While April 15 is the traditional tax filing deadline, some Tampa Bay Area taxpayers impacted by recent storms have more time to submit their returns.

The IRS has extended the tax deadline to May 1 for individuals affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This extension applies automatically to those whose official address is in a FEMA-designated disaster area.

For assistance, the IRS offers a range of disaster-related tax resources at www.IRS.gov, including a dedicated disaster hotline at 866-562-5227.

What Taxpayers Need to Know

Automatic Extension for Affected Areas
Residents in designated disaster zones—including all of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and parts of Tennessee and Virginia—are granted additional time to file. No special request is necessary.

Taxpayers in these areas now have until May 1, 2025, to file their 2023 returns if they previously received an extension. However, this does not apply to 2023 tax payments, which remain due by the regular deadline. May 1 is also the deadline to file and pay 2024 taxes.

A full list of eligible locations is updated regularly on the Tax Relief in Disaster Situations page.

Disaster Relief Payments Are Generally Tax-Free
Qualified disaster payments from government agencies—such as for housing repairs or funeral expenses—are typically excluded from taxable income. For more details, see IRS Publication 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income.

New This Year: Expanded Direct File Program

In addition to disaster relief, the IRS has broadened access to its Direct File program, which lets eligible taxpayers file returns directly with the IRS for free—no third-party software required.

Now available in 25 states (up from 12 in 2024’s pilot), the tool is designed for people with simple W-2 forms. Last year’s users claimed over $90 million in refunds using the platform.

For the latest tax updates and disaster assistance information, visit www.IRS.gov or follow the IRS on X (formerly Twitter).

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(Image credit: AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

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