Georgia's Extended Tax Deadline Due to Hurricane Helene: What You Need to Know

Did you know that the deadline for Georgia’s Individual Income Tax returns has been moved to May 1 this year instead of the usual April 15? This change is a result of Hurricane Helene. Here’s a closer look at what this means and tips on avoiding scams as Tax Day approaches.

Due to the impact of Hurricane Helene, the IRS has granted an extension on the tax deadline for those in Georgia, setting the new date at May 1. This is in line with the state’s decision to allow the same extension for 2024 individual tax returns. Furthermore, residents have the option to request further extensions post the new deadline. As this date draws near, experts are cautioning Georgians to be vigilant against fraudsters pretending to be the IRS.

As the tax season unfolds, some Georgians can take a sigh of relief as they won’t have to submit their returns by midnight’s usual deadline. The IRS states that those living in areas of Georgia impacted by last year’s Hurricane Helene are granted additional time to file their taxes.

This decision to extend the deadline was influenced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after it declared a disaster following the severe storms in September. Those affected by these storms now have until May 1 to complete their filing and make tax payments.

This new deadline affects individuals and businesses with a 2024 return typically due in March or April 2025, as well as individuals who received a valid extension for their 2023 return that was set to expire on October 15, 2024. It also includes calendar-year corporations whose 2023 extensions were slated to end on October 15, 2024. Additionally, taxpayers who were previously given extended deadlines until February 2025 due to Hurricane Debby are included.

Georgia isn’t the only state to benefit from this relaxation. Certain taxpayers in Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia might also experience similar deadline extensions.

As the new deadline nears, tax and cybersecurity experts are advising Georgians to be on guard against scammers pretending to be the IRS to con them out of money. A prevalent scheme involves sending text messages, emails, or calls impersonating IRS officials. These scammers offer a supposedly easy filing method, threatening negative consequences if their link isn’t used. Alternatively, they might claim your return is ready and provide a malicious link.

Jon Powell, CPA and partner at Moore Colson, emphasizes that the IRS will never communicate via email or text with links. He advises that if anything seems suspicious, it’s best to contact the IRS directly to verify.