Gov. Greg Abbott asked the U.S. Treasury Department to suspend federal tax deadlines for storm victims across 62 Texas counties. Harris and Galveston counties are on the list, which means the request covers Friendswood, Webster, Seabrook, Nassau Bay and Clear Lake Shores.
Abbott sent a letter on Thursday, Oct. 15 to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent requesting temporary suspension of federal tax filing and payment deadlines, according to a press release from the governor's office. The request also asks for a waiver of applicable late fees for taxpayers in all 62 counties covered by the state disaster proclamation. Fox 26 Houston reported the letter also seeks a waiver of related penalties and interest.
"I urge Secretary Bessent to suspend the tax deadlines and waive all late fees and penalties so families and businesses can rebuild," Abbott said in the statement.
If approved, the relief would give storm-affected taxpayers more time to file returns and make payments without facing penalties. No dollar figure for the potential relief was included in the governor's request.
Abbott issued a state disaster proclamation on July 14 after heavy rainfall and flash flooding caused widespread property damage, injuries and loss of life. The proclamation cited a severe storms event that began on July 13.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved a major disaster declaration on Sept. 1 for 23 of the 62 counties. Abbott's letter asks Bessent to extend relief beyond those 23 to all 62 counties covered by the state proclamation.
Friendswood straddles the Harris-Galveston county line. Webster, Nassau Bay and Clear Lake Shores sit in Galveston County, while Seabrook spans both counties. All five cities would fall under the requested relief.
The Treasury Department has not responded. No timeline for a decision has been announced.
