IRS Opens Dedicated Phone Line for Gulf Oil Spill Victims

Today the IRS announced the opening of a special telephone line for taxpayers affected by the Gulf oil spill. Individuals who have questions about the BP payments or who are experiencing filing or payment hardships because of the oil spill should contact the IRS at 866-562-5277. This special phone line will operate weekdays from 7 am to 10 pm local time.

In certain cases, the IRS can assist oil spill victims by suspending collection and examination actions; however, the taxpayer must request it.

In addition to the new phone line, the IRS will conduct a special assistance day on July 17 for oil spill victims in seven coastal cities:

Taxpayers and tax preparers will be able to work directly with IRS employees to resolve tax issues, including specific topics related to the oil spill. The seven cities are:

• Mobile, Alabama
• Panama City, Florida
• Pensacola, Florida
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Houma, Louisiana
• Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Gulfport, Mississippi

If you need additional information or help with representation before the IRS, please contact my office at 850-470-8403.