California tax season can be stressful, even under normal circumstances. However, meeting tax deadlines can become a more significant challenge for residents and businesses affected by natural disasters. To provide relief, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has extended tax deadlines for individuals and businesses in Los Angeles County impacted by wildfires and straight-line winds that began on January 7, 2025.
This blog post will detail the California tax extension deadline, including which areas qualify, important deadlines, and how to claim disaster losses on your tax return.
Is the Tax Deadline Extended in California?
Yes! The IRS has extended the federal tax deadline to October 15, 2025, for taxpayers in Los Angeles County affected by wildfires and straight-line winds. This extension applies to individuals and businesses in the disaster-declared area and postpones various tax filing and payment deadlines originally due between January 7, 2025, and October 15, 2025.
The standard federal tax deadline for residents outside Los Angeles County remains April 15, 2025.
Those who need more time to file can request an extension until October 15, 2025. However, to avoid penalties and interest, any taxes owed must still be paid by April 15, 2025.
Read related blogs: What Happens If Your Tax Return Is Rejected
California Tax Extension Deadline 2025
The California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) and the IRS have granted tax relief to residents and businesses in Los Angeles County affected by the January 2025 wildfires. The new filing and payment deadline is October 15, 2025, covering various tax obligations, including:
- 2024 individual income tax returns and payments were originally due on April 15, 2025.
- 2024 IRA and HSA contributions.
- Quarterly estimated tax payments are due on January 15, April 15, June 16, and September 15, 2025.
- Quarterly payroll and excise tax returns are due on January 31, April 30, and July 31, 2025.
- Calendar-year partnership and S corporation returns due on March 17, 2025.
- Calendar-year corporate and fiduciary returns due on April 15, 2025
- Tax-exempt organization returns are due on May 15, 2025.
Additionally, penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due between January 7 and January 22, 2025, will be abated if the deposits are made by January 22, 2025.
When Are Taxes Due in California for Taxpayers in Areas Declared a Federal Disaster?
For taxpayers residing or operating businesses in Los Angeles County, the new deadline to file and pay federal tax returns is October 15, 2025. This relief applies automatically based on the IRS address of record, so taxpayers do not need to take additional action to receive this extension.
If taxpayers outside Los Angeles County rely on tax records in the disaster area, they may still be eligible for relief. They should contact the IRS disaster hotline at 866-562-5227.
Read related blogs: IRS Form 2441 – What It Is, Who Can File, & How to Fill It?
When Are Taxes Due in California for Taxpayers Not in a Federal Disaster Area?
For most California residents not located in a federally declared disaster area, the standard tax filing and payment deadline remains April 15, 2025. Those needing extra time to file can request an extension until October 15, 2025, but all tax payments are still due by April 15, 2025, to avoid penalties.
How to Pay California State Taxes?
The California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) offers multiple convenient options for paying state taxes:
- Online: Taxpayers can visit the FTB website for secure online payment options, including electronic funds transfer, credit/debit card payments, or direct bank transfers.
- By Mail: Taxpayers can mail a check or money order payable to the California Franchise Tax Board, along with a payment voucher, to the address provided on their tax return.
Taxpayers should ensure timely payments to avoid penalties and interest. If taxpayers cannot pay in full, payment plans may be available through the FTB and IRS.
What About the Rest of California’s Tax Deadlines?
For taxpayers in California counties outside Los Angeles, such as San Diego, Orange, San Francisco, Sacramento, Fresno, and Alameda, the standard federal and state tax filing deadline is April 15, 2025. The California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) typically adheres to the IRS calendar, which means state tax returns and payments are due on the same date.
If you need more time to file, you can obtain an extension until October 15, 2025; however, any taxes owed must be paid by April 15, 2025, to avoid penalties and interest. Currently, no other California counties have received federal disaster-related tax extensions. Taxpayers should monitor the IRS and FTB websites for future tax relief announcements.
Conclusion
Understanding tax deadlines is essential when natural disasters disrupt regular filing schedules. For taxpayers in Los Angeles County, the IRS has extended the filing and payment deadline to October 15, 2025, providing additional time for those affected by wildfires and straight-line winds. For taxpayers outside the disaster area, the standard tax deadline remains April 15, 2025.
For a fast and accurate tax refund estimate, use Beem’s Free Tax Calculator. Take advantage of Beem’s essential resources and tools to easily navigate your taxes this year.
