As Tax Day approaches, many Americans are scrambling to finalize their returns. Typically, April 15 marks the deadline for filing taxes across the United States, but residents of Western North Carolina and South Carolina have a bit more time this year due to the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. Thanks to disaster tax relief measures from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), those affected by the storm have until May 1, 2025, to file their income tax returns.
This extension is not just a minor reprieve; it impacts a significant number of taxpayers across the affected states. On October 1, 2024, the IRS announced disaster tax relief for individuals and businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. This relief includes residents from Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and parts of Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia, allowing them to postpone their tax filing deadlines and some payments.
For Western North Carolina residents, the new deadline means they can file their income tax returns until May 1, 2025, without facing penalties. The IRS’s disaster tax relief measures are designed to ease the burden on those who have been affected by natural disasters, ensuring that they have the time needed to recover and manage their tax obligations.
Taxpayers who find themselves unable to meet the new deadline can still file for an extension, which would allow them to push their filing deadline to October 15, 2025. However, it’s crucial to remember that the deadline for requesting such an extension is April 15, 2025. Various options are available for filing an extension, including online payment options, using the IRS Free File system, or submitting Form 4868 by mail.
Tax season officially kicked off on January 27, 2025, and as the deadline looms, many are eager to know the status of their refunds. Taxpayers who have already filed can check the status of their federal refunds on the IRS website, which updates the refund status 24 hours after e-filing a current-year return. For those who filed a paper return, it may take up to four weeks to receive information about their refund.
In North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Revenue (NCDOR) also provides a platform to check the status of state tax refunds. The NCDOR’s review process typically takes three to six weeks after an electronic submission, or up to 12 weeks for paper returns. Taxpayers should be aware that the NCDOR has several status updates for refunds, including "Return Received," "Processing and Validating Return Information," and "Refund Issued." Each status provides insight into where a taxpayer stands in the refund process.
In South Carolina, the tax filing deadline has similarly been extended to May 1, 2025, as part of the relief measures for those affected by Tropical Storm Helene. The South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) has automatically granted this relief to taxpayers in all 46 counties, ensuring that they do not have to take additional steps to receive the extension.
For South Carolinians, the deadline for filing an extension is also May 1, 2025, allowing additional time until October 15, 2025, to file without penalties. However, it’s important to note that taxes owed must still be paid by the original deadline of April 15, 2025, to avoid penalties. The standard penalty for missing the tax deadline is 5% of the tax due for every month the return is late, up to a maximum of 25% of the unpaid balance. Furthermore, a 0.5% penalty will be applied for failing to pay owed taxes after receiving an extension.
For those eagerly awaiting their tax refunds, the IRS generally issues most refunds within 21 days for e-filed returns, while paper returns may take four weeks or longer. Taxpayers can track their refunds using the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool, which provides updates on the status of their refunds shortly after e-filing.
As the deadline approaches, it's essential for taxpayers affected by Tropical Storm Helene to stay informed about their filing options and deadlines. With the IRS and state revenue departments offering extended deadlines and relief measures, residents in these areas can focus on recovering from the storm while ensuring their tax obligations are met.
In conclusion, the tax filing landscape for residents of Western North Carolina and South Carolina has been significantly altered this year due to the impact of Tropical Storm Helene. With extended deadlines and relief measures in place, taxpayers have a unique opportunity to manage their tax responsibilities without the added stress of immediate deadlines. Whether filing on time or seeking an extension, understanding the available options is crucial for navigating this tax season effectively.
