The Internal Revenue Service is pushing back the April 15 tax filing deadline by nearly a month.
The filing deadline is now slated for May 17, the IRS said in a readout sent to the Washington Examiner.
“This continues to be a tough time for many people, and 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 Wednesday.
The extended deadline relief does not apply to estimated tax payments that are due on April 15, 2021, the IRS said, noting those payments are still due on the initially slated tax deadline date.
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“Even with the new deadline, we urge taxpayers to consider filing as soon as possible, especially those who are owed refunds. Filing electronically with direct deposit is the quickest way to get refunds, and it can help some taxpayers more quickly receive any remaining stimulus payments they may be entitled to,” Rettig added.
Last year, the IRS postponed tax filings to July 15 due to the recently emerged COVID-19 pandemic at the time.
Sen. Mike Crapo, a top member of the Senate Finance Committee, released a statement Wednesday urging the IRS to consider extending the tax filing deadline.
His statement followed a letter signed by over 100 House members urging the IRS on Tuesday to extend tax filing payment deadlines, lead by Democratic Reps. Jamie Raskin and Bill Pascrell.
Lawmakers and certified public accountants have also urged the federal government for more time for tax filings this year.
The 2021 tax season for filing 2020 returns began later than usual, having opened on Feb. 12 — the 2020 season for 2019 filings opened on Jan. 27.
It has also been difficult for taxpayers still grappling with lingering effects from the COVID-19 pandemic, which is now coupled with recent alterations to the tax law introduced as part of the $1.9 trillion federal coronavirus relief package.
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One of the changes includes a retroactive exemption for up to $10,200 in unemployment benefits for those who made less than $150,000 in adjusted gross income last year.
