Tax Extension Disaster Area

[apiazza2010]

I am in FL, a disaster area per the IRS for Milton. 

My understanding is that there was an automatic extension to May 1, 2025 for federal returns. 

I thought I would be able to gather all info by then but I need additional time, I am now past the 15th of April, but would like to file an extension. 

Can I still do so? Using Form 4868, I tried with Turbotax but could not. Can I paper file or use freefilefillableforms 

Thank you

[Vanessa A · Accepted solution]

Yes.  You do have the ability to file the extension up until May 1st.  It cannot be filed electronically.  You will have to print and mail it. 

IRS reminder: Disaster victims in twelve states have automatic extensions to file and pay their 2024...

(Edited 4/232025 @2:43PM PST) @apiazza2010 

[apiazza2010]

Thank you for your reply. I called TurboTax today and was told the opposite interestingly. I did find this on the IRS website:

“The IRS urges anyone who needs an extension to request it electronically by April 15, 2025. Though disaster-area taxpayers also qualify to request a tax filing extension between April 15 and May 1, 2025, these requests cannot be filed electronically. They can be filed only on paper using Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.“

link: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-reminder-disaster-victims-in-twelve-states-have-automatic-extension...

[DawnC]

It has to be done by 04/15 in order to electronically file it.  But you can still request it by mail; it just needs to be postmarked by 05/01.

Form 4868 and instructions included