In the wake of recent natural disasters, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has extended tax relief to affected individuals and businesses across various states. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the states and regions eligible for these extensions in 2025, helping taxpayers determine their qualifications and understand the adjusted deadlines.
Understanding IRS Disaster Tax Relief
When a natural disaster strikes, the IRS collaborates with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to offer tax relief to impacted areas. This relief often includes postponing tax filing and payment deadlines, allowing affected taxpayers additional time to manage their obligations without incurring penalties.
States and Regions with Extended Deadlines in 2025
As of April 2025, the IRS has announced tax relief for several states due to various disasters. Below is a state-by-state breakdown:
1. Alabama
- Affected Areas: Entire state
- Disaster: Hurricane Helene
- Extended Deadline: May 1, 2025
- Details: Taxpayers in Alabama affected by Hurricane Helene have until May 1, 2025, to file returns and make payments originally due during the relief period.
2. California
- Affected Areas: Los Angeles County
- Disaster: Wildfires and straight-line winds
- Extended Deadline: October 15, 2025
- Details: Residents and businesses in Los Angeles County impacted by wildfires have an extended deadline until October 15, 2025, for various tax filings and payments.
3. Florida
- Affected Areas: 41 counties including Alachua, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Clay, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Pasco, Pinellas, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington
- Disaster: Hurricane Helene
- Extended Deadline: May 1, 2025
- Details: Taxpayers in the specified counties affected by Hurricane Helene have until May 1, 2025, to file returns and make payments.
4. Georgia
- Affected Areas: Entire state
- Disaster: Hurricane Helene
- Extended Deadline: May 1, 2025
- Details: All Georgia residents and businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene are granted an extension until May 1, 2025, for filing and payments.
5. Kentucky
- Affected Areas: Entire state
- Disaster: Severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, and landslides
- Extended Deadline: November 3, 2025
- Details: Kentucky taxpayers affected by severe weather events have until November 3, 2025, to fulfill their tax obligations.
6. North Carolina
- Affected Areas: Entire state
- Disaster: Hurricane Helene
- Extended Deadline: May 1, 2025
- Details: Individuals and businesses in North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Helene have an extended deadline until May 1, 2025.
7. South Carolina
- Affected Areas: Entire state
- Disaster: Hurricane Helene
- Extended Deadline: May 1, 2025
- Details: South Carolina taxpayers affected by Hurricane Helene are granted an extension until May 1, 2025, for various tax filings and payments.
8. Tennessee
- Affected Areas: Eight counties including [specific counties not listed in the provided information]
- Disaster: Hurricane Helene
- Extended Deadline: May 1, 2025
- Details: Taxpayers in the specified Tennessee counties affected by Hurricane Helene have until May 1, 2025, to meet their tax obligations.
9. Texas
- Affected Areas: 67 counties including Anderson, Angelina, Aransas, Austin, Bowie, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Calhoun, Cameron, Camp, Cass, Chambers, Cherokee, Colorado, Dewitt, Fayette, Fort Bend, Freestone, Galveston, Goliad, Gregg, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Harrison, Hidalgo, Houston, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Lavaca, Lee, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Marion, Matagorda, Milam, Montgomery, Morris, Nacogdoches, Newton, Nueces, Orange, Panola, Polk, Refugio, Robertson, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Shelby, Trinity, Tyler, Upshur, Victoria, Walker, Waller, Washington, Webb, Wharton, and Willacy
- Disaster: Hurricane Beryl
- Extended Deadline: February 3, 2025
Bottom line
If you live in one of the regions affected by recent disasters, it’s important to know your new tax deadlines and how they apply to your situation. The IRS has extended relief to dozens of counties across multiple states, giving taxpayers more time to file returns and make payments without penalties.
Be sure to check your eligibility using the IRS disaster relief portal or speak with a tax professional if you’re unsure. Staying informed now can help you avoid costly mistakes later — and ensure you take full advantage of the time you’ve been granted.
For more updates on tax extensions, deadlines, and disaster relief policies, stay with FingerLakes1.com.
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