Income Tax Returns and Payments Extended
The IRS has pushed back the April 15 tax return filing and tax payment deadline to help Americans struggling with the coronavirus crisis.
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TneavHrKZjahZaCS4pRd9k-415-80.jpg)
Ordinarily, taxpayers have until April 15 to file their tax return and pay any tax due. But these are not ordinary times.
The IRS has announced that businesses and individuals will have until July 15, 2020, to file and pay their 2019 taxes. The deferral is part of broad plans by the Trump administration to provide financial relief to Americans during the coronavirus pandemic. (For other actions and proposals to boost the economy, see 11 Coronavirus Stimulus Measures That Could Help You in 2020.)
The administration initially wanted to maintain the April 15 filing date but allow individuals and businesses to postpone payments until mid-July. However, tax professionals and some lawmakers urged the IRS to postpone the filing date as well, arguing that many tax preparers have been unable to meet with clients because of the risk of contracting the coronavirus.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hwgJ7osrMtUWhk5koeVme7-200-80.png](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hwgJ7osrMtUWhk5koeVme7-320-80.png)
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
"The reality is that it will be impossible for every taxpayer and their CPA to prepare and file their taxes in the current environment," Tom Hood, executive director of the Maryland Association for Certified Public Accountants, said in a statement.
We expect most states to follow the IRS and push back their filing and payment deadlines as well. However, you should check with your state's tax agency to confirm and to get additional details specific to your state.
If you're expecting a refund—and typically about 70% of taxpayers get one—you should still file as soon as possible. Through mid-March, the average refund was slightly under $3,000. The Trump administration is also encouraging Americans to file their tax returns as quickly as possible so that more people get refunds sooner, which means more cash available for taxpayers who may be facing financial hardship.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Block joined Kiplinger in June 2012 from USA Today, where she was a reporter and personal finance columnist for more than 15 years. Prior to that, she worked for the Akron Beacon-Journal and Dow Jones Newswires. In 1993, she was a Knight-Bagehot fellow in economics and business journalism at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She has a BA in communications from Bethany College in Bethany, W.Va.
-
Visa Is the Worst Dow Stock Wednesday. Here's Why
Visa stock is down sharply Wednesday after the credit card company came up short of revenue expectations for its fiscal Q3.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
Another Analyst Moves to the Sidelines on Tesla Stock After Earnings
Tesla stock is spiraling Wednesday after the EV maker's big earnings miss and Wall Street has been quick to weigh in. Here's what you need to know.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
IRS Ends Inherited IRA Confusion: Annual RMDs Required for Many
IRAs The agency has resolved a major point of uncertainty for inherited IRA beneficiaries.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated
-
$145 Million in ‘Senior Freeze’ Checks Mailed
Property Tax What you need to know about New Jersey's property tax relief program for older adults.
By Kate Schubel Published
-
TaxAct Class Action Settlement: Details to Know
Tax Filing A multimillion-dollar settlement over alleged data privacy violations affects some TaxAct users.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated
-
An IRA Contribution Option You Might Not Know
IRAs Retirement savings might not have to take a back seat just because your partner doesn't earn income.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated
-
Project 2025 Tax Overhaul Blueprint: What You Need to Know
Tax Proposals Some people wonder what Project 2025 is and what it suggests for taxes.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated
-
The Taxes That Come out of Your Paycheck
Payroll Tax Your take-home pay is often less than expected due to several payroll tax withholdings you need to know.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated
-
Seven States Where Gas Tax Increased July 1
Gas Taxes Since July has arrived, drivers in several states are facing a gas tax hike.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated
-
401(k) Withdrawal Penalty Rule Changes for 2024
Tax Rules More people are taking early emergency withdrawals from retirement savings accounts. New rules might offer some relief.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated