Near Tax Day, which falls on April 15, 2025, millions of Americans have already filed their tax returns with the IRS. However, for many others distressed due to natural calamities, the due date has been extended. The automatic extensions given by the IRS have allowed taxpayers in many states additional time to file, with some states not having to e-file until November.
Here’s the rundown on which states qualify for the extension and the reason for so many shifting deadlines for many Americans.
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Automatic extensions for nine states due to natural disasters
Overall, taxpayers should file their tax returns on or before April 15 in the states. However, nine states saw automatic extensions for the residents and business owners due to federally declared disasters. The new tax deadline for those individuals is postponed to May 1, 2025.
According to the IRS, the following states are entirely covered by this extension:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
Other states received partial coverage under the extension:
- Alaska: Juneau city and borough
- New Mexico: Chaves County
- Tennessee: Several counties
- Virginia: Several counties
The IRS urges taxpayers to check their specific eligibility on its website, especially those in partially covered states.
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Changes in the deadline induced by the hurricanes Helene and Milton
Several of the extensions to deadlines were induced by the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which ravaged within weeks of each other in the Autumn of 2024. Both these storms caused widespread damage in Florida, and emergency response measures were invoked as a result.
North Carolina was affected gravely too by Hurricane Helene. The storm was responsible for over 200 deaths, more than half of them in North Carolina alone. With daily life and business interrupted, it was almost next to impossible for individuals to prepare for and file their taxes on time.
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Flooding and wildfires prompt extension deadlines in other states
Severe flooding occurred over the Juneau area of Alaska in August 2024; hence, the IRS announced the extension of the deadline in October. The new deadline for filing 2024 returns is May 1, 2025.
Similarly, storms and floods struck Chaves County, New Mexico, in October 2024. The IRS granted affected individuals and businesses an extension to May 1, 2025.
Deadlines extended beyond May 1
Some states received even larger extensions due to continued recovery from more recent disasters:
Los Angeles County, California: Deadline extended to October 15, 2025, due to January 2025 wildfires that killed at least 29 people and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses.
Kentucky statewide and parts of West Virginia: deadline extended to 3 November 2025 following widespread storm damage in February, including flooding, landslides, and mudslides.
IRS encourages taxpayers often affected to be vigilant
For taxpayers residing and doing business in federally declared disaster zones, no special action is required to receive the extension. The extension is automatic. Nevertheless, the IRS recommends that impacted taxpayers stay abreast of developments through the IRS website, particularly if new counties or areas are added to disaster declarations.
April 15, however, is still the technical last day of the tax season for most; it is on this date that the extension will end for millions living in disaster-prone areas across the United States.
