May 5, 2025
While we adhere to strict editorial guidelines, partners on this page may provide us earnings.
Imagine breathing a little easier this tax season, not because you’ve filed on time, but because the IRS has handed you an unexpected extension.
According to ABC News Channel 9, the IRS recently rolled out a major tax filing and payment extension, but only for one specific state: Tennessee.
Advertisement
The move came after the state was declared a disaster zone by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in the wake of intense and damaging severe weather.
But here’s the twist: the extension isn’t just for folks hit hard by natural disasters. It’s a statewide reprieve.
Emergency relief tax break
If you’re a resident in any of Tennessee’s 95 counties, you’re able to take advantage of the extended deadline.
Recent storms have battered parts of the state, bringing powerful winds, flooding and tornadoes that disrupted homes and businesses — and even caused some fatalities, according to ABC News.
In response, FEMA declared the entire state a disaster zone, unlocking a broad set of emergency relief options, including this tax extension.
Now, all individuals and businesses in the state, regardless of whether they were personally impacted or not, have until Nov. 3, 2025 to file their federal returns and make any payments that are due. That’s more than half a year past the typical April 15 deadline.
Advertisement
According to the IRS, this relief is automatic and applies to all counties in the state. But, if you live outside of the state and commute into it for work, you're still eligible. In this case, it’s recommended that you call the IRS Special Services line at 866-562-5227 to request the extension.
And for those who have already filed, the payment extension still applies.
Must Read
- Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake — here’s what it is and the simple steps to fix it ASAP
- Robert Kiyosaki begs investors not to miss this ‘explosion’ — says this 1 asset will surge 400% in a year
- Vanguard reveals what could be coming for U.S. stocks, and it’s raising alarm bells for retirees. Here’s why and how to protect yourself
Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywise’s best stories and exclusive interviews first — clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.
Important details about the tax extension
To be clear, here’s what you need to know about the Tennessee tax extension, according to the IRS:
-
Tax filing and payment deadlines for individuals, businesses and certain tax-exempt organizations have been pushed to Nov. 3, 2025.
-
All estimated tax payments (typically due April 15, June 16 and Sept. 15) are delayed.
-
Individual retirement account (IRA) and health savings account (HSA) contribution deadlines are extended as well, giving you extra time to maximize retirement and health savings for the 2024 tax year.
-
If you were directly impacted by the storms, such as losing your home or being displaced, you may be eligible for additional relief beyond the blanket extension.
The IRS encourages those with unique circumstances to reach out directly, though you may need to be patient due to staffing shortages contributing to delays.
Tips for filing your taxes
While a tax extension is a nice-to-have, you still have to treat the filing process like the priority that it is.
Here's what to keep in mind if you're taking the tax extension.
-
Don’t forget about your taxes. Just because you may have more time doesn’t mean you should put off filing indefinitely. If you’re entitled to the extension, set a calendar reminder to revisit your taxes in the summer.
-
Remember to talk to a tax professional. If you were impacted by severe weather or need clarity, a tax professional can help you interpret what further relief you may be eligible for.
-
Hang onto all of your documentation. If you do apply for further relief, keep records of storm-related damage or displacement expenses that may support your case.
-
Check state deadlines. While the IRS has granted federal relief, state tax deadlines may differ. Be sure to check with your state’s revenue department for updates.
Whether you're dealing with storm recovery or just grateful for a little breathing room, it’s worth considering how you can make this unexpected extension work in your favor.
You May Also Like
- Turning 50 with $0 saved for retirement? Most people don’t realize they’re actually just entering their prime earning decade. Here are 6 ways to catch up fast
- This 20-year-old lotto winner refused $1M in cash and chose $1,000/week for life. Now she’s getting slammed for it. Which option would you pick?
- Warren Buffett used these 8 repeatable money rules to turn $9,800 into a $150B fortune. Start using them today to get rich (and stay rich)
- Here are 5 easy ways to own multiple properties like Bezos and Beyoncé. You can start with $10 (and no, you don’t have to manage a single thing)
Jessica is a freelance writer with a professional background in economic development and small business consulting. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Sociology and is completing her Publishing Certificate.
