Tax Day Extension 2025: Who Qualifies & How to Get More Time to File

Tax Day is looming—April 15, 2025—but what if you’re not ready? The good news? You might qualify for an automatic tax day extension without lifting a finger.

The IRS has granted disaster victims in 12 states extra time to file and pay, pushing their deadline to May 1, 2025. And if you don’t live in a disaster zone but still need more time, there are ways to get an extension until October 15, 2025 (though taxes owed are still due by April 15!).

Confused? Don’t stress. This guide breaks down who qualifies for a Tax Day extension in 2025, how to request one, and what you need to do to avoid penalties.

And if you’d rather have an expert handle your taxes (or extension)? Spyglass Accounting has your back.

Automatic Extensions for Disaster Victims (Deadline: May 1, 2025)

If you live in a FEMA-declared disaster area, the IRS has already given you extra time. No paperwork needed—just file and pay by May 1, 2025.

Who Qualifies?

✅ Entire states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina
✅ Partial states & counties:

• Alaska (Juneau)
• New Mexico (Chaves County)
• Tennessee (14 counties, including Sevier & Sullivan)
• Virginia (30+ counties, including Roanoke & Montgomery)

👉 Check the full list on the IRS Disaster Relief Page.

What’s Extended?

• Individual & business tax returns (Form 1040, 1120, etc.)
• Quarterly estimated tax payments (April 15 deadline pushed to May 1)
• Partnership & S-Corp returns (normally due March 17)

⚠️ Key Note: This is both a filing AND payment extension—unlike standard extensions, which only delay filing.

Need Even More Time? How to Get an Extension Until Oct. 15

If you’re not in a disaster zone but still need extra time, you can request an extension.

How to File for an Extension

1️⃣ E-File by April 15 (Fastest & easiest)

• Use IRS Free File (regardless of income)
• Or file Form 4868 electronically

2️⃣ Paper Form 4868 (If filing between April 16 – May 1)

• Disaster victims must mail this form (no e-file option)

📌 Important: An extension does NOT delay payment. You still must pay any taxes owed by April 15 to avoid penalties.

💡 Stressed about calculating what you owe? Spyglass can estimate your tax liability and file your extension for you.

Special Extensions for Other Situations

California Wildfire Victims (Deadline: Oct. 15, 2025)

• Applies to Los Angeles County taxpayers affected by January 2025 wildfires.

Kentucky & West Virginia Flooding (Deadline: Nov. 3, 2025)

• Covers all of Kentucky + 12 counties in West Virginia.

Terrorist Attack Relief (Deadline: Sept. 30, 2025)

• For taxpayers in Israel, Gaza, or West Bank (or those assisting relief efforts).

What If You Miss the Deadline?

The IRS charges two types of penalties:
1️⃣ Late Filing Penalty – 5% per month (up to 25%)
2️⃣ Late Payment Penalty – 0.5% per month

🚨 Disaster-area taxpayers are exempt if they file by May 1.

If you get a penalty notice by mistake? Call the IRS or let us handle it for you.

Pro Tips for a Stress-Free Extension

✔️ Pay something by April 15 (Even if you can’t pay in full, it reduces penalties)
✔️ Use IRS Direct Pay (No fees, instant confirmation)
✔️ Keep records (In case of audits or amended returns)

💼 Self-employed or have complex taxes? Our tax pros can help maximize deductions and minimize liabilities.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic—Plan Ahead

If you’re in a disaster zone, check if you qualify for automatic relief. If not, file Form 4868 by April 15.

Need help? Spyglass Accounting offers:
✅ Extension filing (We’ll do it for you!)
✅ Tax payment planning (Avoid penalties)
✅ Disaster relief guidance (Lost documents? We can help.)

📞 Contact us today—before the deadline sneaks up!