Need An IRS Income Tax Extension in 2025? If You Live in These States, You May Have More Time to File

Let's face it – tax season is stressful. But what if you had more time to file your tax return? 

In 2025, residents in four states may automatically qualify for income tax extensions as a result of state emergencies, natural disasters, and other state-specific deadlines.

Below is what you need to know about 2025 filing deadlines, IRS tax extensions by state,  and what to do if you filed late.

Missed the April 15 IRS Deadline? Here's What to Do

If you didn't file or pay your federal taxes by April 15, 2025, don’t panic — but you do need to take action quickly:

Step 1: File Immediately

Yes, file your return as soon as possible, even if you missed the deadline. The failure-to-file penalty is steeper than the separate penalties for late filing and late payment. So file ASAP!

• Late Filing Penalty: 5% - 25 % of unpaid taxes per month
• Late Payment Penalty: 0.5% - 25%  per month

Stop additional penalties from piling up, so file today.

Step 2: Pay What You Can

If you can’t pay the full amount, pay as much as possible. This will help reduce interest and penalties. The IRS offers:

• Installment Agreements
• Temporary Delay of Collection
• Offer in Compromise (settlement for less than owed)

Step 3: See If You Qualify for Penalty Relief

If you missed the deadline but experienced or were impacted by an illness, natural disaster, or death in the family, you may qualify for:

• First-Time Penalty Abatement
• Reasonable Cause Relief

Consider working with a tax expert to prepare your request and maximize your chances of IRS approval. Negotiating with the IRS can get complicated. Have an expert help you with the process. 

Who Qualifies for Tax Extensions in 2025?

Anyone can file a Form 4868 to request a standard federal extension.

From 4868 gives you until October 15, 2025, to file your taxes.

But the IRS also grants automatic extensions to taxpayers in areas affected by:

• Public health emergencies
• Natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, floods, wildfires)
• Presidentially-declared disaster zones
  
  

Quick Tip: You do not need to apply if you live in one of these zones. Check the IRS official site for the list of qualifying counties at IRS.gov/disasters.

States with IRS Tax Extensions Due to Disaster Relief (As of March 2025)

Here are the four current states where residents automatically qualify for IRS extensions in 2025 if their county was impacted:

Quick Tip: Always check the official IRS disaster relief page for updates. Deadlines can be further extended depending on federal declarations.

What About State Income Tax Deadline Extensions?

State taxes are different than federal taxes. Federal extensions do not always extend to state taxes. 

Some states abide by federal deadlines, while others require a separate extension request.

States That Extend Automatically With Federal Extensions:

• Alabama
  
  
• California
  
  
• Louisiana
  
  
• North Carolina
  
  
• Texas
  
  

States That Require Separate Extension Filings:

• New York
  
  
• Pennsylvania
  
  
• Illinois
  
  
• Massachusetts
  
  
• Virginia
  
  

How to File for an IRS Tax Extension (Form 4868)

If you have not been impacted by a disaster and do not live in a qualifying county but still need more time, file a Form 4868:

1. Submit Form 4868 by mail or online
   1. e-File via tax software or your tax preparer
   2. Paper File by mailing Form 4868 to the appropriate IRS address
2. Pay your estimated taxes owed
3. Receive an automatic 6-month extension to file—until October 15, 2025

Note: Form 4868 must be filed before April 15, 2025, to receive an extension without penalties. However, if you have a reasonable cause for filing late, you might be able to request penalty relief, but you should still file your return as soon as possible and attach a statement explaining your reason.

Key Tips to Avoid IRS Penalties in 2025

• Pay your estimated tax due by April 15 to avoid interest
  
  
• Document any losses for deductions if you’ve been affected by a disaster
  
  
• Check both the IRS and state websites for deadline confirmations
  
  
• Use direct debit or EFTPS for secure payment processing
  
  

FAQ: IRS Tax Extension 2025

Q: Will the IRS notify me if I qualify for a county disaster-based extension?

A: No. You must check IRS.gov for updates, but the IRS does automatically apply relief to qualifying ZIP codes, so check if you qualify.

Q: What happens if I miss the April 15 and October 15 deadlines?

A: You may face failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties, plus interest. But it’s better to file something than nothing, so file as soon as possible, even if late.

Q: Do I get extra time for my state taxes?

A: Not always, it depends on the state. State rules vary — some follow the IRS deadlines, others require a separate request and form.

Need Help Navigating Your Tax Penalties and Extensions?

Tax Attorneys of America can help you determine if you're eligible for a federal or state filing extension and if you qualify for relief. Experts help individuals through late filings, payment plans, penalty relief, and disaster-related tax benefits.

Schedule your free consultation now