The IRS is giving more time to file tax returns in the United States to citizens living in natural disaster zones. The tax refund filing deadline will be July 22nd without any penalties, and it is discussing new dates. Read below all the details so you don’t get confused.Â
Only for counties officially declared as disaster areas
The IRS extension will be effective only for counties officially declared as disaster areas and recognized by the federal government. Currently, this includes Mississippi, Florida, Oklahoma, parts of Texas, and certain recently affected states.
It’s also relevant to note that for anyone affected by a natural disaster, the government may extend the deadline to file the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR). The IRS may provide additional disaster relief in the future, according to the IRS.
Individuals and households that reside in a disaster area declared by FEMA
“The Internal Revenue Service announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in parts of Mississippi affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that began on March 14, 2025. These taxpayers now have until Nov. 3, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments,” reads the official statement from the IRS and adds: “Following the disaster declaration issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), individuals and households that reside or have a business in Calhoun, Carroll, Covington, Davis, Grenada, Humphreys, Issaquena, Itawamba, Jefferson Davis, Lee, Leflore, Marion, Montgomery, Pike, Prentiss, Sharkey, Smith, Walthall, and Washington counties qualify for tax relief. As a result, affected individuals and businesses will have until Nov. 3, 2025, to file returns and pay any taxes that were originally due during this period”.
Enter your Zip Code and make sure if affects you
It’s important not to assume you live in a county affected by these circumstances. It’s advisable to confirm the list of areas by entering your zip code on the IRS website or calling. As long as you live or work in one of these areas, you’ll be eligible for this extension. If you had already requested an extension but now fall into a disaster zone, the new deadline will automatically apply.
This new notice includes the suspension of penalties for late filing and the ability to claim refunds that would otherwise be invalid or untimely. Likewise, taxpayers affected by disasters who are contacted by the IRS should explain how they were affected by the disaster. This way, the IRS can fully consider their case and avoid confusion. Taxpayers can download forms and publications from the official IRS website, IRS.gov, as noted on the official page.
It’s worth remembering that this year, the IRS in the United States confirmed the $2,939 refund to those who filed their tax returns electronically before June 15. It was also essential that the citizen had opted for direct deposit as a payment method, which was the only requirement to access the payment on the established dates.
Finally, remember that if you have any questions, the best option is to seek answers from official state sources. The IRS website reminds you that “eligible individuals or families can get free help preparing their tax return at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites. To find the closest free tax help site, use the VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887.”
