Little Rock, Arkansas – Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has signed Executive Order 25-08 to deliver immediate regulatory and tax relief to communities affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that began on or about April 2, 2025. The executive order builds on the state of emergency declared earlier under Executive Order 25-07 and provides much-needed flexibility for residents and businesses across the state.
Governor Sanders emphasized the urgent need for state support in light of widespread damage. “Adverse circumstances have been brought to bear upon citizens and public properties within the State of Arkansas and certain political subdivisions require assistance from the state to recover from these losses,” the order reads.
Relief for Storm-Affected Counties
The executive order applies to more than 70 Arkansas counties—including Pulaski, Craighead, Jefferson, Faulkner, Sebastian, and Saline—where citizens and local governments have been struggling to recover from the recent natural disasters.
To alleviate the burden on individuals and businesses, the order mandates that the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration extend various state tax deadlines. The 2024 income tax filing and payment deadlines, as well as deadlines for pass-through entity taxes, have been pushed from April 15 to July 31, 2025. This includes filings for individuals, corporations, partnerships, estates, and trusts.
Additionally, estimated tax payments originally due between April 2 and June 30, 2025, will now be accepted through July 31 without penalty. The order waives the usual requirement for a written extension request.
Motor Vehicle and Driver’s License Relief
In addition to tax extensions, the order suspends fees and penalties related to motor vehicle registration and licensing for residents of the affected counties. From now through July 31, affected residents will not be required to pay fees for:
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Duplicate driver’s licenses, instruction permits, or state ID cards
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Expedited title processing
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Late vehicle registration or renewal
Interest and penalty fees for late registration under several provisions of Arkansas law are also waived.
Governor Acts Under Emergency Powers
Governor Sanders invoked her authority under the Arkansas Emergency Services Act to suspend regulatory statutes that could slow recovery efforts. The executive order cites Arkansas Code §§ 12-75-101, et seq., and other statutes that allow for suspension of rules and requirements during declared emergencies.
This emergency relief is part of the administration’s broader response to the storm outbreak that began earlier this month and left widespread destruction across rural and urban parts of the state.
Residents who were impacted by the storms and live in the listed counties are encouraged to take full advantage of the relief measures in the executive order. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration is expected to issue additional guidance to help taxpayers and businesses navigate the updated deadlines and waivers.
As recovery continues, Governor Sanders reiterated the importance of quick action. “Strict compliance with certain statutes would hinder necessary action in coping with the emergency,” the order stated.
A full list of all affected counties and additional provisions is available in the official text of Executive Order 25-08, signed on April 11, 2025.
