The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently reminded taxpayers in disaster-affected areas who received extensions to file their 2023 returns that they will have until specific dates in 2025 to submit their tax returns. Depending on your location, you may have until February 3 or May 1, 2025, to file. Here’s what you need to know to ensure you're prepared and avoid missing important deadlines.

Who is Eligible for the Disaster Relief Extended Filing Deadlines?
The IRS is offering these extended filing dates to individuals and businesses affected by disasters that occurred from late spring through the end of 2024. The IRS typically grants automatic relief, including extensions on tax filing and payment deadlines, for areas designated as disaster zones by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). If you live in a designated disaster area and have an address on record with the IRS, you do not need to apply for an extension. The extension is automatic.
For taxpayers living outside disaster-affected areas but who have records or documents necessary to file that are located in an impacted area, the IRS provides relief. In these cases, individuals and businesses can contact the IRS at 866-562-5227 to request assistance.
Key Filing Deadlines for 2023 Tax Returns
Deadline: February 3, 2025Taxpayers in these areas have until February 3, 2025, to file their 2023 tax returns:
States: Louisiana, Vermont
Territories: Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands
Parts of: Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New York, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Washington state
Deadline: May 1, 2025Taxpayers in these areas have until May 1, 2025, to file their 2023 tax returns:
States: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina
Parts of: Alaska, New Mexico, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
May 1, 2025, will also be the filing deadline for 2024 returns and any tax payments due for taxpayers in these regions.
Important Notes on Tax Payments
While taxpayers have been granted extended deadlines to file, payment deadlines are not automatically extended for the 2023 tax year. Taxpayers must ensure that their payments for 2023 returns are made by the original deadlines. For those filing in 2025, payments for 2023 returns, which were originally due in 2024, must still be paid by the original deadline.
Special Relief for Terrorist Attacks in Israel
In light of the tragic terrorist attacks in Israel, the IRS has extended deadlines for taxpayers who live or have businesses in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank. These taxpayers will have until September 30, 2025, to file and pay any tax due for both their 2023 and 2024 returns.
How to Find More Information
The IRS maintains an up-to-date list of all designated disaster areas and deadlines on their Disaster Relief page on IRS.gov. It’s essential for taxpayers in affected regions to review this page regularly, as new areas may be added to the list.
Next Steps for Taxpayers
Check the IRS Disaster Relief page: Visit the IRS website to see if your area is eligible for disaster-related extensions.
Contact the IRS if needed: If you’re outside the disaster area but your tax records are impacted, contact the IRS for assistance.
Stay on top of payment deadlines: Make sure you’re aware of the original payment deadlines for 2023 taxes. Extended filing dates do not apply to payments.
By taking these simple steps, taxpayers can avoid confusion and ensure they meet all necessary filing and payment obligations. As always, it’s important to keep track of any new IRS updates as the disaster relief provisions continue to evolve.
If you need additional assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to a tax professional or the IRS directly.
Comments