In a major relief for millions of Americans impacted by natural disasters, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has extended the April 15 federal income tax deadline for residents of nine states, including Florida. The move comes after a series of devastating storms, tornadoes, and flooding events triggered federal disaster declarations across the Southeast and parts of the South.
The IRS confirmed that residents and businesses in affected areas will now have until May 15, 2025, to file their federal tax returns and make payments. The automatic extension gives those recovering from severe weather events additional time to focus on urgent personal and financial matters.
Who’s Eligible for the IRS Tax Deadline Extension?
According to the IRS, the deadline extension applies to taxpayers located in federally declared disaster areas across the following states:
- Florida
- Georgia
- Alabama
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Arkansas
- Louisiana
Eligibility is determined by the taxpayer’s physical address at the time of the disaster, which must be within a FEMA-designated disaster zone. The IRS noted that it will continue to update its list of covered areas as more counties and states receive federal disaster declarations.
Taxpayers do not need to contact the IRS or file any additional forms to qualify for the extension. If their address is listed in a qualifying disaster zone, the extended deadline will be applied automatically.
What the Extension Covers
This extension is a significant relief for both individuals and businesses navigating the aftermath of severe storms. The extended deadline includes:
- Individual income tax returns due April 15
- Estimated tax payments for the first and second quarters of 2025 (normally due April 15 and June 15)
- Partnership and S corporation returns due March 15
- Quarterly payroll and excise tax returns
- Tax-exempt organization returns due May 15
In most cases, taxpayers will now have until May 15, 2025, to file returns and pay any owed taxes. Interest and penalties will not accrue for filings made before the new deadline.
Businesses and Employers Also Covered
Businesses operating in the affected regions are also covered under the extended deadlines. This includes corporations with calendar-year tax returns originally due in March or April.
In addition to tax return deadlines, the IRS has also provided penalty relief for payroll and excise tax deposits due between the date of the disaster and the new filing deadline. Employers should check with a tax professional to determine whether they are eligible for penalty waivers or other assistance.
Casualty Loss Deductions May Provide Additional Help
Taxpayers in federally declared disaster zones may also be eligible to claim casualty losses on their federal returns. These losses—such as damage to homes, vehicles, or property—can be deducted on the current year’s tax return or the prior year’s, depending on what provides the greatest tax benefit.
To file for a casualty loss, taxpayers should include Form 4684, “Casualties and Thefts,” with their tax return and reference the FEMA disaster declaration number. Tax professionals recommend gathering thorough documentation, including photographs and insurance reports, to support any loss claims.
Taxpayers Outside Disaster Zones With Ties to Affected Areas
Even if someone does not live in a disaster-declared area, they may still be eligible for relief if their tax documents, financial records, or tax preparer are located within one. In such cases, the IRS encourages individuals to call their disaster hotline at 866-562-5227 to request deadline relief.
This consideration can be especially important for those managing businesses remotely or caring for loved ones in affected states.
Watch for IRS Scam Warnings
The IRS is also warning taxpayers to stay alert for scam attempts related to the disaster relief announcement. After major emergencies, scammers often impersonate IRS agents or FEMA officials in an attempt to steal sensitive financial information.
The IRS emphasized it will never contact taxpayers via text, email, or social media to request personal data or payment details. If you suspect a scam, it’s important to report the incident directly to the IRS or the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).
How to Apply for Additional Filing Extensions
While the May 15 deadline extension applies automatically to disaster-affected taxpayers, those who still need more time can request a standard six-month extension to file by October 15, 2025. To do this, submit Form 4868 on or before May 15.
It’s important to note, however, that this does not extend the time to pay any taxes owed. Payments must still be made by May 15 to avoid additional interest and penalties.
What Comes Next?
The IRS says it will continue monitoring disaster areas and issue further updates as necessary. The agency encourages taxpayers to check its website frequently for updates regarding their county or region.
For a full list of counties and regions eligible for disaster-related tax relief, visit the official IRS Disaster Relief page.
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