.png)
IRS Further Postpones Various Tax Deadlines for North Carolina Storm Victims
On April 17, 2025, the IRS announced an extension to the already extended deadlines for North Carolina filers due to the lingering effects of hurricane Helene. Below are the key details.
Summary of Extension
The tax relief postpones the filing and payment deadlines for various returns to September 25, 2025, from the previously extended deadline of May 1, 2025. Specifically, any return filings and related payments that were previously due after September 24, 2024, are now postponed to September 25, 2025.
Examples of Returns & Payments Affected
- Individual income tax returns and payments normally due on April 15, 2025.
- This includes eligible taxpayers’ contributions to IRAs and HSAs for 2024.
- 2024 quarterly estimated tax payments normally due on Jan. 15, 2025.
- All 2025 quarterly estimated tax payments normally due on April 15, June 16 and Sept. 15, 2025.
- Quarterly payroll and excise tax returns normally due on Oct. 31, 2024, and those due on Jan. 31, April 30 and July 31, 2025.
- Calendar-year corporation and fiduciary returns and payments normally due on April 15, 2025.
- Calendar-year tax-exempt organization returns normally due on May 15, 2025.
- 990, 1040, 1041 and 1120 filers that filed valid extensions for tax year 2023.
Eligible Taxpayers
Since FEMA has deemed the entire state of North Carolina a disaster area, taxpayers with an IRS address of record located in North Carolina will receive filing and penalty relief automatically, without the need to contact the agency. Additionally, those located outside the area that were affected can contact the agency at 866-562-5227 for assistance.
Additional Tax Relief
Individuals and businesses located in the disaster area who suffered uninsured and unreimbursed losses related to Hurricane Helene have the choice to recognize those losses on either their 2023 or 2024 year-end return. There is a six-month time limit to make this decision, however, from the original, non-extended due date of the federal return. For example, an individual would have until October 15, 2025, to make the decision. The FEMA declaration number, 3617-EM, must be written on any return claiming such a loss. Furthermore, qualified disaster relief payments from a government agency (for repair or rehabilitation of a home or its contents, personal) can be excluded from gross income.
North Carolina Department of Revenue Penalty Relief
On April 23, 2025, the North Carolina Department of Revenue (“NC DOR”) issued a notice that, along with the federal returns and payments extended by the IRS, the NC DOR will remove Late Action Penalties assessed on affected taxpayers*. This applies to penalties on late filings and payments previously due after September 24, 2024, through September 25, 2025. These penalties include those listed below, and do not apply to underpayment interest.
- Failure to obtain a license.
- Failure to file a return.
- Failure to pay tax when due.
- Failure to file an informational return.
The NCDOR adds that any affected taxpayers* with the same penalties noted above that were previously provided relief through February 3, 2025, due to Tropical Storm Debby, also qualify for state penalty relief through September 25, 2025.
All affected taxpayers* qualify for this penalty relief automatically, without action. However, if the NC DOR erroneously assesses Late Action Penalties on one of the aforementioned filings, either of the below two actions can be completed to have these penalties waived.
- Submit form NC-5500, request to waive penalties, or form NC-5501, request for waiver of an informational return penalty (both are available at the NC DOR website – ncdor.gov). At the top of either, the taxpayer must write “Hurricane Helene.”
- Call the NC DOR at 1-877-252-3052 between 7:00am and 4:30pm ET, Monday through Friday.
*Affected taxpayers are individuals living in North Carolina, businesses whose principal place of business is in North Carolina, other individuals and businesses whose records that are necessary to meet a state tax deadline are located in North Carolina, relief workers assisting North Carolina and are affiliated with a recognized government or philanthropic organization, or any individual visiting North Carolina who was killed or injured as a result of Hurricane Helene.