FRAMINGHAM, MA - The rains that soaked the region at the end of March 2010 caused enough damage to have several Massachusetts counties declared Federal Disaster Areas.

If you live in one of the affected counties, (Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk or Worcester county), and have not filed your 2009 State or Federal Income Tax Returns, the deadline for filing has been extended to May 11, 2010.

In addition, penalties and interest for missing the usual April 15th deadline may be waived by both the IRS and MA Department of Revenue, ("DOR").

For complete, official information about the tax filing extension, see the IRS notices, "Tax Relief in Disaster Situations" and one specifically about "Massachusetts Severe Storm and Flooding Victims".

In addition to the tax filing extension, there is Federal Emergency assistance available to flood victims from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, ("FEMA").

The FEMA site encourages anyone who suffered any damage or loss due to flooding to "register, even if you are insured", as your insurance may not cover some things, like foundation damage or mold, which may not yet be visible.

According to the FEMA website, "homeowners, renters and business owners who suffered disaster-related damage or loss" should call the FEMA Registration Line at: 800-621-3362, (or 800-462-7585 for the hearing- or speech impaired).  Online registration is available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov

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