Federal agencies are providing resources and tax relief to those affected by wildfires in Hawaii. ACA members should have plans in place to modify consumer outreach strategies if necessary.
08/21/2022 1:18 P.M.
3 minute read
Federal resources are being allocated to the Hawaiian island of Maui impacted by wildfires that affected tens of thousands of people. Here’s a rundown of what you should keep in mind and available resources you can pass on to consumers if necessary, as well as a key ACA SearchPoint document to help guide your communications.
Federal Response & Resources
President Joe Biden signed a Major Disaster Declaration for the state and launched a whole-of-government effort to support residents and communities affected by the fires.
A fact sheet released by the White House encourages individuals impacted by the disaster to register for federal assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov. It also lists other resources for Maui residents, including information on low-interest disaster loans for businesses, updates to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and 90-day relief from foreclosures of Federal Housing Administration-insured mortgages and home equity conversion mortgages.
Additionally, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has put together a guide for consumers impacted by a natural disaster that includes tips for protecting their finances and recovering or rebuilding afterwards.
Within the guide are resources to help consumers, such as tackling housing issues, protecting your finances, dealing with property damage, managing your bills, and asking for help from the companies you deal with.
Internal Revenue Service Tax Relief
The Internal Revenue Service announced expansive tax relief for Hawaii wildfire victims in Maui and Hawaii counties. These consumers now have until Feb. 15, 2024, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.
The IRS is offering relief to any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This means that individuals and households that reside or have a business in these counties qualify for tax relief. Learn more here.
For more information on resources related to the fires in Hawaii, you can visit the FEMA website.
Reminder on Communication Procedures During Disasters and Emergencies
ACA International members should review their communication plans to help consumers impacted by this natural disaster.
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green recently issued the sixth emergency proclamation relating to the ongoing devastation created by the wildfires on Maui and throughout Hawaii. Some banks and post offices in Maui still remain closed.
ACA members have strong compliance management systems in place to manage calls and modify consumer outreach strategies to consumers in areas affected by the fires or where do-not-call orders are in effect. Accounts receivable management companies can implement hardship programs to limit calls to consumers and/or set up payment plans to help them manage their accounts when communications resume.
ACA encourages members to use their judgment and discretion when contacting consumers who may be impacted by the state of emergency at this time and consult with their counsel for guidance if needed.
For more compliance information, visit ACA’s SearchPoint Library, which includes a document on Natural Disasters & Collection Efforts for members.
Remember, subscribe to ACA Daily and Member Alerts under your My ACA profile when logged in to acainternational.org to receive updates on the ACA Huddle.