FEMA Disaster Relief Grants not Taxable in RI

FEMA Disaster Relief Grants not Taxable in RI

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster relief grants that were handed out beginning in April 2010 in RI to residents of RI are not taxable.
This is an important point and information for those having received the disaster relief grants after Rhode Island’s March 2010 severe rains and flooding that encompassed most of RI in April 2010.  This means that the grant relief money is not subject to income tax, self employment tax, employment taxes (i.e. social security, medicare and federal unemployment taxes). Since this money is not considered income it is not reportable when you file your federal tax return.  Remember it is the ‘grant’ relief dollars that are not taxable to you in RI real estate.
2010 RI Flood in RI
There continues to be a lot of confusion for the recipients of this disaster relief money on how it impacts other program assistance for the impacted recipients of the dollars.  And I have to say that the information communicated has not been as clear to these recipients as it should have been.

To clarify again if you received disaster relief payments as follows you do not pay income taxes or social security taxes on the dollars received:

-For personal, family or living expenses.
-For expenses incurred for the repair or renovation of a person’s residence (rented or owned).
-For expenses for the repair or replacement of the contents of one’s personal residence.

Many older Rhode Islanders who are receiving social security benefits worry that it may impact how much tax they pay on the income they receive.  As long as it is a disaster relief grant it will not be counted as income and will not be taxed.  This is a benefit which rarely many of us experience and is a great thing.  Focus on a better tomorrow and the continued rebuilding of your life and residence because it is important to look ahead right now. You have made it through this tumultuous event and going forward.

2010 RI Flood in RI

FEMA promises to have periodic updates on this information but the Disaster Relief Grants are not taxable income for Rhode Islanders.

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Ginny Lacey Gorman lives in North Kingstown RI and knows the geographic area, schools, happenings, important tidbits of information and businesses well.  If you are looking for someone to guide you through the home buying or selling process, she is a licensed real estate agent and would be happy to assist you.

When you are in need of more information from an internet savvy Rhode Island Real Estate agent who sells houses in this real estate market, just call Ginny at 401.529.7849.