Global Economic Times

Arkansas Governor Issues Executive Order to Support Recovery from Historic Storm Damage: Extends Income Tax Filing Deadline and Waives Fees: Sharon Yoon Correspondent / Updated : 2025-04-13 21:41:52

Governor Sanders' Executive Order Covers Residents and Businesses Affected by Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding Since April 2

LITTLE ROCK — In an effort to support Arkansas residents and businesses severely impacted by the historic storms, tornadoes, and flooding that began on April 2, 2025, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has issued an executive order.

This executive order allows the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration to extend the deadline for filing and paying 2024 state income taxes for affected individuals and businesses from the original date of April 15, 2025, to July 31, 2025.

Furthermore, the written request procedure typically required for requesting an extension for tax filing is waived. Fees for expedited processing of driver's license replacements and vehicle title transfers are also waived. Penalties for late vehicle registration will be suspended until July 31, 2025.

Widespread Damage in Affected Areas: Swift Support Procedures Established

This executive order aims to provide rapid and effective support for the significant damage that has occurred across a wide range of areas within Arkansas. In particular, the extension of the income tax payment deadline is expected to provide substantial relief to residents facing economic hardship due to the sudden disaster. By simplifying complex paperwork and waiving essential administrative service fees, the state government intends to focus its administrative capacity on helping affected residents return to their daily lives as quickly as possible.

State Government Fully Committed to Damage Recovery and Resident Support

In addition to this executive order, Governor Sanders is reportedly considering various support measures, including the provision of emergency relief supplies to affected areas, the establishment of temporary shelters, and the allocation of disaster recovery funds. The state government is also working with the federal government to explore additional support options and is reportedly preparing support programs for the mental and emotional well-being of affected residents.

State Government Urges Active Cooperation from Residents in Affected Areas

A state government official conveyed their deepest condolences to the residents facing significant difficulties due to the disaster, urging them to "actively utilize the government's support policies and to contact relevant agencies at any time if they have needs during the recovery process." They also emphasized the importance of "taking precautions to ensure safety and overcoming difficulties together through warm cooperation and encouragement among neighbors."

Affected Areas (All 75 Counties in Arkansas)

Arkansas County, Ashley County, Baxter County, Calhoun County, Chicot County, Clark County, Clay County, Cleveland County, Columbia County, Conway County, Craighead County, Crawford County, Crittenden County, Cross County, 1 Dallas County, Desha County, Drew County, Faulkner County, Franklin County, Fulton County, Garland County, Grant County, Greene 2 County, Hempstead County, Hot Spring County, Independence County, Izard County, Jackson County, Jefferson County, 3 Lafayette County, Lawrence County, Lee County, Lincoln County, Little River County, Lonoke 4 County, Marion County, Miller County, Mississippi County, Montgomery County, Nevada County, Newton County, Ouachita County, Perry County, Phillips County, Pike County, 5 Poinsett County, Polk County, Pope County, Prairie County, Pulaski County, Randolph County, 6 Saline County, Scott County, Searcy County, Sebastian County, Sevier County, Sharp County, St. Francis County, Stone County, Union County, Van Buren County, White 7 County, Woodruff County (All 75 Counties in Arkansas)