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Tax Deadline Extended for Tennessee Residents Hit by Severe Weather

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HERE Chattanooga

News Summary

The IRS has extended the tax filing deadline for Tennessee residents adversely affected by severe weather, including storms and flooding, to November 3, 2025. This decision provides much-needed relief to both individual taxpayers and businesses as they recover from the disaster. The extension applies to various tax-related deadlines, including contributions to IRAs and estimated tax payments. The IRS is also offering assistance for penalty waivers to those who may receive late notices during this period.

Tax Deadline Extended for Tennessee Residents Hit by Severe Weather

In the heart of Tennessee, residents are breathing a little easier today, as a recent announcement from the IRS has brought some much-needed relief. Following the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that wreaked havoc starting April 2, 2025, taxpayers across the entire state now have a new deadline to file their taxes. Instead of worrying about deadlines in the next few months, Tennessee residents can take a breather as the new filing date stretches all the way to November 3, 2025.

What’s the Situation?

The IRS took this step on April 14, 2025, extending the deadline for both individual and business tax returns to help those affected by this disaster. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared this disastrous weather outbreak, which means certain tax-filing deadlines are being pushed back to give residents a chance to recover.

Everyone impacted by the disasters can relax with extended deadlines. Specifically, all tax returns and payments due on or after April 2, 2025, and before November 3, 2025, fall under this extension. So, if you were stressing over your individual income tax return due on April 15, 2025, you now have until that November date to sort it out.

Changes in Contribution Deadlines

It gets even better! Those planning to make contributions to their IRAs and health savings accounts for the year 2024 are also given this new deadline of November 3, 2025. That gives many folks additional time to ensure their finances are in order without the pressure of looming deadlines.

Estimated Tax Payments Relief

For those making estimated tax payments, you can breathe easier knowing that the usual due dates on April 15, June 16, and September 15 in 2025 are now extended as well. Payroll and excise tax deposits with deadlines falling between April 2, 2025 and April 17, 2025 will be free from penalties, provided you make your deposits by April 17, 2025.

Support for Businesses

Businesses in the affected areas are also benefitting from these extensions. They’re under the same deadline delays, making the recovery process a little smoother as they navigate their business finances in the aftermath of the storm.

Help for Taxpayers

Now, if you happen to receive any late filing or payment penalty notices during this postponement, don’t hesitate to reach out to the IRS. They can help you get those penalties waived, ensuring you’re not unfairly penalized while you’re trying to recover.

Automatic Relief and Further Assistance

The good news is that the IRS automatically identifies taxpayers in the designated disaster areas and applies the relief measures. However, if you happen to be outside this designated area but still need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact the IRS Special Services. And, tax practitioners in the affected area can also reach out for guidance if they’re keeping records for clients located elsewhere.

Claiming Casualty Losses

Taxpayers can also claim casualty losses resulting from the disaster on their federal income tax return for either the current tax year or the previous one. They even have extra time until October 15, 2026 to make this choice. Be sure to include FEMA disaster declaration number 3625-EM on your return to get the ball rolling.

Additional Relief Opportunities

Lastly, if you’ve received qualified disaster relief payments for personal or family expenses, those amounts are generally kept out of your gross income—great news for your tax outcomes! Additionally, there might be options for early distributions from retirement plans without incurring the usual penalties.

As the IRS continues to assess the ongoing impacts of this disaster, more assistance may be offered down the line. For those looking for forms, publications, or additional support, the IRS website is a handy place to start. You can also check out disasterassistance.gov for further information on recovery efforts.