Tax season can be stressful for both individuals and organizations, especially when unexpected problems such as natural disasters occur. Recent wildfires in Washington state have had a considerable impact on taxpayers in a variety of counties. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has introduced tax relief measures to assist affected people, including extending federal tax deadlines. This relief, often referred to as a Washington Tax Deadline Extension, aims to give taxpayers in impacted areas more time to file and pay their taxes without penalty.
This blog article will tell readers about the Washington Tax Deadline Extension, including which Washington counties are eligible, new filing dates, and how to request more extensions if necessary. The Washington county tax deadline extension gives residents in disaster-affected areas more time to file their federal tax returns and payments.
Is the Tax Deadline Extended in Washington?
Yes, for residents and businesses in Washington counties affected by the 2023 wildfires, the IRS granted a tax deadline extension for the 2023 tax year. However, for the 2024 tax year (filed in 2025), no such extension has been announced.
Taxpayers must follow the standard filing and payment deadline of April 15, 2025. Those who need extra time to file can request an extension until October 15, 2025, but any taxes owed must still be paid by April 15, 2025, to avoid penalties and interest.
For counties not affected by wildfires, the standard federal tax deadline remains April 15, 2025.
What is the Washington Tax Deadline Extension?
The Washington Tax Deadline Extension is a relief mechanism the IRS provides to taxpayers afflicted by exceptional occurrences, such as natural catastrophes like wildfires. It gives those in designated disaster areas more time to file and pay their federal taxes without incurring penalties. The IRS notified on October 3, 2024, that certain Washington counties qualify for an extended federal tax deadline until February 3, 2025, due to wildfires on June 22, 2024.
🔹 Important Note: If taxpayers in these counties need more time beyond February 3, 2025, they can file IRS Form 4868 to extend the filing deadline until October 15, 2025. However, any tax payments owed must still be made by February 3, 2025, to avoid penalties and interest.
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Which Washington Counties Qualify for the Tax Deadline Extension?
This extension provides much-needed relief, giving impacted taxpayers more time to complete their returns and make required payments without incurring penalties. It addresses a variety of tax requirements, including individual and business tax reports, quarterly anticipated tax payments, and certain payroll and excise tax deposits. Taxpayers in these counties do not need to apply separately for the extension; it is given automatically by the IRS. To stay up to date on eligible counties and deadlines, go to the IRS Disaster Relief Page.
Counties that have received IRS disaster relief declarations include:
- Spokane County
- Whitman County
If you reside or operate a business in these counties, you automatically qualify for the tax deadline extension—no additional paperwork is required.
Washington Counties Without a Federal Disaster Declaration in 2024
If you live in a Washington county that was not declared a disaster area, you must file and pay your federal taxes by April 15, 2025.
These counties include:
- Adams County
- Benton County
- Columbia County
- Franklin County
- Grant County
- Lewis County
- Lincoln County
- Pend Oreille County
- Skamania County
- Wahkiakum County
- Walla Walla County
- Whatcom County
🔹 If you need extra time, you can file IRS Form 4868 to extend the filing deadline until October 15, 2025. However, tax payments must still be made by April 15, 2025, to avoid penalties.
How to File for an Additional Tax Extension in Washington Counties
If you need more time beyond April 2025 to file your 2024 tax return, you can request an additional extension from the IRS.
Steps to Request an Extension
- Before April 15, 2025: File IRS Form 4868 electronically for an automatic extension until October 15, 2025.
- After April 15, 2025 (if eligible for disaster relief): Submit Form 4868 on paper before the new extended deadline in April 2025.
- Important: The extension only applies to filing, not tax payments—you must still pay your taxes by April 2025 to avoid penalties.
How to Pay Washington State Taxes?
Washington taxpayers have multiple payment options for federal and state taxes:
1. Online Payments
- Pay federal taxes via the IRS Direct Pay system.
- Pay Washington state taxes through the Washington State Department of Revenue portal.
2. Mail Payments
- Taxpayers preferring traditional methods can mail a check or money order with their tax return.
- Include all identification details and tax period information on the payment.
🔹 People Also Read: Spokane County Tax Deadline Extension
Conclusion
The Washington Tax Deadline Extension 2024 provides critical relief to individuals and businesses affected by wildfires.
Taxpayers in federally declared disaster counties should take advantage of the automatic extension until April 2025. If more time is needed, they can file for an extension until October 15, 2025, but must still pay their taxes by April 2025.
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