IRS pushes back tax deadline for Sandy

The IRS announced Wednesday that it is giving taxpayers in the path of Hurricane Sandy an extra week to make certain payments.

That decision gives many businesses in the eastern part of the country until Nov. 7 to make payroll and excise tax returns and payments. Those payments are normally due on Oct. 31. 

Hurricane Sandy ripped through much of the mid-Atlantic and the Northeast this week, damaging many areas and transportation routes.

The IRS said Wednesday that taxpayers don’t need to apply for the extra week, and that those who wrongly receive a penalty will be able to request a waiver from the agency.

The tax-collecting agency also said that it will likely offer further relief in the coming days.