Resources and tips from the FCC and IRS help you secure your communication with consumers and provide relief during unforeseen weather emergencies. ACA members must also have plans in place to protect their companies and employees, as well as consumer outreach strategies.
12/17/2021 11:30 A.M.
3 minute read
Federal agencies are providing resources to those affected by the Kentucky tornadoes this month and ACA International members should continue to review their communication plans to help consumers impacted by a natural disaster, as well as their business preparedness strategy.
Internal Revenue Service Tax Relief
Those affected by the Kentucky tornadoes will have until May 16, 2022, to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments, according to a press release from the IRS.
This extended relief to taxpayers affected by the storms, tornadoes and flooding that took place starting Dec. 10 will be available to those who live or have a business in surrounding counties in Kentucky and neighboring states, with the full list of eligible localities available on the IRS’s disaster relief page.
In addition to the 2021 tax filing postponement, penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due on or after Dec. 10 and before Dec. 17 will be abated as long as deposits are made by Dec. 27, 2021. More information on this is provided on the IRS’s disaster relief page as well.
Emergency Communications
The Federal Communications Commission has also made available emergency communications needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in relation to the effects of the Kentucky tornadoes, and urges emergency communications providers to contact the FCC Operations Center for assistance.
Additionally, the FCC released procedures for providing emergency communications in Kentucky counties impacted by tornadoes, with guidance on special temporary authority (STA) for wireless telecommunications and other needs in the aftermath of the Kentucky tornadoes.
ACA Resources for Businesses and Consumers
ACA encourages association units to update their disaster preparedness plan in the case of emergencies like those that occurred in Kentucky.
Disaster preparedness is twofold in the accounts receivable management industry—members must have plans in place to protect their companies and employees and there must be a plan for modifying communications with consumers who may be affected by a storm and cannot make a payment or be reached by telephone or mail, temporarily, ACA previously reported.
For more information on resources related to the tornadoes in Kentucky, you can visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) website.
To receive notifications about ACA content—including member alerts, upcoming events and new products—text ALERTS to 96997. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency will vary. To opt-out at any time, reply STOP to any message we send.
Follow ACA International on Twitter @ACAIntl and @acacollector, Facebook and request to join our LinkedIn group for news and event updates. ACA International members are welcome to submit news items for possible publication to [email protected]. Visit our publications page for news submission guidelines and subscriptions to ACA Daily, Collector magazine and Pulse. Advertising is available for companies wishing to promote their products or services. Be sure to visit the ACA Events Calendar for a listing of upcoming CORE Courses and Hot Topics featuring critical educational opportunities for your company.