IRS tax filing 2021 date change: what's the new deadline?
The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced that the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year will be extended.
With Americans now seeing the first direct deposits from President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion relief package hit their bank accounts, the IRS have confirmed that an extension to filing 2020 tax return has been agreed.
New date confirmed
The new due date for filing your taxes is now 17 May (an amend from the original date of 15 April) with the date having been extended "to help taxpayers navigate the unusual circumstances related to the pandemic."
Upon confirming the new date, IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig stated: "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," said Rettig. "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."
Individual taxpayers can now also postpone federal income tax payments for the 2020 tax year due on 15 April 15, 2021, though to 17 May (2021), without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed.