IRS Extends Tax Deadlines in Some States Due to Natural Disasters

Taxpayers in certain states impacted by severe weather now have more time to file their federal income tax returns.

States with extended tax filing deadlines

The tax filing deadline for most taxpayers this year is April 18, 2023. However, the IRS has extended the tax deadlines for eligible taxpayers in the following states:

• Alabama – Oct. 16
• Arkansas – July 31
• California – Oct. 16
• Florida – Aug. 15
• Georgia – Oct. 16
• Indiana – July 31
• Mississippi – July 31
• New York – May 15
• Oklahoma – Aug. 31
• Tennessee – July 31

As you can see, the filing deadline varies from state to state. Some, like New York, give taxpayers an extra month, while other states have an extended deadline of up to six more months.

What if I live outside the designated disaster area?

If the storms impacted your records, but you live outside the designated disaster area and need more time to file, give the IRS a call at 866-562-5227. They can help you determine if you qualify for the extended tax deadline.

If I live in a designated area, does this mean I have more time to pay my tax bill?

Yes, the extended deadline also includes more time to make your federal tax payments if you need to pay in.

Do I have more time to contribute to my HSA or IRA?

Yes, the extended deadline isn’t limited to tax filing — taxpayers in the affected areas also have more time to contribute to their IRAs or health savings accounts (HSAs) for 2022.

What if I need even more time to file my taxes?

If you live in an affected area in Arkansas, Mississippi, New York, or Tennessee and need more time to file your taxes due to natural disasters, you have until the extended tax deadline mentioned previously to file for a tax extension. A tax extension will give you until Oct. 16, 2023, to file your federal income tax return.

What about extended estimated tax payment deadlines?

The tax deadline extension also applies to fourth-quarter estimated tax payments for 2022 (typically due in January) and some 2023 estimated tax payments depending on your state.

• Alabama, California, and Georgia: Affected residents in these states have until Oct. 16 to make estimated tax payments for the fourth quarter of 2022 and the first three quarters of 2023 (normally due April 18, June 15, and Sept. 15).
• Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee: Residents of affected areas in these states have until July 31 to make estimated payments for the fourth quarter of 2022 and the first two quarters of 2023 (normally due April 18 and June 15).
• New York: Eligible residents in New York have until May 15 to make estimated payments for the fourth quarter of 2022 and the first quarter of 2023 (normally due April 18).

For example, if you had a quarterly estimated tax payment due on Jan. 17 this year, you could skip that payment and instead include it with your tax return when you file on or before the extended deadline in your state.

Do I have more time to file my state taxes as well?

Some states have also followed suit and extended the deadline to file state income tax returns:

• Alabama taxpayers living in storm-impacted areas have until Oct. 16 to pay their state taxes and file their state returns.
• Arkansas taxpayers in Cross, Lonoke, and Pulaski counties have until July 31 to file their state returns.
• California taxpayers living in affected areas have until Oct. 16 to pay their state taxes and file their state returns.
• Georgia taxpayers living in Butts, Crisp, Henry, Jasper, Meriwether, Newton, Pike, Spalding, or Troup counties have until May 15 to pay their state taxes and file their state returns.
• Mississippi taxpayers in Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, and Sharkey counties have until July 31 to file their state tax returns.

If you aren’t sure whether you live in an affected area according to your state, be sure to contact your state tax authority for more information — some states like California have expanded their impacted areas. Your state tax authority will also be able to confirm whether you are granted a tax payment extension along with the filing extension, as that can vary by state.