Key Points
Winter Storm Fern caused $107 million in damages starting January 23, 2026.
All 82 Mississippi counties qualify for tax relief through June 8, 2026.
Individual income, business, and payroll tax deadlines extended to June 8.
Penalties waived on payroll deposits made by February 9, 2026.
The IRS and Mississippi Department of Revenue extended tax filing deadlines to June 8, 2026, for all 82 Mississippi counties following Winter Storm Fern. The winter storm began January 23, 2026, and caused approximately $107 million in damages. This extension covers individual income tax returns, business tax returns, quarterly payments, and payroll deposits that were originally due between January 23 and June 8, 2026.
What the Extension Covers
The June 8 deadline applies to individual income tax returns and payments normally due on or after January 23, 2026. It also covers corporate income and franchise tax returns, pass-through entity tax returns, and quarterly estimated payments. Penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due between January 23 and February 9 will be waived if deposits are made by February 9, 2026. The extension also covers quarterly payroll and certain excise tax returns normally due on February 2 and April 30, 2026.
How the Disaster Declaration Triggered Relief
The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a disaster declaration for Winter Storm Fern, which allowed the IRS to postpone tax deadlines under the Disaster Related Extension of Deadlines Act (H.R. 1491). The relief applies to taxpayers who reside or have a business in any of the 82 Mississippi counties. The IRS announced the relief in April 2026, giving affected taxpayers additional time to file returns and gather documents.
Penalty Relief and Filing Tips
Taxpayers who received late filing or late payment penalty notices with original due dates between January 23 and June 8 should call the IRS to have penalties abated. The Mississippi Department of Revenue said the extension does not automatically apply to other tax types or payments due on prior liabilities. Tax professionals advise filing electronically for faster processing and to double-check income records and banking details before submitting returns. Affected residents can call the Mississippi Department of Revenue at 601-923-7700 for assistance or to request additional extensions.
What Happens After June 8
The June 8 deadline marks the final date for affected taxpayers to file returns and make payments without incurring additional penalties. Court proceedings and legal deadlines in Hinds County and other affected areas may also be impacted by the disaster relief. Taxpayers should not wait until the last day to file, as delays can result in processing problems and refund delays. The Small Business Administration also offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits affected by the storm.
Final Thoughts
Mississippi taxpayers have until June 8, 2026, to file taxes and make payments without penalties. The extension covers all 82 counties and includes individual returns, business taxes, and payroll deposits. File early to avoid processing delays and refund complications.
FAQs
All individuals and businesses in the 82 Mississippi counties affected by Winter Storm Fern that reside or operate in the disaster area qualify for the extension.
Individual income tax returns, corporate income and franchise tax returns, pass-through entity returns, quarterly estimated payments, and payroll and excise tax deposits are covered.
No. Request abatement from the IRS for late penalties. Payroll deposit penalties waive only if deposits were made by February 9, 2026.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
About Author

Danny Kontos
Co FounderDanny Kontos has been a stock investor since 2007 and co-founded Meyka in 2023. He keeps a small, focused portfolio and only moves when the numbers are hard to argue with. He has waited years on a single position before. Before Meyka, he ran a web hosting company and a mortgage lending platform, so he knows what a well-run business actually looks like under the hood. This article did not come from a news cycle. It came from someone who has been watching this space for a long time.
What brings you to Meyka?
Pick what interests you most and we will get you started.
I'm here to read news
Find more articles like this one
I'm here to research stocks
Ask Meyka Analyst about any stock
I'm here to track my Portfolio
Get daily updates and alerts (coming March 2026)