The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue announced Thursday that the deadline for 2020 state personal income tax returns has been extended to May 17.
The IRS also announced this week that the federal income tax filing deadline has been extended to May 17. As the original deadline was April 15, now taxpayers will have an additional month to file.
As stated in a report by The Reporter, Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell welcomed the extended deadline. “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 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,” said Hassell.
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.
The Revenue Department explained that those who make estimated income tax payments should continue to do so on the same filing schedule that they would normally follow.
This includes taxpayers with estimated tax payments due April 15. Taxes must be paid as taxpayers earn or receive income during the year, either through withholding or estimated tax payments, the state said.
Electronic file returns
However, 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.
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Meanwhile, the IRS said it would provide further guidance in the coming days. “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.
No further penalties
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.
Pennsylvania taxpayers are encouraged to review the PA Personal Income Tax Guide, an online publication prepared by the Department of Revenue that includes detailed information on a number of PIT-related topics.
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