Tax Relief for Maine and Massachusetts Following Hurricane Lee
Following Hurricane Lee, the IRS has granted tax relief for Maine and Massachusetts taxpayers. Here are the payments and filings that qualify.
The IRS has granted tax relief for Maine and Massachusetts following Hurricane Lee. This relief includes extended deadlines for certain tax filing and payment due dates. The tax deadline extensions for Maine and Massachusetts follow storm-related extensions in several other states, including Florida and South Carolina tax deadline extensions following Tropical Storm Idalia.
Hurricane Lee hit Maine on Sept.16, bringing with it heavy rain and wind gusts reaching over 80 mph in some areas. The storm in Maine resulted in at least one death. The effects of Hurricane Lee were not as severe in Massachusetts. However, areas of the region still experienced wind gusts of up to 65 mph, and 3,000 homes and businesses were left without power.
IRS tax relief for Maine and Massachusetts
Following Hurricane Lee, the IRS announced that affected taxpayers in Maine and Massachusetts now have until Feb. 15, 2024, to file certain tax returns and make tax payments that were originally due between Sept. 15, 2023, and Feb. 15, 2024. The extensions include (but may not be limited to) the following:
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
- Quarterly estimated tax payments originally due on Sept. 15, 2023, and Jan. 16, 2024, are now due Feb. 15, 2024.
- Quarterly payroll and excise tax returns originally due Oct. 31 are now due Feb. 15.
- 2022 tax returns for individuals and corporations originally granted a tax extension of Oct. 16 are now due Feb. 15.
Because taxes owed for 2022 tax returns were due on April 18, the deadline extension does not apply to these payments, even if you were granted a filing extension.
Areas affected by Hurricane Lee
Although Hurricane Lee had the greatest impact on coastal areas, such as Cape Cod and Nantucket, taxpayers in all areas of Maine and Massachusetts qualify for tax relief. According to the IRS, taxpayers in these areas will receive extensions automatically.
However, taxpayers who live outside of the areas but qualify for relief (such as those with documents located in Maine and Massachusetts) should contact the IRS at 866-562-5227.
Some taxpayers impacted by the storm may receive a late filing or payment notice. This can happen if the IRS does not have a record of you living in the affected area (for example, if you recently moved). In this case, taxpayers should call the number provided on the notice for relief.
Are Massachusetts and Maine state tax deadlines extended?
Maine and Massachusetts have not announced tax deadline extensions following Hurricane Lee. However, the tax departments for both areas grant automatic filing extensions for taxpayers who receive extensions from the IRS.
Taxpayers should contact their state tax department to see if the automatic extension applies to relief granted due to Hurricane Lee or if local tax relief is available.
Related Content
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Katelyn has more than 6 years of experience working in tax and finance. While she specialized in tax content while working at Kiplinger from 2023 to 2024, Katelyn has also written for digital publications on topics including insurance, retirement, and financial planning and had financial advice commissioned by national print publications. She believes knowledge is the key to success and enjoys providing content that educates and informs.
-
Focus on These Five Critical Areas in Retirement Planning
Worried about how you'll pay for your retirement? It can help to structure your finances around five key areas: taxes, income, medical, legacy and investments.
By Gaby C. Mechem Published
-
Is Downsizing Right for Your Retirement?
The lower costs of a smaller home in retirement might sound appealing, but be ready for the trade-offs that come with making this big decision.
By Lena McQuillen, CFP® Published
-
New 2025 Child Tax Credit Announced: How Much Is It?
Family Tax Credits Explore the new IRS-adjusted amounts for popular family tax credits.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
-
Three Ways to Avoid the Mansion Tax
Property Tax Some homebuyers have found creative loopholes around the mansion tax, but are they legal?
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
-
Three Creative Ways to Lower Your Retirement Taxes
Tax Tips You can apply key minimalism concepts for potential tax savings. Here’s how.
By Kate Schubel Published
-
States That Offer a Child Tax Credit in 2024
Child Tax Credit Fifteen states plus the District of Columbia currently offer a child tax credit. Here’s how much you can get.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
-
Three Tax Reasons to Retire in Panama
Retirement Taxes With low property taxes and tax-free foreign income, this tropical paradise could make you rethink retirement as a U.S. expat.
By Kate Schubel Last updated
-
Is the IRS Coming for Your Gambling Winnings?
Tax Tips The latest tax audit on unreported income points to high-income, high-wealth gamblers. Could
By Kate Schubel Published
-
Best States to Buy Chocolate Candy Tax-Free
State Taxes There’s something spooky this Halloween and it’s not just the ghouls. Find out if your state’s sales tax takes a bite out of sweet savings.
By Kate Schubel Last updated
-
Five Ways Your Boss Can Step Up in the Aftermath of a Hurricane
Tax Relief The IRS offers some tax advantages for employers that financially help their employees during federally declared disasters.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published