Can a taxpayer affected by the California wildfires file tax return on time but pay tax on extended due date?

[Summer2021]

I have a taxpayer who was a victim of the January LA wildfires.  Can he file his tax return now on 4/15/25 but pay his tax liability on the extended due date?  Or should he wait till October to file and pay?

Thanks for any help!

[rcooley25]

 It would seem to me to be very reasonable under the circumstances to be able to wait untill Oct. 15th but when was the last time the IRS was reasonable?

[Terry53029]

I agree with with RCooley that it seems reasonable, but I would pay and file in October, so the IRS is not confused, as they use the address on the return to grant the extension of time to file and pay

[Summer2021]

Just found this from RSM website.  It seems like we can file now and pay taxes at extended due date.  Either way, I think the taxpayer will get a tax penalty letter and required to contact the IRS for penalty relief.  

Automatic penalty relief

The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in the disaster area. However, if an affected taxpayer receives a late filing or late payment penalty notice from the IRS that has an original or extending filing, payment or deposit due date falling within the postponement period, the taxpayer or their representative should contact the IRS to have the penalty abated.

Just hope to get some clarity but IRS hotline is very busy.  Any discussion from this group will be very helpful.