WHARTON COUNTY — Residents and businesses in Wharton County are among those eligible for federal disaster tax relief following severe storms and flooding that began across parts of Texas in July.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced Tuesday, October 27, that qualifying taxpayers in 62 Texas counties, including Wharton County, will have until February 1, 2027, to meet certain federal tax filing and payment deadlines.
Governor Greg Abbott announced the approval Wednesday, October 28, following a request submitted to the U.S. Treasury Department on October 15.
Several neighboring counties are also included, including Austin, Brazoria, Colorado, Fort Bend, Jackson and Matagorda counties.
What Does the Extension Cover?
The relief applies to certain federal tax filing and payment deadlines that fall between July 14, 2026, and January 31, 2027.
This includes individuals who received a valid extension to file their 2025 federal income tax returns, which were otherwise due October 15.
However, the IRS clarified that 2025 income tax payments originally due April 15, 2026, are not included because that deadline occurred before the disaster period.
Certain quarterly payroll tax returns, business tax returns and estimated income tax payments are also covered.
Not every federal tax deadline or business tax deposit qualifies for the extension.
Do Residents Need to Apply?
According to the IRS, eligible taxpayers living or operating a business in Wharton County generally do not need to apply separately.
The agency automatically identifies qualifying taxpayers using their address information.
Residents do not necessarily need to have experienced property damage to qualify for the deadline postponement.
Individuals outside the designated counties whose necessary tax records are located within the disaster area may also qualify.
Those taxpayers can contact the IRS at 866-562-5227 to request assistance.
What About Existing IRS Payment Plans?
The IRS also announced temporary protections for taxpayers making payments through installment agreements.
Missed payments during the postponement period will not cause an existing payment agreement to default.
However, interest and late-payment penalties may continue to accumulate, and automatic withdrawals will continue unless arrangements are made to stop them.
Why Was the Relief Approved?
Governor Abbott issued a state disaster proclamation on July 14 following severe storms and flooding across Texas.
On October 15, Abbott requested federal tax relief for taxpayers in all 62 counties covered by the proclamation.
The IRS subsequently approved the deadline postponements.
The relief is separate from federal disaster assistance programs that provide financial help for property damage and recovery expenses.
What Residents Should Know
The extension does not eliminate taxes owed or automatically provide a refund.
Instead, it allows eligible individuals and businesses additional time to meet certain federal tax obligations.
Taxpayers who receive a penalty notice involving a deadline covered by the disaster relief should contact the IRS using the number listed on the notice.
How to Get Tax Relief: Eligible Wharton County residents and businesses generally receive the federal tax deadline extension automatically and do not need to apply. For eligibility information and qualifying deadlines, visit the IRS official disaster tax relief announcement.
Sources: Internal Revenue Service, October 27, 2026 | Office of Governor Greg Abbott, October 28, 2026
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