Didn’t do your taxes yet? You may have some more time, according to the IRS.
2020 was an overwhelming year for many, and 2021 added to the chaos. Not only were people recovering from the pandemic and adjusting to a “new normal”, but they also had to deal with the unexpected impact from severe weather events throughout much of the country. As tornadoes, winter freezes, and storms plagued the U.S., many people were left in disarray. As a result, many went days or weeks without power, access to food, clean water, and shelter. Because of this, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) responded to these catastrophes and declared them “disasters”. In response to FEMA’s declarations, the IRS implemented relief options to citizens in affected states around the country. As a result, business owners and individuals in 7 states were given even more time to file their 2020 taxes.
Is your state on the list? Let’s find out!
Who Gets a Tax Deadline Extension?
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the IRS had already extended the tax deadline to May 17, 2021, for individual taxpayers, businesses, trusts, estates, and others. In summary, the IRS believed that this extra time would allow people to gather their important paperwork for their taxes without having the stress of the usual April tax filing deadline.
When the storms and tornadoes hit the country in early 2021, the IRS extended tax deadlines further to residents in states who were affected by the severe weather. Ultimately, some residents’ deadlines were extended into June, while some have as late as August 2021 to submit their tax paperwork.
Here’s a list of states who have tax extensions:
- Alabama
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Oklahoma
- Tennessee
- Texas
- West Virginia
Taxpayers eligible for the extension may postpone filing their tax returns, tax payments, and other time-sensitive acts. Here is a detailed extension breakdown by state:
Alabama Extension
In March 2021, Alabama fell victim to severe storms, heavy winds, and tornadoes. FEMA announced a disaster declaration for the state, which prompted the IRS to postpone specific tax filing and payment deadlines for those disaster zones. Individuals who either live in certain counties in Alabama or have businesses in Alabama may qualify for relief.
Currently, individuals in these counties may qualify:
- Bibb
- Calhoun
- Hale
- Jefferson
- Perry
- Randolph
- Shelby
Alabama residents and those who have businesses in the areas above have until August 2, 2021, to file their taxes.
Kentucky Extension
FEMA declared Kentucky as a disaster state after they faced storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides in 2021. Because of this, certain Kentucky residents and business owners have until June 30, 2021, to file their tax returns and make payments
Here’s a list of counties in Kentucky who qualify for tax relief until June 30th:
- Bell
- Boyd
- Breathitt
- Calloway
- Carter
- Casey
- Clark
- Clay
- Cumberland
- Edmonson
- Elliot
- Estill
- Floyd
- Franklin
- Graves
- Greenup
- Harlan
- Jackson
- Johnson
- Knott
- Knox
- Lawrence
- Lee
- Leslie
- Letcher
- Lincoln
- Magoffin
- Marion
- Martin
- Mason
- Menifee
- Morgan
- Ohio
- Owsley
- Perry
- Pink
- Powell
- Pulaski
- Rockcastle
- Union
- Whitley
- Wolfe
Louisiana Extension
The IRS announced an extension for Louisiana residents in all 64 parishes because of the winter storms that passed through the state in February 2021. This allows individuals and business owners in Louisiana to file and pay their taxes by June 15, 2021. In addition to that, farmers and fishermen who have taxes may also make their estimated payments by June 15, 2021.
Oklahoma Extension
On February 25, 2021, the IRS announced that Oklahoma residents and business owners have until June 15, 2021 to file their taxes. Oklahoma residents and business owners are all eligible for tax relief in the state. The IRS did not limit the relief by county.
Tennessee Extension
After the severe storms, winds, and tornadoes struck Tennessee, FEMA declared a disaster in the state. Only those in specific counties are eligible for relief, and those qualified individuals have until August 2, 2021, to file and pay their taxes.
Here’s a list of county residents and business owners who have an extended tax deadline:
- Campbell
- Cannon
- Cheatham
- Claiborne
- Calay
- Davidson
- Decatur
- Fentress
- Grainger
- Hardeman
- Henderson
- Hickman
- Jackson
- Madison
- Maury
- McNairy
- Moore
- Overton
- Scott
- Smith
- Wayne
- Williamson
- Wilson
Texas Extension
In February 2021, winter storms hit the state of Texas. Citizens all over the state endured extended periods without water, food, and power, so the IRS gave everyone in all 254 counties until June 15, 2021, to file their taxes.
West Virginia
Severe storms and flooding affected many people in West Virginia. Many West Virginia residents and business owners have until June 30, 2021, to file their taxes. Only people in specific counties have an extension. Here’s the list of counties covered by this extension:
- Boone
- Cabell
- Kanawha
- Lincoln
- Logan
- Mingo
- Wayne
Late Penalty Notices
If you are considered an affected taxpayer, you should not have to pay any penalties for filing after May 17th, 2021. If you receive a late payment penalty notice, you must call the phone number provided on the penalty notice. Let them know that you are in a disaster area so that they can update information on their end and give you more time.
What if You Need More Time to File?
If you need more time beyond the extension, you will need to submit a request for an automatic extension. This will extend your deadline to October 15, 2021. However, please note that the IRS says that you still must pay your taxes by the new deadline. You can find more information about tax extensions here.
What to Do Next
If you haven’t completed your taxes yet, it’s time to start gathering your paperwork so you don’t miss the next deadline. If you don’t file your taxes by the new deadline, you can lead yourself to costly penalties from the IRS. Therefore, to protect yourself from fees and other issues, try to file and pay your taxes right away. Remember, if you need more time, you can always try to file for an extension!
For those who may need extra help with their taxes, it’s wise to speak with an accountant in your area so they can assist you with your tax filing process. They’ll help you gather your paperwork and properly file your information.
