Need extra time to file your taxes this year? The Internal Revenue Service is moving the deadline for all Mississippi residents to file.

The decision follows a disaster declaration issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency after the severe winter ice storm that knocked out power to thousands in January. As of late February, the storm was estimated to have caused about $107 million in damages.

Rodney Foushee handles IRS media relations for North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. He said the relief applies to all 82 Mississippi counties.

The new June 8, 2026 deadline includes filing individual and business tax returns and making tax payments.

It also covers all other IRS deadlines that fall between Jan. 23, when the winter storm started, and June 8. That includes “affected quarterly payroll and certain excise tax returns normally due on Feb. 2, 2026, and April 30, 2026.”

Penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due on or after Jan. 23 and before Feb. 9 will be abated if the tax deposits were made by Feb. 9, the IRS wrote.

Mississippi state tax deadline stays the same

This change does not affect the state of Mississippi filing date.

The deadline to file and pay state taxes is April 15, 2026.

How do I get my federal tax return fast?

If you file electronically and choose to receive your refund by direct deposit, your refund will probably be issued within 21 days, the IRS says.

If you mail a paper return, the wait could be six weeks or longer. About 11 million Americans still file on paper, and the IRS is outsourcing the handling of those returns as part of its “Zero Paper Initiative.”

Can I get my tax refund as a paper check?

No. The IRS has phased out paper checks this year. (The IRS has said limited exceptions will be available.)

WARREN COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – Deputies in Warren County, Mississippi, arrested a 14-year-old girl for allegedly shooting an 8-year-old.

Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace said the shooting happened on Abraham Drive just before 4:00 p.m. on April 13, 2026.

According to the sheriff, the female victim was transported to a Jackson hospital for treatment. He said deputies recovered a handgun at the scene.

There’s no motive for the shooting, and the investigation is ongoing.

A follow-up on high car tag costs in Mississippi shows major differences in what drivers pay depending on where they live, even across the street, according to new data from the Mississippi State Auditor’s Office.

The data highlights large price gaps across the metro area, with some residents paying hundreds of dollars more based solely on location and county lines.

The State Auditor’s Office data shows that at Ridgeland Ranch Apartments, a car tag costs $571.64. At Trails at Northpointe Apartments directly across the street, the same tag rises to $1,490.48.

The highest cost in the region is $1,676.30 at Yazoo Estates, while the lowest is $343.30 in the Oakfield neighborhood.

Resident Keith Bush said he has experienced the difference firsthand.

“When I lived in Hinds County, my car tag started at $1,500,” Bush said.

Now living at Ridgeland Ranch Apartments, Bush said his cost is significantly lower.

Bush said, “I don’t want to tell you the exact price, but it is under $200.”

State Rep. Ronnie Crudup Jr. of District 71 says the high costs in Hinds County are an ongoing issue tied to local financial obligations, including school infrastructure.

Crudup said, “We all know that we got the highest tags. I think even in Hans County, and uh, you know, a lot of that is due to, I guess, our, our, our population in, in our school building.”

He added that part of the cost comes from maintaining unused school buildings in the Jackson Public Schools system.

Crudup said, “You know, some of the schools are closed. The schools are still on their books right now, because they’re still responsible for the buildings and the maintenance and all that type of thing. I think as they come off their books. I think there’s a chance then that we’ll be able to reduce the price of the car tags.”

Bush said, “That would be great. I think a lot of people will have some ideas of where they want to move.”

Lawmakers are considering House Bill 1395, which has already passed both chambers. The bill would speed up the sale of unused school buildings, which supporters say could reduce costs, limit delays, and open the door for redevelopment.

In a statement, Jackson Public Schools said, “Jackson Public Schools is committed to the strategic repurposing of surplus properties to strengthen communities and improve the district’s financial position, guided by thoughtful planning, stakeholder engagement, and a focus on long-term impact for our scholars and families.

We are also grateful to the Mississippi Legislature, and especially the Hinds County Delegation, for their advocacy and support of this legislative change, which provides school districts with greater flexibility to better serve our scholars and community.”

Officials said if the bill is signed into law, it could help reduce long-term costs. For now, the data shows that where you live still plays a major role in how much you pay for a car tag.