Hurricane Helene victims in these states get until May 1 to file federal taxes

We can all agree that there is nothing quite as satisfying as a deadline extension, especially for procrastinators. The IRS blessed us with an extension, setting a new deadline for May 1, which means there is still time for millions of citizens to file their tax returns and pay their taxes. However, not everyone is as fortunate, because only certain states are eligible for the extension of the deadline. Time to pay attention, as we will be listing which states qualify for the new deadline.

This is why the IRS has chosen a new deadline for tax returns and tax payments

In October 2024, the IRS declared federal disaster tax relief for all individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. Affected taxpayers have until May 1 to file several individual and business tax returns and to pay their taxes. This includes individual and business returns for 2024 that are usually due during March and April 2025, as well as individual and corporate returns for 2023 with valid extensions and quarterly estimated tax payments.

Per News 19, the tax relief extends various tax filing and payment deadlines that occurred beginning on Sept. 22, 2024, in Alabama; Sept. 23 in Florida; Sept. 24 in Georgia; Sept. 25 in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia; and Sept. 26 in Tennessee.

This is who qualifies for the May 1 deadline

Good news, Alabama, you are one of the chosen ones! According to a statement by the Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR), certain Alabamians may have until May 1 to file both state and federal taxes. The federal tax relief also includes people within the entire state of:

• Alabama
• Georgia
• North Carolina
• South Carolina

The relief also includes 41 counties of Florida, eight counties of Tennessee, and six counties and one city in Virginia. Per ALDOR’s statement, taxpayers in areas not specifically designated as disaster areas “who encounter difficulty filing on time due to weather-related circumstances associated with Hurricane Helene” could qualify to request a waiver of late-filing and late payment penalties after providing “appropriate documentation” to ALDOR.

The state of Alabama advised taxpayers to call any of the following offices should they want to request relief or any additional assistance:

• Sales and Use Tax: 334-242-1490

• Individual Income Tax: 334-353-0602

• Corporate Income Tax: 334-242-1200

• Pass-through Entities: 334-242-1033

• Business Privilege Tax: 334-353-7923

• Withholding Tax: 334-242-1300

• Financial Institution Excise Tax: 334-242-1200

The May 1 deadline applies to the following file returns and tax payments

These are the individuals and/or businesses the May 1 deadline applies to:

• Individuals or businesses that have a 2024 return usually due during March or April 2025.
• Individuals, businesses, or tax-exempt organizations with valid extensions to file their 2023 federal returns. Take note, payments on these returns are not eligible for the extra time because they were due last spring before the hurricane occurred.
• 2024 quarterly estimated income tax payments are normally due on January 15, 2025, and 2025 estimated tax payments are normally due on April 15, 2025.
• Quarterly payroll and excise tax returns are normally due on October 31, 2024, and January 31 and April 30, 2025.

“The Alabama Department of Revenue is actively providing May 1 tax extension relief on a case-by-case basis as a result of Hurricane Helene. Taxpayers can refer to this relief notice provided back in October explaining how to request an extension based on the tax types impacted.” – Kay Ivey, Office of Governor

Tax season can be daunting enough, so we hope this brings a huge amount of relief to the qualifying taxpayers who were affected by Hurricane Helene. Remember, always make sure you follow the correct IRS guidelines when you are filing your tax returns. We recommend to always seek the help of a tax professional. For more information, have a look at the IRS’s official statement on extensions. Additionally, the IRS advised people to call its disaster hotline at 866-562-5227.