Every year, April 15 is the big day when most Americans must file their income tax returns. But in 2024, people living in certain states get extra time because of natural disasters that made it difficult to meet the usual deadline. If you live in one of these areas, the IRS has automatically given you more time to file your taxes.
Let’s break it down so you know exactly who gets more time, why it matters, and what happens if you miss the deadline.
Why April 15 Is a Big Deal for Taxpayers
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) starts collecting tax returns from late January. This year, they began on January 27 and expected over 140 million Americans to file by April 15. But by the end of March, about one million fewer people had filed compared to last year. This might be because of the current state of the economy and confusion about new tax rules.
What Happens If You Miss the Tax Deadline?
Normally, if you can’t file your taxes by April 15, you can ask for an extension. If approved, you get time till October 15 to file your return, but you must pay any taxes you owe by April 15 to avoid interest or penalties.
If you miss both the deadline and fail to pay, the IRS will charge a penalty. This is usually 5% of the tax you owe every month, up to a maximum of 25%.
Who Gets More Time in 2024?
This year, taxpayers in several disaster-hit areas have automatically received more time to file their taxes. No need to apply or contact the IRS—the extension is given automatically if your address is in the affected area.
Here’s how the new deadlines look:
May 1 Deadline
People in the following states and areas now have until May 1, 2024, to file and pay their taxes:
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina—all residents
Alaska—Only those in the City and Borough of Juneau
New Mexico—Chaves County
Tennessee—Several counties including Carter, Greene, Hamblen, Sullivan, and more
Virginia—Many counties and cities, including Roanoke, Bristol, Norton, Giles, and more
October 15 Deadline
Residents of Los Angeles County, California, who were affected by January wildfires have until October 15, 2024, to file.
November 3 Deadline
Taxpayers living in Kentucky (entire state) and parts of West Virginia, including counties like Logan, Raleigh, and Mercer, have until November 3, 2024.
Why Were These Extensions Given?
These areas were badly affected by natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires in 2023 and early 2024. When such events disrupt normal life, the IRS often provides extra time to help residents recover without worrying about their taxes.
For example: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina were hit by Hurricane Helene in September 2023.
Juneau, Alaska, faced flooding in August 2024.
New Mexico and Virginia saw storm damage and flooding last year.
Los Angeles had wildfires, and Kentucky and parts of West Virginia dealt with severe weather damage.
What Should You Do If You’re Eligible?
If you live in one of the mentioned areas, check the IRS website or consult a tax professional to confirm your eligibility. Remember, this extension applies to both filing your return and paying any taxes you owe.
Natural disasters have forced the IRS to push back the tax filing deadline in several U.S. states. If you live in one of these affected areas, you don’t need to panic about filing your taxes by April 15. You have extra time to get everything in order. Just make sure you understand your new deadline and file before that to avoid penalties.
