Contact Congress about H.R. 5863: Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023
Some wildfire victims and people affected by the East Palestine train derailment would not owe federal income tax on certain relief payments. The bill also gives some taxpayers more time and easier rules to claim disaster loss refunds.
Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.
Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023 is a House bill in Congress.
Who this affects: This bill mainly affects people who received money after certain wildfires or the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment. It also affects taxpayers who want to claim disaster losses or ask the IRS for a refund. Tax preparers and the IRS would need to apply the special rules and deadlines.
Why this matters: Disaster payments are often used to rebuild, move, replace lost income, or cover urgent needs. If those payments are taxed, victims keep less money for recovery. This bill would let some people keep more of that money, but only if they meet the bill's rules. It may also reduce federal tax revenue, depending on how many people qualify.
Key provisions in H.R. 5863
- The bill keeps special tax rules for some disaster-related personal losses. It does this by using rules from the 2020 Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act.
- Some wildfire relief payments would not count as taxable income. The wildfire must be a federally declared forest or range fire disaster declared after December 31, 2014.
- Covered wildfire payments can pay for extra living costs, some lost wages, injury, death, emotional distress, and property losses. Insurance or another source must not have already paid for the same loss.
- The wildfire tax break has a time limit. It applies only to payments received in tax years after December 31, 2019, and before January 1, 2026.
- People cannot get two tax breaks for the same loss. They cannot exclude the payment and also claim a deduction, credit, or higher tax basis for the same cost or damage.
How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 5863
You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.
Questions people ask about H.R. 5863
- What is H.R. 5863?
- Some wildfire victims and people affected by the East Palestine train derailment would not owe federal income tax on certain relief payments. The bill also gives some taxpayers more time and easier rules to claim disaster loss refunds.
- How do I support or oppose H.R. 5863?
- Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.
- Who should I contact about H.R. 5863?
- Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.
- Can Modern Action explain H.R. 5863 before I act?
- Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.
