The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced an extension of tax deadlines for individuals and businesses in several Florida counties impacted by Hurricane Helene, which began on September 23, 2024. The new federal tax filing deadline for these areas has been extended to May 1, 2025, offering relief to those dealing with the aftermath of the natural disaster.
Who is Eligible?
The extension applies to individuals and businesses located in the following Florida counties: Alachua, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Okaloosa, Pasco, Pinellas, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington.
New Deadlines and Affected Filers
The extension impacts several tax-related deadlines:
- Individuals** with a valid extension to file their 2023 returns, originally due on October 15, 2024, now have until May 1, 2025, to submit their returns. However, tax payments that were due on April 15, 2024, are not eligible for this extension.
- Businesses** with original or extended due dates, including calendar-year corporations that were due on October 15, 2024, also benefit from the new May 1, 2025, deadline.
- Quarterly estimated tax payments** due on September 16, 2024, January 15, and April 15, 2025, now have an extended deadline of May 1, 2025.
- Quarterly payroll and excise tax returns**, which were originally due on October 31, 2024, January 31, and April 30, 2025, are also covered under this extension.
- Penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits** that were due between September 23 and October 8, 2024, will be waived if deposits are made by October 8, 2024.
Additional Relief: Casualty Loss Claims
For those affected by Hurricane Helene, casualty loss claims related to the disaster can be reported for the 2024 or prior tax year by referencing FEMA declaration number FEMA-3615–EM.
This relief is part of the IRS’s broader effort to provide flexibility and support to taxpayers in regions affected by natural disasters. Taxpayers are encouraged to stay informed and ensure they meet the extended deadlines to avoid penalties.