IRS Tax Deadline Extended for California, Texas & Kentucky After Disasters — See If You Qualify
Big storms hit parts of the U.S. this year. There were floods, tornadoes, and other weather disasters in places like California, Texas, and Kentucky. Because of all the damage, many people couldn’t focus on taxes. That’s why the IRS is giving them more time to file.
If you live in an area that was hurt by these storms, this news is for you.
What Is the IRS Doing?
The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) is the part of the government that collects taxes. Normally, you have to file your taxes by April 15 each year. But when bad things happen, the IRS can give you more time.
This is called a “tax deadline extension.” It’s like saying, “Don’t worry, you can file later.”
Who Gets More Time?
The IRS is helping people in the following states:
- California
- Texas
- Kentucky
But not everyone in these states gets more time—only people in certain counties that were declared disaster areas by the federal government.
To find out if your county qualifies, you can visit the IRS disaster relief page.
New Deadlines
Here are the new tax deadlines for people who qualify:
- Most people in these areas have until November 3, 2025 to file their federal tax returns.
- Some parts of Texas get even more time—until February 2026!
That means if your area was hit hard and is on the list, you do not have to rush. You can take a few more months to file your taxes and make payments.
What Taxes Are Affected?
The IRS extension doesn’t just cover your personal tax return. It also includes:
- Business tax returns
- Quarterly estimated tax payments
- Payroll and excise tax returns
- IRA contributions and HSA contributions
Basically, if you had something due to the IRS after the disaster, it might now be due later.
Do You Need to Ask for More Time?
Good news: You don’t have to do anything special to get this extension.
If the IRS has your address and it shows that you live in a disaster area, they will automatically give you more time. You don’t need to fill out a form or make a phone call.
But if you get a late notice from the IRS by mistake, just call the number on the letter. Tell them you live in a disaster area, and they’ll fix it.
What If You Moved?
If you moved after the storm and the IRS doesn’t have your new address, you may not get the extra time. So it’s important to update your address with the IRS.
You can do that by filling out Form 8822 or by calling the IRS directly.
Why Does This Matter?
When a disaster happens, it can turn your life upside down. You may lose your home, your car, or even your job. The last thing you need to worry about is taxes.
By giving people more time, the IRS is helping families and small business owners focus on recovery. That’s a big help when times are hard.
What Should You Do Now?
If you think this applies to you, here’s what to do:
- Check if your county is listed as a disaster area on the IRS website.
- Mark your new deadline on your calendar.
- Get help if needed. You can talk to a tax pro or CPA who knows how this works.
- Start getting your documents ready. Even with extra time, don’t wait too long to prepare.
Tips for Filing After a Disaster
If you’re dealing with storm damage and still need to file taxes, here are some easy tips:
- Keep copies of your important papers in a safe place (or online).
- If you lost papers, the IRS can help you get copies.
- You may also qualify for disaster loss deductions, which could lower your taxes.
- If your home or business was damaged, talk to a tax expert about claiming losses on your return.
Can You Get a Refund Sooner?
Yes! Even though you have more time to file, you can still file early. The sooner you file, the sooner you can get a tax refund, if you’re owed one.
If you’re ready, don’t wait—filing now could help you get money you can use for repairs or other needs.
Where to Get Help
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Here’s where you can go for help:
- IRS website: www.irs.gov
- Tax professionals and CPAs: They can help you file and make sure you take advantage of all disaster-related tax benefits.
- Free File: If you make less than $79,000 a year, you can file your federal taxes for free using IRS Free File.
Final Thoughts
Disasters can make life hard. But the IRS knows that, and they’re giving people time to get back on their feet. If you live in a place hit by storms this year—like California, Texas, or Kentucky—make sure you know your new tax deadline.
More time means less stress—and better results when it’s finally time to file.
If you’re not sure where to begin, we can help. Book a free consultation with our team of CPAs and tax planners. We’ll walk you through the deadlines, help you file, and make sure you’re getting every tax break you qualify for.