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The House unanimously passed H.R. 1491 to ensure taxpayers in disaster zones have more time to claim refunds and are protected from premature IRS collection notices.
H.R. 1491, the Disaster Related Extension of Deadlines Act, provides administrative relief to taxpayers affected by major disasters, significant fires, or military actions. It ensures that when the IRS extends a filing deadline due to a disaster, the legal window for claiming a tax refund is automatically extended as well. Additionally, it prohibits the IRS from sending out notices demanding payment until the extended disaster-related deadline has passed. This vote was conducted under a procedure called 'suspension of the rules.' This is a fast-track method used for bills that have broad support and are not considered controversial. Because it skips several procedural steps, it requires a two-thirds supermajority of members voting to pass, rather than a simple majority. The bill passed with unanimous support from all members present, easily clearing the supermajority threshold. This bipartisan consensus reflects a shared goal of helping disaster victims avoid financial penalties or administrative headaches while they are recovering from catastrophes. Following this House passage, the bill moved forward to eventually become law.
Following House passage, the bill was sent to the Senate for consideration.
OPEN BILL →Why it matters. This bill prevents disaster victims from losing their tax refunds due to administrative technicalities and stops the IRS from demanding money before a disaster extension has ended.
Who’s affected. Disaster Victims: Provides more time to claim refunds and stops premature collection notices during recovery. · Taxpayers: Ensures that federal extensions for filing also protect the right to receive money back from the government.
Democrats. Democrats voted unanimously (203-0) in favor of the bill.
Republicans. Republicans voted unanimously (169-0) in favor of the bill.
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended
Apr 1, 2025
The House unanimously passed H.R.
1491 to ensure taxpayers in disaster zones have more time to claim refunds and are protected from premature IRS collection notices.
The House used 'suspension of the rules,' a shortcut for non-controversial bills. This procedure requires a two-thirds supermajority to pass, which is a higher bar than the usual simple majority.
Following House passage, the bill was sent to the Senate for consideration.
This bill prevents disaster victims from losing their tax refunds due to administrative technicalities and stops the IRS from demanding money before a disaster extension has ended.
This was a rare unanimous vote where every member present from all parties supported the measure.
Democrats voted unanimously (203-0) in favor of the bill.
Republicans voted unanimously (169-0) in favor of the bill.
The one independent member voted in favor.