LANSING, Mich. – State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks today announced that individuals and businesses impacted by the severe storms and tornadoes in Southwest Michigan on March 6, are now eligible for state tax extension relief.

Individual and business taxpayers in Branch, Cass and St. Joseph counties may now request additional time to file state tax returns and pay state tax bills. Penalties and intertest will be waived for those who qualify.

This relief follows Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s March 8 declaration of a state of emergency for the three counties to assist with response and recovery efforts. The severe storms and four confirmed tornadoes caused significant damage to homes, business and public infrastructure.

“Natural disasters create unexpected personal and financial stress,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “By offering additional time to file tax returns or meet other payment deadlines, individuals and businesses can focus on recovering and restoring a sense of normalcy in their lives. Affected taxpayers should reach out to us to learn more about the process for obtaining this relief.” 

The tax extension relief is not automatic. Taxpayers must contact Treasury online, by U.S. Postal Service or phone to request relief.

When requesting tax extension relief, the following must be included:

• Name and account number of the individual or business taxpayer.
• A description of how the taxpayer was affected by the severe weather.
• Taxpayer or tax preparer address within the emergency area.

Requests for state tax extension relief can be submitted online:

• Individual Income Tax: michigan.gov/mitreasuryeservices
• Business Taxes: etreas.michigan.gov/bt

Taxpayers opting to send their request through the U.S. Postal Service should use the following address:

Michigan Department of Treasury
Attn: Disaster Tax Relief
Lansing, Michigan 48922

Taxpayers can inquire about state individual income tax extension relief by phone at 517-636-4486. For business taxes, taxpayers should contact 517-636-6925.

Some taxpayers may receive a preliminary assessment notice before a tax extension relief request is formally received by Treasury. Taxpayers within the emergency area who receive these notices should contact Treasury by phone for a resolution.

Specific details related to the types of individual and business state tax extension relief available can be found in a Treasury-issued Taxpayer Notice. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to contact the Internal Revenue Service about federal tax extension relief options.

For the latest updates about this emergency tax extension relief, go to www.michigan.gov/taxes.