AUGUSTA, Ga. - April 15 was the federal tax deadline but in South Carolina and Georgia, residents have until May 1 to file both federal and state taxes following the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

That’s today.

Why the extension?

The extension follows a major disaster declaration issued by President Joe Biden after Hurricane Helene swept through the Southeast in October 2024. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared all 159 counties in Georgia disaster areas, triggering an automatic delay in federal and state filing deadlines. Similar extensions were granted in Florida, Alabama, North and South Carolina, and Tennessee.

When will returns be processed?

According to the Georgia Department of Revenue, the state began processing 2024 individual income tax returns on Feb. 3, 2025. The agency emphasized its commitment to secure and efficient processing.

“The Department of Revenue is committed to processing income tax returns in a timely manner, maintaining the highest levels of security to protect confidential taxpayer information, and guarding state tax dollars against fraud,” said State Revenue Commissioner Frank O’Connell.

In 2024, the DOR processed more than 5.4 million individual income tax returns, with an average turnaround time of just over two days for electronically filed, error-free returns.

Important reminders for Georgia filers

• Most error-free, electronically filed returns are processed within five business days.
• Refunds are typically issued within 21 days from the date of filing.
• First-time Georgia filers—or anyone who hasn’t filed in the state in the past five years—will receive their refund via paper check.

With the new deadline, you may feel the urge to delay your filing, but make sure you choose the right help and take steps to avoid common mistakes.

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