Dothan, ALA. – In October 2024, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that taxpayers in several states affected by Hurricane Helene will benefit from an extended tax deadline, offering relief from upcoming filing and payment due dates. The disaster relief, which covers individuals and businesses impacted by the hurricane, pushes back the filing deadlines to May 1, 2025.
The IRS relief applies to taxpayers in the states of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, as well as specific counties in Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia. This extension provides much-needed relief to those dealing with the aftermath of the hurricane, allowing them additional time to meet their federal tax obligations without penalty.
Affected Areas and Key Deadlines
The IRS relief applies to various tax filings and payments that would have normally been due from September 2024 through April 2025. These include:
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2024 individual and business returns, originally due in March and April 2025.
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2023 individual and corporate returns with valid extensions, though payments on these returns are not eligible for the extension, as they were due prior to the hurricane.
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Quarterly estimated tax payments for both 2024 (due in January 2025) and 2025 (due in April 2025).
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Quarterly payroll and excise tax returns that would have been due on October 31, 2024, and January 31 and April 30, 2025.
As a result, affected individuals and businesses now have until May 1, 2025, to file and make payments without facing late penalties or interest. However, it is important to note that while the IRS is offering an extended deadline for these returns, payments due before the hurricane (such as those for 2023 returns) are not eligible for the delay.
State-Level Relief in Alabama
In Alabama, the Governor’s office confirmed that the state Department of Revenue is also extending the May 1 deadline for affected taxpayers on a case-by-case basis. Governor Kay Ivey’s office released a statement urging taxpayers to refer to the relief notice issued in October for guidance on how to request an extension based on the specific tax types impacted by the disaster.
“Alabama is committed to helping its residents and businesses recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene,” said the Governor’s office in a press statement. “We are working closely with the IRS and local authorities to ensure that taxpayers can meet their obligations without facing unnecessary hardship.”
How to Check Eligibility and Request Relief
Taxpayers in the affected areas can visit the IRS website to confirm their eligibility for the extended filing deadline and to find detailed instructions on how to request the relief. The IRS has stated that it will continue to update its list of eligible counties and regions, ensuring that all impacted areas receive the proper support.
For residents and businesses in the eligible counties, this extension provides valuable time to recover and assess the damage caused by the storm before filing taxes. Taxpayers are encouraged to stay informed by regularly checking the IRS “Tax Relief in Disaster Situations” page for the most up-to-date information.
The IRS’s decision to extend the tax deadline for victims of Hurricane Helene comes as a welcome relief to many in the affected regions. With the new May 1, 2025, deadline, individuals and businesses will have the opportunity to focus on recovery efforts without the added stress of meeting looming tax deadlines. As always, taxpayers are advised to consult with tax professionals to ensure they fully understand how the relief measures apply to their unique situations.
