The IRS has moved this year’s tax filing deadline because of the pandemic, according to NPR. The new deadline will be May 17, as opposed to April 15, according to Reuters.
Congressional Democrats urged the IRS to make the decision. To make it easier for taxpayers, no one will have to file any additional forms.
The delay will occur automatically. There will also be no penalties or any interest incurred for taxpayers.
“Even with the new deadline, we urge taxpayers to consider filing as soon as possible, especially those who are owed refunds,” IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig said.
The IRS delayed last year’s filing to July 15 during the early months of the pandemic. However, this year IRS officials originally intended to keep the April 15 filing deadline in order to more quickly be able to send out refunds.
House Democrats wanted a delay because this year’s tax filing season started two weeks later. Last week’s signing of the Covid-19 relief legislation has also created some new changes to the tax laws.
One of the many changes is that the first $10,200 in unemployment insurance collected in 2019 is now tax-exempt for many. Ninety million Americans have been sent pandemic relief payments.
House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal and Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Bill Pascrell worked together to influence the decision made by the IRS. They applauded the new deadline.
“Under titanic stress and strain, American taxpayers and tax preparers must have more time to file tax returns,” they said.
