IRS Extends Tax Filing Deadlines for Disaster-Affected States

News Summary

The IRS has announced extended tax filing deadlines until May 1, 2025, for residents in states affected by natural disasters in 2024 and 2025. The extensions apply to Florida, North Carolina, and others impacted by severe weather events. Furthermore, residents in Los Angeles County, California, and parts of Kentucky and West Virginia have even later deadlines due to additional disasters. Taxpayers are encouraged to prepare their documents ahead of time to ensure timely submission and compliance.

Washington D.C. – Taxpayers across the United States are reminded that the deadline to file 2024 tax returns and make any necessary tax payments is set for April 15, 2025, at midnight. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) commenced accepting tax returns on January 27, 2025, and millions of people have already submitted their filings.

For residents of certain states affected by natural disasters in 2024 and 2025, automatic extensions on tax deadlines have been implemented, allowing additional time for taxpayers to fulfill their obligations. States currently benefiting from these extensions include Florida, North Carolina, and seven others. This leniency is applicable to those who live or operate businesses in areas declared disaster zones by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The state of Florida, for instance, faced devastating impacts from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which wreaked havoc in September and October of 2024. These storms caused widespread destruction, prompting the IRS to extend the filing deadlines to May 1, 2025, for affected residents.

North Carolina was also significantly affected by Hurricane Helene, which resulted in a tragic toll of at least 215 lives lost, more than half of which occurred within state borders. As a result, taxpayers in this region, along with those in other FEMA-declared disaster areas, can benefit from the longer deadline.

In total, nine states are included in the automatic extension for tax filings due to disaster declarations. These states include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Other locations impacted include specific areas in Alaska (Juneau), Chaves County in New Mexico, and designated counties in both Tennessee and Virginia.

Taxpayers residing in these regions now have until May 1, 2025, to file their tax returns or make payment. However, for those living in Los Angeles County, California, the deadline extends even further to October 15, 2025. This extension comes in response to severe wildfires in January 2025, which led to over 29 deaths and extensive property damage.

Additionally, taxpayers in Kentucky and certain counties in West Virginia are granted an extended deadline until November 3, 2025, due to severe storms experienced in February 2025. Moreover, individuals and businesses located in Israel, Gaza, or the West Bank are allowed until September 30, 2025, to file their tax returns and submit payments.

As the April 15 deadline looms, individuals who have yet to file are advised to begin gathering necessary documentation, such as W-2 and 1099 forms, to ensure a timely submission. Preparing these documents well in advance can alleviate some of the stress that often accompanies tax season.

Taxpayers should ensure they are aware of their state’s specific provisions regarding extensions and assess their eligibility for additional time where applicable. Keeping track of the extended deadlines will help alleviate any potential issues and encourage compliance with tax regulations.

Overall, the IRS is committed to supporting taxpayers coping with the aftermath of disasters while maintaining oversight of the tax filing process. The automatic extensions apply only to those specifically located in designated affected areas, reminding taxpayers that attention to local regulations and deadlines is crucial.

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