Are you from Georgia or Florida? If you are, then we have an important update for you. Because, recently it has been announced that to offer relief to those affected by recent hurricanes, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has legally rescheduled the federal tax filing deadline to May 1, 2025, for Florida and Georgia residents and businesses. The rescheduling follows the destruction caused by Hurricanes Debby and Helene that broke the lives of people across both states.
Tax Relief for Storm-Stricken States
The notice, released on October 11, 2024, provides distressed taxpayers additional time to file certain federal returns and make certain payments. The measure is aimed at facilitating recovery and alleviating economic burdens at already trying times for thousands.
The deadline extension is available to numerous tax liabilities. These include:
- Individuals and corporations with tax returns for 2024, which are generally due in March or April of 2025.
- C corporations and exempt organizations with a valid extension of their calendar-year 2023 return.
- January 15, 2025, and April 15, 2025 quarterly installments of estimated taxes.
- October 31, 2024, January 31, 2025, and April 30, 2025 quarterly payroll and excise taxes.
But there are restrictions on the relief. For example, 2023 tax return payments due in April 2024 are excluded.
Who is Eligible for the Relief?
Any individual residing or conducting business in Florida or Georgia may be eligible as long as they qualify under the IRS requirements. They may be individuals, sole proprietors, corporations, and tax-exempt organizations that have payments or returns due within the stated time frame.
In Georgia, the relief is specifically for damage brought about by Hurricanes Debby and Helene. In Florida, relief is only for all the counties where there were impacts caused by storms.
This automatic relief is for eligible taxpayers. No need to call the IRS or submit extra forms. If a payment or tax return is eligible, the system will automatically apply the new May 1 deadline.
Assisting Recovery Efforts
By extending the deadline, the IRS is giving both time and flexibility. There are a lot of residents and businesses still recovering from the hurricanes. From repairing homes to getting business back up and running, daily life is still challenging. This tax extension is one less thing to have to worry about.
In previous natural disasters, the IRS has also responded in the same way to help affected areas. The agency generally depends on FEMA information and regional emergency declarations in determining eligibility areas. Florida and Georgia were both federal disaster areas when the hurricanes moved through and were eligible for the extended deadline.
Plan Ahead, Despite Extra Time
Although relief is available in the extension, financial professionals continue to advise paying and filing as soon as you can. Holding off until May may create a frantic crush at the end. In addition, if you expect a refund, the earlier you file, the earlier you will receive your refund.
Taxpayers who have questions about taxes can check the IRS website for the latest information or consult with a tax professional for personal advice. It’s also a good idea to document any disruptions that happened as a result of the hurricane, like property damage, loss of business, or loss of power, which can be used to support your claims.
Final Thoughts
The May 1, 2025 deadline provides much-needed breathing room to residents of Florida and Georgia who have been hit by natural disasters. By reducing pressure to file, the IRS is aiming to enable people to prioritize rebuilding their lives and communities.
While recovery is underway, this temporary extension is part of an overall promise—putting people first during times of crisis.
For additional news and complete eligibility information, taxpayers are invited to visit IRS.gov.
FAQs
1. What is the new tax deadline for Florida and Georgia residents in 2025?
The new tax deadline for Florida and Georgia residents affected by hurricanes is May 1, 2025, according to the IRS. This extension applies to individuals and businesses located in disaster-declared areas.
2. Do I qualify for the May 1, 2025, IRS tax extension?
You may qualify for the May 1, 2025 tax extension if you live or run a business in Florida or Georgia and were affected by Hurricanes Debby or Helene. The IRS grants this relief automatically to eligible taxpayers.
3. What taxes are included in the May 1, 2025 extension?
The extension includes 2024 income tax returns, quarterly estimated tax payments due January 15 and April 15, 2025, and certain payroll and excise taxes. However, 2023 tax payments due in April 2024 are not included.
4. Do I need to file any forms to get the hurricane tax relief extension?
No forms are required. If you’re eligible, the IRS applies the May 1, 2025 extension automatically, so there’s no need to call or submit paperwork.
5. How can I confirm if my county qualifies for IRS disaster relief in Florida or Georgia?
Check the IRS disaster relief page or FEMA.gov for an updated list of affected counties. Relief is limited to specific areas officially declared federal disaster zones.
6. Can I still get a tax refund if I file before May 1, 2025?
Yes, if you’re owed a tax refund, you can file anytime before May 1, 2025—and the earlier you file, the sooner you’ll receive your refund.
