ICYMI: Gov. Whitmer Reminds Michiganders of Tax Extension Available to People Affected by Severe Winter Weather Emergency in Northern Michigan

Individuals, Businesses can Focus on Recovery and Not Tax Deadlines

LANSING, MI - On April 3, 2025, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a reminder that individuals and businesses across twelve counties affected by severe winter weather in northern Michigan can obtain a state tax extension. 

“As folks in northern Michigan continue to recover from the ice storm, we’re offering tax extensions to ease their burden a little bit,” said Governor Whitmer. “Right now, families in the 12 counties hit by these storms can have extra time to file and pay state taxes without racking up any penalties or interest. On the ground, we are working around the clock to clear roads, deliver food and water, and help our utilities get the power back on. Michiganders are tough, and we will get through this together.”

Individual and business taxpayers who reside in Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle counties can request additional time to file state tax returns and pay state tax bills, with penalties and interest waived.

Governor Whitmer has declared a state of emergency for these counties to help with response and recovery efforts to the communities affected by the ice storms that caused thousands of residents to be without power and basic necessities.

“A natural disaster can be devastating both personally and financially,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “By providing additional time to file tax returns or meet certain other payment deadlines, individuals and businesses will have more time to focus on recovering and getting their lives back to a sense of normalcy. Affected taxpayers should reach out to us to learn more about the process for obtaining this relief.” 

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

When requesting a tax extension, 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 winter weather and ice accumulation.

• Taxpayer address within one emergency area or address of the tax preparer located in the emergency area.

Online submissions for state tax extensions can be made through Individual Income Tax eService or Business Taxes eService.

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 a state individual income tax extension 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 request is formally received by Treasury. Taxpayers within the emergency area who receive these notices should contact Treasury by phone to resolve.

Specific details related to the types of individual and business state tax extensions 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 options.

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

This only applies to state taxes. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to contact the United States Internal Revenue Service at Secretary Bessent’s Treasury Department about federal tax extension options.