any links. The IRS does not send text messages requesting personal, tax or financial information. You can also help stop the scammers by reporting any smishing messages to phishing@irs.gov. Include a copy of the bogus message, the number that it came from, and the date, time and location you received it.