SAN ANTONIO – Texans affected by July’s severe storms may have more time to file and pay certain taxes, while flood survivors in the Hill Country continue waiting for additional federal disaster aid.
On July 14, Governor Greg Abbott issued a state disaster proclamation covering 62 counties in Texas, acknowledging the widespread damage and disruption caused by the storms. Following this, on October 15, the governor formally requested tax relief for those impacted.
In response, the IRS granted the governor’s request on Wednesday, announcing tax relief measures for individuals and businesses located in the disaster-affected counties. This relief allows eligible taxpayers to postpone certain tax-filing and payment deadlines, extending the due date for returns originally due in July until February 1.
Taxpayers seeking this relief are encouraged to reach out to the IRS Special Services toll-free number at 866-562-5227 for assistance and further information.
While this tax relief offers some respite, many flood survivors are still advocating for additional assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Following the denial of individual assistance for many victims, President Donald Trump announced at a Corpus Christi rally that more FEMA relief funds would be allocated. He stated, “I’m pleased to announce that I will be making available more FEMA relief funds from this year’s floods in Texas Hill Country.”
Rebuild, a natural disaster survivors association, has reported that Abbott has appealed FEMA’s decision, as many flood victims continue to face significant challenges in their recovery efforts. “Survivors need answers now,” expressed Allison Brim-Estelle, Rebuild’s field director. “We’re over a hundred days after the flood. People are literally displaced.”
Brim-Estelle highlighted the dire conditions some survivors are facing, including health issues stemming from unsafe living environments. One individual from Hill Country has reportedly developed respiratory problems due to the conditions in which they are living.
Juliet Weldin, a flood victim from 2025, responded to Trump’s promise, emphasizing the need for immediate action rather than rhetoric. “Now, with an election just days away, Washington is finally talking about more help,” she stated. “We welcome it. But we also know the difference between a campaign promise and a family getting the assistance they desperately need.”
In the meantime, organizations like Catholic Charities are stepping up to support those affected by the flooding. They continue to provide financial assistance and resources to flood victims, with walk-in assistance available in Uvalde and Zavala counties.
For those seeking help, here are the locations for assistance:
Uvalde Location
Zavala County Locations
