Florida Tax Extensions And What Happens If You Miss Filing Deadlines

Tax Day is traditionally April 15th, but that deadline got delayed for residents of Florida and other states in 2025. Due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton, tax deadlines here and in Alabama, Georgia, North and South Carolina, and several counties in Tennessee and Virginia were extended until May 1, 2025

However, even with an extension, many people are likely to miss the May 1st deadline. Florida tax-IRS attorney explains what you need to know if you haven’t filed your taxes and how to protect yourself moving forward.

The Consequences of Filing A Late Federal Tax Return And Not Paying Tax Debts

In October 2025, Hurricane Milton wreaked havoc in Florida and multiple states. Not long after, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that it was extending tax deadlines for impacted areas from April 15 to May 1, 2025.

The entire state of Florida is eligible for the extension, and residents do not need to file any special forms in order to claim it. However, as it only provides an additional few weeks, many individuals and businesses may find themselves still struggling to file or pay.

The penalties for not filing your tax return by the new deadline vary based on whether you owe money and include:

• Late Filing Penalty: The IRS can charge five percent of unpaid taxes each month your return is late, up to a maximum of 25 percent.
• Late Payment Penalty: If you do not pay by the deadline, you may be charged .5 percent of the unpaid balance per month, up to 25 percent.
• Interest on Unpaid Taxes: Interest begins to accrue the day after the deadline and continues until the balance is paid.
• Surrender of Refund: If you are eligible for a tax refund and wait over three years to file, you could forfeit it entirely.
• IRS Collection Actions: The longer you delay, the greater the risk of asset seizure and liens on your personal property.

What Should I Do If I Miss The May 1st Deadline For Filing My Taxes?

If you missed the May 1st deadline and have not filed your federal (or state) taxes, do not panic. Take these steps now to address the situation and minimize damage:

• File Immediately: The sooner you file, the less you will owe in late filing penalties.
• Pay What You Can: Partial payments reduce penalties and interest.
• Request a Payment Plan: The IRS offers short- and long-term installment agreements.
• Consider Penalty Relief: An illness or storm-related impacts may qualify you for penalty abatement.

Contact Ronald Cutler, P.A. for Trusted Help with Late Tax Filings

Stressed over missing federal and state tax deadlines? Florida tax-IRS attorney Ronald Cutler can negotiate with the IRS, set up payment options, and protect you from aggressive collection tactics. As a certified public accountant and former FBI agent who investigated tax fraud, he knows how the system works and takes the actions needed to protect your rights. Take the first step in resolving your tax issues and contact our office. Request a consultation today.

Sources:

irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-tax-relief-for-victims-of-milton-various-deadlines-postponed-to-may-1-2025-in-all-of-florida

irs.gov/payments/failure-to-file-penalty