Haven't filed your taxes yet? Georgians have until May 1 due to Hurricane Helene

Caption

A downed tree at Smith-Gaudry Park in Savannah after Hurricane Helene on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.

Credit: Benjamin Payne / GPB News

Georgians rushing to meet the usual April 15 deadline to file taxes have a little breathing room.

After Hurricane Helene made landfall in late September of last year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency issued disaster declarations for several Southern states, including Georgia.

After that declaration, the IRS extended the date to file and pay 2024's federal taxes to May 1, 2025, and Georgia's Department of Revenue followed suit.

Extensions like these are automatically granted to areas impacted by disasters.

Jon Powell, a partner at the tax firm Moore Colson, said that although Georgians only get an extra few weeks, that can make a huge difference for both taxpayers and tax professionals.

"Having a couple of extra weeks can be a godsend," he said. "If cash is tight as well, having a couple of extra weeks can allow you for time to make those payments."

Filers who needs the typical extension to Oct. 15 can still receive it, but they must request it.