Since today is the 15th of April 2025 — Tax Day for the majority of Americans, the IRS has made an announcement, which, if true, is capable of giving an immense relief to millions of taxpayers throughout the United States. In the event that you reside in one of the disaster affected states the following information will be very helpful for you, you most likely won’t need to file your taxes today right the same.
This is the latest update I have received, and after checking with the IRS and FEMA official announcements, I can say that there are automatic deadline extensions for taxpayers in 13 states so far. There’s nothing to fill out additionally, nor will there be any special requests. Just in case, are you living in the disaster-declared areas, there won’t be any need to say that you have got more time to file.
So let’s get deeper into it and decide if you fit the bill first.
Who Is Getting Extra Time and Why?
The IRS has prolonged the deadlines for individuals and companies that have been hit by floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires recently in certain states. These are the places formally acknowledged as disaster areas by both FEMA and the IRS.
Here is the new list of states along with their new deadlines as per irs.gov:
Extended to May 1, 2025:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Juneau, Alaska
- Chaves County, New Mexico
- More than 30 counties in Virginia
Extended to October 15, 2025:
- Los Angeles County, California (due to January wildfires)
Extended to November 3, 2025:
- Arkansas
- Kentucky
- Tennessee
- Several counties in West Virginia
Living in any of those areas is a direct ticket to getting a later due date. No penalties, no extra forms, and no late fees as long as you file before your new date.
What If You’re Not in a Disaster Area?
If you are not in an affected area and still cannot meet the deadline today, the extension request is still open to you. The quickest way is to e-file Form 4868 with online tools such as Free File or commercial tax software.
You can also pay your estimated taxes via IRS Direct Pay and select “extension” as the reason. This move alone extends your filing time to October 15.
Do not mistake an extension to file for the extension to pay. You still need to pay the tax if you owe it, or else, you will pay interest and late payment penalties.
This is the official IRS link to apply for extensions.
What About the $1,400 Stimulus Checks?
As per a major alert from the IRS, a number of people in the country are probably still eligible for unclaimed stimulus payments from the third round of pandemic relief in 2021. Consequently, if you have not filed a 2021 tax return, you could be leaving as much as $1,400 on the table.
Just remember to file by the latest IRS deadline in your area, which is either April 15 or an extended date. If you’re unsure, they recommend you call the IRS or check their latest advice.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Disasters of nature can indeed leave behind a trail of destruction. The IRS takes the view that recovery very much depends on the patient time. Thus, it is helping the sufferers to get back on track, and that’s where they get some space.
As a person involved in the financial market and tax law matters, I would like to point out that not only is this move practical – this is a must. Tax filing is a stressful event in itself. One should not, therefore, be faced with it when disaster strikes.
If you are living in the areas that were hit, make the most of the additional period. Should you be unsure about whether you are eligible, go to the IRS Disaster Relief page or ask a tax professional.
Last piece of advice: Regardless of whether you have time until tonight or several extra months, at least file something. Not doing so is more expensive in the form of strict punishment than not being able to pay in full.
Further developments are in progress. Stay with us..
