The kinder, gentler IRS has issued tax deadline relief in 72 counties in Missouri and Kansas that were declared eligible for federal disaster assistance as a result of a devastating ice storm on January 30.

Farmers, business owners, trusts, and tax-exempt organizations that normally are required to file tax returns in February and early March have until March 15 to file tax returns, including some federal excise, employment, and highway use tax returns. Payments due with these returns are also given an automatic extension to March 15.

Affected taxpayers wishing to take advantage of the extension of time should write Missouri Severe Winter Ice Storm Disaster or Kansas Severe Winter Ice Storm Disaster in red at the top of all forms and payments who which the extension applies.

The extension does not apply to retirement plan returns, employment and excise tax deposits, W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and other forms that are used for information purposes.

More information is available from the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.