IRS granting tax relief to WA counties scorched by wildfires

Seven counties and three tribal nations are included in the tax exemption.

By Dianna Hawryluk August 31, 2026 1:23 pm

Mountain ridge at sunrise with soft fog filling the valleys and distant hills bathed in warm light — ContributedArea affected by the B and O fire in July. Image courtesy of Northeast Washington Fire Information.

OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The IRS is offering some financial relief to our state’s wildfire victims.

In a pair of letters issued earlier Monday, Aug. 31, the IRS said that it will postpone tax deadlines for residents and businesses in seven counties, including three tribal nations.

Earlier this month, Gov. Bob Ferguson’s office said he requested a one-year tax deadline postponement for seven counties and three tribal territories. The request to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent came as residents in hard-hit wildfire areas return to destroyed properties.

Counties included in the extension are Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens and Yakima. Impacted tribes are Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and Spokane Tribe of Indians.

The governor previously issued a suspension on state taxes for businesses in the affected areas.

Impacted residents and businesses now have until Feb. 1 to file returns, excise or payroll taxes due from July 31 and beyond.

Most impacted individuals and businesses have already been identified by the IRS for the extensions. Anyone who believes they also qualify for the tax relief should contact the IRS Special Services Department.