Today is June 23, 2026, and if you’re in Florida, you might be feeling the weight of tax season a bit less this year. Thanks to the recent hurricanes, Helene and Milton, the IRS has stepped in to offer some relief for those affected. Tax returns are due by May 1, 2025, which is a nice little extension for taxpayers living in the impacted areas. No need to fill out any extra forms—just sit back and breathe a sigh of relief as this deadline automatically applies to you. If you’re in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, or parts of Tennessee and Virginia, you’ve got until May 1 to file your 2023 tax returns.
However, don’t get too comfy—this extension doesn’t apply to tax payments for the year 2023. You still need to make sure those payments are squared away by the original deadline. Interestingly enough, May 1 is also the cutoff for filing returns for 2024 and for settling any taxes due. If you’re wondering where to find more information about the affected areas, the IRS website is your best friend.
IRS Relief Measures
On top of extending deadlines, the IRS has also rolled out various relief measures specifically for those impacted by the storms. This includes not just income tax but also extensions for filing and payment of excise taxes, quarterly payroll tax returns, and even sales tax returns. It’s a big deal, really! The IRS has identified 51 counties in Florida that qualify for these relief measures, including Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach, among others. If you’re in one of these areas, you’re in luck.
But wait, there’s more! If you requested a filing extension for your 2023 returns by April 15, 2024, you also have until May 1, 2025, to submit your paperwork. That’s a win for many out there. Plus, the IRS is allowing penalty-free withdrawals from retirement accounts for those who’ve suffered uninsured or unreimbursed property damage. So, if things have been tough, you might be able to access some cash without the usual penalties.
Unclaimed Refunds
Now, let’s talk money—specifically, unclaimed refunds. Did you know the IRS is holding over $1 billion in unclaimed refunds from the 2021 tax period? That’s a staggering amount! About $61 million of that is earmarked for around 70,000 Floridians. If you think you might be missing out, check the IRS website for more information on how to claim what’s rightfully yours. You might just find a little financial boost waiting for you.
And if you’re feeling the pressure of tax liabilities and can’t make your payments, don’t ignore the deadlines. The IRS offers payment plans with interest starting at 7%. It’s best to tackle this head-on rather than let it pile up, leading to those pesky late fees and interest charges. The deadline is looming, but with these options, you have a fighting chance to manage your tax situation without going into a panic.
As we navigate these tax waters, remember that the IRS is there to help. Whether you’ve been affected by the storms or just need a bit of guidance, check out those resources online. For those interested, the full details about the affected counties can be found on the IRS website. Stay informed, stay organized, and most importantly, don’t let the tax season stress you out too much!
For more information about this topic, feel free to check out the original source here and the IRS relief measures here.