City, state personal tax filing deadlines extended

Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh taxpayers have an additional month to file and pay taxes for 2020.

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and the city of Pittsburgh announced Thursday that the tax filing deadline is May 17 instead of the yearly deadline of April 15. It aligns with the Internal Revenue Service’s federal income tax filing deadline, which has also been extended to May 17.

“This is a positive step that provides additional time to Pennsylvania taxpayers, many of whom have been struggling during the last year due to the pandemic,” said state Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell. “The new deadline will be a benefit for many Pennsylvanians, including those who plan to meet with a tax professional for assistance with preparing their returns.”

Pennsylvania law requires the state’s tax filing deadline to match the same federal tax filing deadline date. This step is being taken to “help taxpayers navigate the unusual circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic,” department officials said.

Penalties and interest on final 2020 personal income tax returns and payments will be waived up until the new deadline of May 17.

Estimated income tax payments should continue to be made on the same filing schedule that those taxpayers would normally follow, which includes payments due on April, 15, department officials said.

“Taxes must be paid as taxpayers earn or receive income during the year, either through withholding or estimated tax payments,” according to the department’s statement.

While this deadline date has changed, officials at the state department of revenue encourage taxpayers to file returns electronically “as soon as possible,” which could help to “avoid a delay in the release of your refund.”