As most Americans brace for the looming April 15 Tax Day deadline, Floridians impacted by Hurricane Helene have been granted extra time by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to file their 2024 income tax returns — a much-needed reprieve for residents still recovering from last year’s devastation.
IRS Grants Automatic Extension for Florida
Thanks to an official FEMA disaster declaration, all individual and business taxpayers in Florida have received an automatic extension from the IRS, moving their tax filing and payment deadline from April 15 to May 1, 2025. No special paperwork or requests are needed — if your legal residence is in the state, you’re eligible.
This extension comes as part of a broader federal effort to support states hit hard by recent natural disasters. Hurricane Helene, which struck Florida in September 2024 as a Category 4 storm, left a path of destruction through several communities, causing widespread power outages, flooding, and property damage.
What Florida Taxpayers Need to Know
- New Deadline: May 1, 2025, to file 2024 federal tax returns and make payments.
- Who Qualifies: All individuals and businesses residing or operating in Florida.
- No Action Needed: The IRS has automatically applied the extension to qualifying addresses.
Floridians who need even more time can still request an additional extension until October 15, but they must file Form 4868 before May 1 and ensure any owed taxes are paid by that date to avoid penalties and interest.
The Bigger Picture
While the IRS opened the 2024 tax filing season on January 27, it reported receiving nearly 1 million fewer returns by March’s end than the previous year — a dip attributed to confusion around filing extensions, economic uncertainty, and lingering effects from disasters across the country.
Florida joins Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina in receiving the May 1 extension. Meanwhile, California wildfire victims in Los Angeles County have until October 15, and Kentucky and parts of West Virginia have a deadline of November 3.
What Happens If You Still Miss the Deadline?
The IRS penalty for failure to file is 5% of the unpaid taxes per month — up to 25%. Even with an extension, Florida residents must ensure they pay any owed taxes by May 1 to avoid interest and penalties.
Bottom Line for Florida Residents: If you’ve been overwhelmed by storm recovery and haven’t filed your 2024 taxes yet — you’ve got until May 1. Use the time wisely, and consider working with a tax preparer who understands disaster-related filing relief to make sure you’re getting every deduction and credit available.
