It’s been an incredibly tough time for those of us living in the Southeast United States. The aftermath of Hurricane Debbie, Helene, and Milton is still being felt, and many of us are focused on ensuring our loved ones are safe and beginning to recover.

In response to the widespread damage, the IRS has extended several federal tax deadlines for individuals and businesses affected by these hurricanes. If you’re struggling with the impacts of these storms, this extension could offer some much-needed breathing room as you work to rebuild.
What Tax Deadlines Have Been Extended?
Here’s a quick breakdown of the federal tax deadlines that have been extended to May 1, 2025, for those impacted:
Individual Filers: If you had an extension to file your 2023 tax return by October 15, 2024, you now have until May 1, 2025, to get your return in. However, this relief is only for filing—if you owe taxes, the payment deadlines remain unchanged, and penalties for late payment may still apply.
Businesses (including tax-exempt organizations): Any businesses with original or extended filing deadlines falling after the disaster start date and before May 15, 2025, now have until May 1, 2025, to file their returns.
Corporations & Tax-Exempt Organizations: Calendar-year corporations with a filing extension to October 15, 2024, and tax-exempt organizations with extensions to November 15, 2024, also have their deadlines pushed back to May 1, 2025.
Payments & Estimated Tax Payments: Payments that were due after the disaster start date and before May 1, 2025, including certain quarterly estimated tax payments, now have an extension for payment. Additionally, underpayment penalties for estimated taxes will not apply.
Quarterly Payroll and Excise Tax Returns: Returns originally due on October 31, 2024, January 31, 2025, and April 30, 2025, are also eligible for relief.
Who Qualifies for the Relief?
This tax relief is available to individuals and businesses residing in:
Alabama
Florida
Georgia
North Carolina
South Carolina
Certain counties in other states, including Virginia and Tennessee, may also qualify for this relief. The IRS website has a full list of eligible areas and additional details.
Don't Forget State Taxes
While this extension applies to federal taxes, remember that many states have also granted extensions for state tax filings. Be sure to check your state’s specific provisions to see if you also qualify for relief on your state taxes.
File As Soon As Possible
While the May 1, 2025, extension gives you more time, it’s still a good idea to file your return as soon as possible. If you owe taxes on your extended return, penalties and interest may still apply to the balance due, even if you don’t need to file the return until May.
Final Thoughts
We know these have been incredibly challenging months for many of you. Hopefully, this IRS tax relief can provide a little bit of help as you focus on more urgent matters. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the hurricanes, and we’re here to assist you if you need help navigating your financial situation during this time.
Have questions or want personalized financial advice? Our team would love to talk. Request an appointment and we'll be in touch.

About the Author:
David Peters, CPA, CFP, ChFC, CLU, CPCU, CGMA, is the Founder and Owner of Peters Professional Education (petersprofessionaleducation.com) and Peters Tax Preparation & Consulting, PC. David Peters is also registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as an Investment Advisor Representative (IAR) with Peters Financial LLC. He regularly teaches courses in accounting, finance, insurance, financial planning, and ethics throughout the United States, and regularly contributes regularly to various professional publications, including NCACPA’s Interim Report, SCACPA’s CPA Report, and VSCPA’s Disclosures.
Required Disclosure:
The content presented above is for informational purposes only, is general in nature, and is not intended to and should not be relied upon or construed as financial, investment, or estate planning advice. This does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any security, investment or planning product. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Please consult with a financial advisor to assess your individual situation.
Financial and investment advisory services offered through Peters Financial LLC. Brokerage and custodial services offered through Charles Schwab Co. Inc., member FINRA and SIPC. Peters Financial LLC and Charles Schwab Co. Inc. are not affiliated. David Peters also offers tax services through Peters Tax Preparation & Consulting, PC. Peters Tax Preparation & Consulting, PC is not affiliated with Peters Financial LLC and clients or prospective clients are never obligated to use Peters Tax Preparation & Consulting, PC. as part of any financial planning or investment management services offered by Peters Financial LLC.
Comments