Washington, D.C. – As the dust settles from the chaos of tax season, some taxpayers have received a bit of relief: extended deadlines granted by the IRS. But before you get too excited, this isn’t an extension for the habitual procrastinator—it’s a direct response to the devastation caused by natural disasters.
For those caught in the middle of the turmoil, the IRS is offering a reprieve, pushing back deadlines for people living in areas affected by floods, wildfires, and other federally declared disasters. So, if you’re one of the unlucky ones impacted by a catastrophe in the first half of 2025, you might find some extra breathing room for your taxes.
Who’s Getting the Extension?
The IRS is granting extended filing deadlines to people living in regions hit by severe natural disasters. Some of the hardest-hit areas include:
- California, where devastating wildfires swept through homes and communities in early 2025.
- Kentucky and parts of West Virginia, which are still recovering from severe storms and flooding that struck in February.
Taxpayers residing in federally declared disaster zones, identified by ZIP codes, automatically qualify for this extension. So, if you live in one of these areas, you get a little more time to take care of your tax filing and payment responsibilities—something that can be a big help amid the chaos.
New Deadlines for Disaster-Affected Areas
For those eligible, here are the new filing and payment deadlines set by the IRS:
- October 15, 2025 – This applies to specific counties in California affected by wildfires earlier this year.
- November 3, 2025 – This deadline applies to all of Kentucky and certain counties in West Virginia affected by winter flooding.
These new dates give taxpayers not only more time to file their returns but also more time to pay what they owe—unlike typical extensions, which usually just push back filing deadlines without offering the same leniency for payments.
What’s Covered by the Extension?
If you qualify, here’s what the extension applies to:
- Personal income tax returns (Form 1040)
- Quarterly estimated tax payments
- Contributions to IRAs and HSAs
- Business tax returns, payroll tax deposits, and other scheduled filings
In essence, this extension covers all the usual filing obligations, giving taxpayers a little more time to recover both financially and administratively after disaster events.
What If I Lost My Tax Documents in the Disaster?
If you’ve lost important documents in a flood or fire, don’t panic. The IRS has a process in place to help you recover necessary records and rebuild your tax documents:
- Call the IRS Disaster Hotline at 866-562-5227 to flag your account and get direct assistance.
- Use the Get Transcript tool on IRS.gov to access copies of W-2s, 1099s, and prior returns.
- If you need a full return copy, file Form 4506—the $43 fee is waived for disaster victims.
- Contact your bank or employer for replacement statements or forms.
Although you can’t claim deductions for emotional damages or the cost of ruined laptops, the IRS tends to show leniency in situations where disaster victims are doing their best to rebuild.
What If I Missed the Tax Deadline and Wasn’t in a Disaster Zone?
If you missed the April 15 tax filing deadline but weren’t affected by a natural disaster, you’re not eligible for an extension. However, there are still consequences for missing the deadline:
- A 5% penalty per month for not filing, up to a maximum of 25%.
- Interest continues to accrue daily on any unpaid taxes.
If you filed Form 4868 on time, you received an extension for paperwork, but not for the payment itself. If you haven’t filed yet, you could be missing out on an average IRS refund of around $3,000 this year. So, don’t delay filing your taxes—if you’re owed a refund, you’re essentially leaving money on the table by not filing.
Get Back on Track
If you’re eligible for an extension, check the IRS website or consult with a tax professional to ensure you’re covered. And if you didn’t get the extension but still owe taxes, don’t ignore it. The longer you wait, the worse it gets. The IRS is more understanding than you might think if you take action and address the situation early.
Remember, taxes may be inevitable, but with a little flexibility, filing them can be a bit more manageable—especially if you’re affected by disaster.