New Brunswick taxpayers hit by the St. John River flooding can get a break on filing their tax returns.

Federal Revenue Minister Gordon O'Connor said Friday that people who miss the filing deadline because of flood problems can get special consideration.

He said the rules allow the Canada Revenue Agency to waive penalties for late filing in cases of natural disaster.

Taxpayers who file late because of the flood can get a special form to ask for relief from late fees and interest.

O'Connor said he doesn't want to cause any added hardship for those caught up in the flood.