Still need to get your 2025 taxes done? Florida's extended deadline gives you more time

Editor's note: This story was updated to correct the tax filing deadline.

The 2025 tax season deadline is next week, but not for Florida.

The Internal Revenue Service announced tax relief for Florida residents and businesses who were impacted by Hurricane Milton last year but extended it to include the entire state.

The Florida tax deadline is now set for May 1 rather than April 15. Here's what to know if you still need to file your taxes.

How to file your taxes for free in Florida

The IRS' Direct File allows eligible taxpayers to prepare and file their tax returns online for free. It also provides free help from IRS customer support representatives to anyone who needs assistance during the process.

The IRS launched a pilot for Direct File last year in Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington State and Wyoming.

It expanded the program this year to include Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Direct File has several new features in 2025, including:

• A data import tool that allows taxpayers to opt-in to automatically import data from their IRS account, including personal information, the taxpayer's IP PIN and some information from the taxpayer's W-2.
• A new chat bot to help guide taxpayers through the eligibility checker.
• Expanded coverage that now includes the following:
  • Child and Dependent Care Credit
  • Premium Tax Credit
  • Credit for the Elderly and Disabled
  • Retirement Savings Contribution Credits
• Supports taxpayers claiming deductions for Health Savings Accounts.

New changes to Florida tax credits in 2025

Florida has a few changes to the child care tax credits program, individuals with unique abilities tax credit program and residential graywater system tax credit. Here's what to know about each.

Child Care Tax Credits Program – Applicable to taxable years that begin within the 2024, 2025 and 2026 calendar years, these credits are available against specific Florida taxes, including Florida corporate income tax, for taxpayers that: • Establish an eligible child care facility for employees,• Operate an eligible child care facility for employees; or • Pay an eligible child care facility in the name and for the benefit of an employee.

See TIP 24ADM-03 for more information.

Individuals with Unique Abilities Tax Credit Program – Applicable to taxable years that begin within the 2024, 2025 and 2026 calendar years, this credit is available to a qualified taxpayer who employs a qualified employee during the taxable year. A "qualified employee" means an individual who has a physical or intellectual impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The individual must have been employed by the qualified taxpayer for at least six months.

See TIP 24C01-01 for more information.

Residential Graywater System Tax Credit – Applicable to taxable years that begin within the 2024, 2025 and 2026 calendar years, this credit is available to a developer or homebuilder for up to 50% of the cost of each NSF/ANSI 350 Class R certified noncommercial, residential graywater system purchased during the taxable year.

Additional information is provided at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's website.

What is Florida's state income tax?

Florida doesn't collect state income tax. Instead, it receives tax revenue through other means.

Is my pension or retirement income taxed in Florida?

Nope. Florida doesn't tax personal income tax, distributions from pensions, 401(k)s, 403(b)s or IRAs, so you don't have to worry about paying taxes on those.

Is my investment income taxed in Florida?

This would essentially fall into the personal income tax category, which means you don't have to worry about paying taxes on any capital gains earned from investments or dividends.

Do I have to pay tax on Social Security benefits?

Not at the state level. However, some people may have to pay taxes on part of their Social Security benefits. Individuals who make more than $34,000 per year and couples who make more than $44,000 will have up to 85% of their benefits taxed by the federal government.

Individuals making between $25,000 and $34,000 will have up to 50% of their benefits taxed. For couples, the range is between $32,000 and $44,000.

What do I need to know about my property tax in Florida?

There haven't been any changes to property taxes in Florida. Here's how they work.

Property tax in Florida is a county tax that is based on the assessed value of your home. On Jan. 1, property appraisers go through and update the appraised market value of every house. On average, the tax rate is about 0.91% of the assessed value of the property, but those rates ultimately depend on what county you live in, according to AARP.

Homeowners can save a bit of money on their property taxes in a few ways. New homeowners who haven't already should apply for Florida's homestead exemption program. This provides eligible homeowners with a property tax break of up to $50,000.

There are also property tax discounts available for people with disabilities, veterans, active-duty military service members, disabled first responders and seniors. Florida's Department of Revenue website has more information available.

Do snowbirds qualify for Florida's tax benefits?

It depends.

If you split your time between Florida and a state that has a personal income tax, you'll need to refer to the other state's tax laws on how to proceed.

Part-time Florida homeowners hoping to qualify for the homestead exemption will need to provide proof of permanent residency in the state and forego any related tax exemptions in other states.

How can I request an extension for a tax return?

Extension requests can be done through the IRS at no charge. The IRS will ask for basic information like your name, address, Social Security number, estimated tax liability, and payment if you owe anything.

Regardless of income, individual tax filers can use IRS Free File to request an extension electronically. If you prefer to mail a paper version of the extension, called form 4868, make sure it's postmarked no later than April 15.

What happens if I miss the tax deadline?

For people who forget or miss the deadline altogether, the standard penalty is 5% of the tax due for every month the return is late, up to 25% of the unpaid balance.

A smaller penalty of 0.5% is added if you file a return but fail to pay any taxes you owe, or if you get an extension on your return but fail to pay your owed taxes.