COVID-19 State and Federal Offices (3/24)

Status of State and Federal Offices:
Governor Baker has announced a Stay at Home order.  This order has closed all non-essential businesses, limited gatherings to 10 people, and restricted sports in parks.  Essential services, such as supermarkets, pharmacies will remain open and accessible.  For more information about the latest update, please click here.  For specific information about various state and federal agencies, please review the information below. (Listed in alphabetical order)

Internal Revenue Service / Department of Revenue
The Federal IRS has moved the tax filing and payment deadline to July 15.  Please note that at this time, the Massachusetts DOR has not made changes to the filing deadlines.  April 15 is still the due date for tax payments due.  You may file for an extension, but this does not change the payment due date.  

Registry of Motor Vehicles
The Registry of Motor Vehicles is currently operating on an appointment only basis for critical services at one of 8 locations.  The closest location to Essex is Lawrence, or Boston/Haymarket. 
Drivers licenses set to expire at the end of March or April have automatically been extended to May or June respectively.  Vehicle registrations set to expire have not been extended as those transactions may be completed online.  Vehicle Inspections due on March 31 will be extended to May 31, and those due on April 30 will be extended to June 30.

Social Security
Social Security has temporarily suspended all face-to-face transactions. Critical services will be provided over the phone, but most transactions can be done online.  Please note that there are reports of individuals receiving fraudulent letters claiming that payments will be suspended.  This is not true.  Benefits will continue to be paid even though face to face transactions have been suspended.