News Summary
Due to the impact of Hurricane Helene, the IRS has extended the tax filing deadline for residents of Georgia to May 1, providing much-needed relief for those affected. All counties in Georgia qualify for this tax relief following a federal disaster declaration. Additionally, those whose prior tax deadlines were postponed due to Hurricane Debby are also included in this extension. Taxpayers are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to manage their tax obligations effectively.
Atlanta, GA – The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has extended the deadline for filing 2024 tax returns in Georgia to May 1, 2025, due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, which struck in September 2024. This change allows taxpayers across the state additional time to prepare and submit their tax returns, a relief for those affected by this disaster.
All 159 counties in Georgia are eligible for tax relief following a disaster declaration by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This means that every resident can benefit from the extended filing deadline as they face the aftermath of the storm. Additionally, the extension also applies to those taxpayers whose returns and payments had been postponed until February 3, 2025, following another storm, Hurricane Debby, which impacted the state in August 2024.
Impacts of Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene left a significant mark on Georgia and other parts of the Atlantic coast, being categorized as a deadly storm. As a result of the widespread devastation, residents are navigating recovery while also preparing to file their taxes, making the extension particularly critical this year.
Tax Filing Extensions and Penalties
Taxpayers who miss the May 1 deadline can still file for a further extension; however, this does not extend the payment deadline. Filers can electronically request an extension by April 15, 2025, through the IRS. For those in disaster areas, requests must use paper Form 4868, as electronic submission is not permitted.
It’s important for taxpayers to remember that not paying the taxes owed by the deadline may incur penalties or interest charges. To help manage their tax obligations, Georgians can utilize payment plans available through the Georgia Tax Center or by submitting Form GA-9465, the Installment Agreement Request.
Additional Support for Taxpayers
Both the IRS and the Georgia Department of Revenue offer online tools to check the status of tax refunds. Additionally, due to a law signed by Governor Brian Kemp, the Georgia Department of Revenue has launched a tool for checking the status of surplus tax refunds. As a benefit for timely filers, some Georgia residents may receive up to $500 in rebates, with officials indicating that these refunds could start being administered around late May or early June 2025.
Taxpayers are advised to carefully choose reliable tax preparers and take steps to protect their identities, including requesting an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS. It is also recommended to avoid potentially costly tax relief companies.
Tax Processing Updates
The Georgia Department of Revenue began processing 2024 tax returns on February 3, 2025. For those who filed electronically and without errors, the average processing time was just over two days, which can significantly streamline the refund process for individuals who are awaiting their returns.
Comparative State Actions
Georgia is not alone in providing an extended tax filing deadline this year. Other states, including Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, also granted similar relief to their residents in response to the impact of recent storms.
In conclusion, the extension of the tax filing deadline to May 1, 2025, presents an important opportunity for Georgians grappling with the repercussions of Hurricane Helene and other storms. With multiple options available for filing extensions, payment plans, and resources to check refund statuses, taxpayers are encouraged to take advantage of these measures to ensure their financial and tax obligations are met effectively.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Atlanta Surgeon Harvey Cole’s License Renewed Amid Lawsuits
Metro Atlanta Faces Housing Crisis Amid Legislative Action
Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Taxation in the United States
- 11Alive
- Google Search: Georgia tax filing extension
- Patch
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Helene Georgia taxes
- Atlanta News First
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Income Tax
- 13WMAZ
- Google News: Georgia tax filing 2025
