IRS Makes it Official ― New Tax Extension, But only in these States

The IRS has officially moved into the next phase of the 2024/2025 tax season, shifting its focus from tax collection to refund distribution. While millions of Americans await their refunds — averaging nearly $2,945 — others may be facing late penalties if they missed the April 15 filing deadline. However, not all taxpayers are subject to these penalties, as the IRS has granted automatic deadline extensions to those in disaster-declared regions across several states.

If you filed on time, your refund may already be on its way. If you didn’t, it’s critical to understand the consequences — and whether you qualify for a deadline extension that could save you from penalties.

What Happens If You Miss the Tax Filing Deadline?

If you missed the April 15 deadline and did not file an extension, the IRS urges you to file your return as soon as possible. Waiting longer can result in mounting penalties and interest, especially if you owe taxes.

Late Filing Penalties:

Penalty Type	Details
Failure to File	5% of tax due per month, up to a maximum of 25%
Over 60 Days Late	Minimum penalty is either $485 (2024) or 100% of unpaid tax, whichever less
Failure to Pay	Interest continues to accrue until the balance is paid

Important Note:
If you are owed a refund, the failure-to-file penalty typically does not apply, but you must file within three years to claim it.

Why You Should File Even If You Can’t Pay

Many taxpayers delay filing because they can’t afford to pay their full tax bill. But the IRS encourages you to file anyway, because:

• The failure-to-file penalty is harsher than the failure-to-pay penalty
• You can set up a payment plan with the IRS
• You might qualify for relief programs or penalty abatement

Filing your return protects you from additional penalties and keeps you eligible for IRS programs that could reduce or eliminate your tax debt over time.

Tax Extensions for Select States

If you’re in a region affected by natural disasters, the IRS may have automatically extended your tax deadline. While the general extension to May 1 for 12 disaster-declared states has already passed, some areas still have extended deadlines lasting through the end of 2025.

Updated IRS-Approved Filing Extensions:

State / County	New Deadline	Reason
Los Angeles County, California	October 15, 2025	Wildfires in January 2025
All of Kentucky	November 3, 2025	Severe storms in February 2025
Select West Virginia Counties	November 3, 2025	Storm and flooding disaster areas

West Virginia Counties Affected:

• Boone, Greenbrier, Lincoln, Logan
• McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe
• Raleigh, Summers, Wayne, Wyoming

If you live in one of these regions, you do not need to request an extension — it’s automatic if your address on file matches the affected location.

Where’s Your Refund?

If you’ve already filed, the average IRS refund this year is $2,945. Refunds are typically issued within 21 days, but you can track yours using the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool.

Heads up: Refunds may be delayed if you owe past-due federal taxes, child support, or state debts, as your refund can be offset to cover those balances.

Planning Ahead: Reduce Your 2025/26 Tax Liability

Want to keep more of your income next year? Consider these IRS-endorsed strategies to legally reduce your tax burden:

Tax-Saving Tips:

• Claim Capital Losses: If your investments lost value, you can deduct up to $3,000 per year in losses against your income.
• Maximize Contributions:
  • 401(k): Up to $23,000 (if under 50) or $30,500 (if 50+)
  • IRA: Up to $7,000 (or $8,000 if 50+)
• Use HSA Funds: If eligible, Health Savings Account contributions are tax-deductible and grow tax-free.

Even if your finances are tight or uncertain, filing your taxes is always better than ignoring them.

The tax deadline may have passed, but your responsibilities — and opportunities — haven’t. If you missed the April 15 deadline, file as soon as possible to reduce or avoid penalties. And if you’re in a disaster-declared region, you may have months left to file penalty-free.

With the IRS now processing refunds, and many Americans seeing an average of nearly $3,000 back, it’s worth checking your eligibility and filing status — even if you think it’s too late.

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