In the wake of Hurricane Gustav, the Internal Revenue Service announced specific tax relief to storm victims.

All deadlines that would have been due between Sept. 1 and Jan. 5 for taxpayers who reside in or have a business in an affected area have been postponed until Jan. 5.

Postponed deadlines include:

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• Individual estimated tax payments due Sept. 15.

• Corporate extended 1120 tax returns due Sept. 15.

• Individual extended 1040 tax returns due Oct. 15.

“As residents of Louisiana return to their homes following Hurricane Gustav, taxes are one thing they won’t need to worry about,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “This relief gives them extra time to get their lives in order before having to deal with tax matters.”

Deirdre Harris, an IRS spokeswoman, said taxpayers in affected areas have the option of claiming storm-related losses on their income tax return, either on an amended 2008 return or on their 2009 return. She said only personal property losses not covered by insurance can be claimed.

She said the IRS will waive fees associated with requests for copies of previously filed returns. The state Department of Revenue has announced it will offer tax relief with extensions on filing and payment deadlines for many state taxes.

The extensions are available in Iberia, St. Martin and St. Mary parishes and include state excise, sales and severance taxes with filing dates between Sept. 1 and Sept. 30. The deadline for these taxes has been extended until Oct. 15.

There is also a specific tax credit available for businesses located within the Atchafalaya National Heritage Development Area.

Debra Credeur, executive director of the Atchafalaya program, said businesses that interpret, access, develop, promote or reinforce the unique character of the Heritage Area are eligible for a credit on the business’ Louisiana income tax return.

“It will take many resources to recover, and to qualifying businesses this could be one of those resources,” she said.

Guidelines are available at www.revenue.louisiana.gov.

Mike Tarantino, president and CEO of the Industrial Development Foundation, said tax breaks like these can go a long way with helping businesses recover from natural disasters.

“Businesses file quarterly tax returns and information at the federal and state level who realize there has been quite a bit of businesses interruption from Hurricane Gustav,” Tarantino said. “These extensions will help businesses overcome this interruption and focus more on recovering right now.”