IRS Extends 2025 Tax Filing Deadline for Five Southern States
If you're living in parts of the southern U.S. and haven’t filed your 2024 federal income taxes yet—there’s some relief. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has officially extended the federal tax filing deadline to May 1, 2025 for residents in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, due to recent natural disasters.
Extra Time Granted Due to Weather Emergencies
The usual federal tax deadline of April 15 won’t apply to those living in these affected areas. The IRS stated the extension was automatically applied to taxpayers whose official address is within the designated disaster zones. That means no special request or paperwork is required to get this relief.
“The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in the disaster area,” the agency confirmed.
More Than Five States Are Affected
Besides the five Southern states, certain regions in Alaska, Virginia, New Mexico, and West Virginia are also getting extensions. Some have until May 1, while others may file as late as October 15 or even November 3, depending on when their area was impacted by storms, wildfires, or tornadoes.
In states like Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee, which were hit by powerful tornadoes in early April, residents now have until November 3, 2025 to file and pay their federal taxes.
What About Everyone Else?
If you're not in a disaster-declared area but still need more time, you can file for a regular tax extension. This gives you until October 15 to file your return. However, it’s important to remember:
Your tax payment is still due by April 15, even if your filing date is later.
The IRS also encourages everyone—especially those with approaching deadlines—to file electronically. It’s faster, more accurate, and reduces chances of late fees or delays.