Coronavirus Sparks Income Tax Deadline Extension

Coronavirus Pandemic

The Coronavirus has grown into a global problem having an effect on people around the world. Because of the added stress for businesses and individuals alike, the federal government is making an attempt to alleviate some of the stressors within their control: income tax deadlines.

Income Tax Relief

On March 20, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced that the 2020 income tax filing deadline for both returns and payments will be extended. The Internal Revenue Service followed up with an official press release further explaining that the federal income tax filing due date will automatically be extended from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020.

What the IRS has Said

"Taxpayers can also defer federal income tax payments due on April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This deferment applies to all taxpayers, including individuals, trusts and estates, corporations and other non-corporate tax filers as well as those who pay self-employment tax.

Taxpayers do not need to file any additional forms or call the IRS to qualify for this automatic federal tax filing and payment relief. Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the July 15 deadline, can request a filing extension by filing Form 4868 through their tax professional, tax software or using the Free File link on IRS.gov. Businesses who need additional time must file Form 7004.

The IRS urges taxpayers who are due a refund to file as soon as possible. Most tax refunds are still being issued within 21 days.

The IRS will continue to monitor issues related to the COVID-19 virus, and updated information will be posted on a special coronavirus page on IRS.gov.

This announcement comes following the President’s emergency declaration last week pursuant to the Stafford Act. The Stafford Act is a federal law designed to bring an orderly and systematic means of federal natural disaster and emergency assistance for state and local governments in carrying out their responsibilities to aid citizens. It was enacted in 1988.

Treasury and IRS will issue additional guidance as needed and continue working with Congress, on a bipartisan basis, on legislation to provide further relief to the American people."

More Information and Assistance

The IRS has created a special page on their website to keep taxpayers up-to-date about any additional changes or developments.

If you need any assistance with your tax returns this year, please don't hesitate to reach out to NATIVE RECORDS.