IRS Just Extended the Tax Deadline for 12 States – See If Yours Made the List!

If you live in one of a dozen storm-ravaged states, you could be getting some much-needed breathing room when it comes to filing your taxes. The IRS has officially extended the 2025 federal tax filing and payment deadlines for individuals and businesses in 12 states impacted by Hurricane Helene.

 New Tax Deadline: May 1, 2025

Due to the severe damage caused by Hurricane Helene in late 2024, the IRS is giving residents and businesses in designated disaster zones until May 1, 2025, to file their 2024 tax returns and make payments.

This extension applies to several important tax deadlines that would’ve normally fallen between late September 2024 and mid-April 2025.

 Which States Are Covered?

So far, the IRS has granted relief to affected areas in:

• Alabama

• Florida

• Georgia

• North Carolina

• South Carolina

• Tennessee

• Virginia

Additional areas could be added depending on further FEMA disaster declarations.

 Who’s Automatically Eligible?

The good news? You don’t have to apply for this relief. If your home or business is located in a federally-declared disaster area (as recognized by FEMA), the IRS automatically applies the extension based on the address they have on file.

Still, it’s a smart idea to double-check if your specific city or county is included in the disaster zone by visiting IRS.gov.

 What’s Covered in the Extension?

The IRS extension isn’t just for your annual tax return. It also includes:

• Quarterly estimated tax payments

• Business returns due in the fall or winter

• Payroll and excise tax filings

Basically, if you had any IRS deadlines between September 2024 and April 2025, they now fall under the May 1 grace period—if you’re in one of the affected areas.

What About State Taxes?

This IRS extension only applies to federal taxes. Each state has its own rules and deadlines, so check with your state’s Department of Revenue to see if additional time has also been granted for state taxes.

 Final Tip: Don’t Wait Too Long

Even with the extension, it’s best to gather your documents and file as soon as you’re able. Delays in disaster-affected areas can be unpredictable, and getting ahead of the curve means faster refunds and less stress down the line.

Need help checking your eligibility or finding more resources? Visit the IRS’s Disaster Relief page or talk to a licensed tax preparer to make sure you don’t miss out on this important extension.