IRS, state extend tax filing deadlines 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.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue announced Thursday that the deadline for 2020 state personal income tax returns and for making final 2020 income tax payments is extended to May

17.

The original deadline was April 15.

The Internal Revenue Service also announced earlier this week it would extend the federal income tax filing deadline 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,” Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell said. “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.”

The state said the extension means the Department of Revenue will waive penalties and interest on final 2020 personal income tax returns and payments through the new deadline of May 17.

Those who make estimated income tax payments should continue to do so on the same filing schedule that they would normally follow, the Revenue Department said.

This includes taxpayers with estimated tax payments due April 15. Taxes must be paid as taxpayers earn or receive

— Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell

income during the year, either through withholding or estimated tax payments, the state said.

Although the filing deadline for 2020 tax returns has been extended, the Department of Revenue is encouraging taxpayers who are able to file their returns electronically to do so as soon as possible.

Filing electronically will help avoid a delay in the release of a refund.

Meanwhile, the IRS announced the decision Wednesday and said it would provide further guidance in the coming days. The move provides more breathing room for taxpayers and the IRS alike to cope with changes brought on by the pandemic.

“The IRS wants to continue to do everything possible to help taxpayers navigate the unusual circumstances related to the pandemic, while also working on important tax administration responsibilities,” IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said in a statement.

The decision postpones when individual taxpayers must file their return and when their payment is due. The IRS said taxpayers who owe money would not face any further penalties or interest if they pay by May 17. The new deadline also applies to individuals who pay self-employment tax.

Taxpayers do not need to take any action to take advantage of the new deadline. Those who need more time beyond May 17 can request an extension until Oct. 15.

The new deadline does not apply to estimated tax payments that are due on April 15; those remain due by that day.

The decision to extend the deadline comes after an intense year for the chronically underfunded IRS.

The pandemic hit in the middle of last year’s tax filing season, setting the agency back in terms of processing. The IRS has also been a key player in doling out government relief payments, and is helping to send out the third round of payments in the middle of the current tax filing season.

(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)