Today the IRS announced that it is providing tax relief to individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Irene. So far the IRS is extending relief to certain counties and municipalities in New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Puerto Rico. You can visit the IRS website to see if your specific location is on the list. And keep checking back because FEMA will continue its damage assessments, and the IRS will most likely add to this list. If you live in one of the affected counties, then you will be able to postpone filing and paying certain taxes. Also, if you receive a penalty notice, you may call the IRS and they will abate the penalties and interest. If your tax preparer lives in one of the affected areas but you do not, you may be granted an extension as well.