If you were affected by the hurricane and could not file your tax return by the deadline – October 15, you are not alone. Fortunately, the IRS provides extensions to individuals in areas impacted by the disaster. However, here is what you have to do to avoid penalties and to get the time you need to file your taxes.
Can I get an extension if I missed the October 15 deadline due to a Hurricane?
Yes, there is a provision by the IRS to assist taxpayers who are victims of hurricanes or other natural disasters. You can probably receive an automatic extension if damages occurred in the area where you reside, which has been declared a national disaster by the government. The IRS allows for all those located in such disaster prone areas to file and pay their taxes without seeking any further documentation for an extension. The amount of time that the extension is granted differs based on the state and natural disaster. For instance, certain states may have longer extensions because of the severity of the storm.
How do I know if I am eligible for a tax extension?
For you to be eligible for this relief, it is required that you live in an area where the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared as a disaster area. The IRS utilizes the disaster declarations given by FEMA in determining who is entitled to the extensions. If you live in an area declared by the IRS as a disaster area, they will apply for the extension for you without requiring your presence.
What are the new deadlines for filing taxes after a hurricane?
Here are the deadlines by state.
- November 1, 2024 – Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, and Texas.
- May 1, 2025 – Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and other neighboring states.
- February 3, 2025 – Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
It is important to visit the IRS website to confirm your specific filing deadline, as each disaster may carry different dates.
How to check your IRS account for disaster relief
The IRS makes it easy to check your account and confirm any extensions. You can do this through their online system.
- IRS individual online account: You can log in to your IRS account to see if the extension has been applied, check your tax payments, and verify your filing status.
- Contact the IRS: If you are uncertain about your eligibility or need assistance, you can call the IRS disaster assistance hotline at 1-866-562-5227.
What if I owe taxes?
If you are owing taxes already then you do not have to worry as the IRS extension covers both the payment and filing. So, as long as you meet the new extended payment deadline, you will not incur any penalties. But, here is what you need to do:
- Make payment before or on the deadline.
- If you are unable to settle the payment by the end of the extended period, you may request to pay the amount in installment.
Can I file my taxes electronically after a hurricane?
Yes, it is still possible to submit your tax returns electronically through the IRS Free File system or any other e-filing service available. The electronic filing with the IRS for most of the disastrous areas is extended until November 1.
IRS free file: If your adjusted gross income (AGI) as at 2023, is $79,000 or less then you are eligible to e-file at no fee.
Further e-filing deadlines: This is available until November 1, 2024 for qualifying regions. After the 1st of November, you will be required to file via paper submission.
What happens if I miss the extended deadline?
Do these few things to avoid any penalties from the IRS:
- Make your filing immediately: Even if you have missed the deadline, it is in your best interest to file your return as soon as possible in order to reduce any possible penalties.
- Write an acceptable excuse to the IRS giving details of your circumstances after the disaster. Ensure, however, that you attach documents that illustrate how bad the situation was.
