Anthony Sykes & Company

             There are many things that go through the minds of individuals and families during a disaster. One of the greatest concerns is how they can provide for their needs. This is especially true if they have been displaced or have lost a source of income. That is the situation of many in LA County right now. One source of relief that some may not think of is an Individual Retirement Account ( IRA ). Usually when taking an early distribution or withdrawal it would be limited and taxed. When it comes to a disaster situation, some of these things can be waived. This would only apply to those taxpayers who qualify. A person could qualify if they are displaced from their home, if their home is significantly damaged, or if they have temporary or permanent income loss. This could allow them to avoid the tax now and give them three years to pay back what is withdrawn. Check with your qualified tax professional to see if this is an option for you....

        The Internal Revenue Service ( IRS ) has announced that the beginning of tax season will be January 27, 2025. It would be best to organize financial and tax related documents now. It will simplify the filing process and reduce overall stress. However, it must be stated that for many of us, these times are anything but simple.         The fires across the Los Angeles area have forever changed so many lives. For this reason, LA County has been declared a federal disaster area. That has allowed the IRS to postpone the filing deadline to October 15 . This allows for those impacted directly by the fires to focus on what is most important right now and work on rebuilding their lives one step at a time.