Boston-area taxpayers and others have until July 15 to file their 2012 returns as a result of the Boston Marathon explosions, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

The relief applies to all individual taxpayers who live in Suffolk County, Mass., including the city of Boston. It also includes victims, their families, first responders and others impacted by this tragedy who live outside Suffolk County and taxpayers whose tax preparers were adversely affected.

No filing or payment penalties will be due as long as returns are filed and payments are made by July 15, 2013. By law, interest, currently at the annual rate of 3 percent compounded daily, will still apply to any payments made after the April deadline.

The IRS will automatically provide the extension to anyone living in Suffolk County. However, eligible taxpayers living outside Suffolk County can claim this relief by calling 1-866-562-5227 starting Tuesday, April 23. Eligible taxpayers who receive penalty notices from the IRS can also call this number to have these penalties abated.

“Our hearts go out to the people affected by this tragic event,” said IRS Acting Commissioner Steven T. Miller. “We want victims and others affected by this terrible tragedy to have the time they need to finish their individual tax returns.”