IRS Extends Tax Return Filing Deadline to May 17
Pressure has been building for weeks to give taxpayers more time to file their 2020 federal income tax returns.


The IRS has moved the deadline for filing 2020 federal income tax returns from April 15 to May 17, 2021. This change comes after lawmakers, tax professionals, and others put intense pressure on the IRS to give taxpayers more time to file their 2020 federal income tax returns. It will also give the tax agency, which already has a backlog of unprocessed tax returns, more time to adjust its computer systems and forms to account for tax changes made by the recently enacted American Rescue Plan Act – most notably, the $10,200 exemption for unemployment compensation received in 2020.
You can also delay payment of federal income taxes for the 2020 tax year to May 17 without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount you owe. This delay applies to people who pay self-employment taxes, too. Penalties, interest, and additions to tax will begin to accrue on any remaining unpaid balances after May 17.
Estimated Tax Payments
The extended due date doesn't apply to estimated tax payments. These payments are still due on April 15. Income taxes must be paid during the year as you receive it – either through withholding or estimated tax payments. In general, estimated tax payments are made quarterly to the IRS by people whose income isn't subject to income tax withholding, including self-employment income, interest, dividends, alimony, or rental income. Most people automatically have their taxes withheld from their paychecks and submitted to the IRS by their employer.

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.
Disaster-Related Extensions
Earlier this year, the IRS announced relief for victims of the February winter storms in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. Storm victims in these states have until June 15, 2021, to file various tax returns and make tax payments. The general due date extension to May 17 doesn't affect the June deadline allowed in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.
Extension to October 15
If you need additional time to file after the May 17 deadline, you can request a filing extension until October 15, 2021, by filing Form 4868. This will not extend the time to pay your taxes. You still need to pay any federal income tax due by May 17 to avoid interest and penalties.
State Tax Returns
Some states have already pushed back their own tax return filing deadline…and we expect more states to do the same now that the IRS extended the due date for filing federal returns. Check with the state tax agency where you live for any state tax deadline extensions.
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.
Rocky Mengle was a Senior Tax Editor for Kiplinger from October 2018 to January 2023 with more than 20 years of experience covering federal and state tax developments. Before coming to Kiplinger, Rocky worked for Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting, and Kleinrock Publishing, where he provided breaking news and guidance for CPAs, tax attorneys, and other tax professionals. He has also been quoted as an expert by USA Today, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Reuters, Accounting Today, and other media outlets. Rocky holds a law degree from the University of Connecticut and a B.A. in History from Salisbury University.
-
Don't Miss These Sub-$100 Prime Day Deals for a Smarter, Safer Home
Use these under-$100 Prime Day deals on Ring, Blink, Nest and other top smart home brands to upgrade your home for less this summer.
-
Stock Market Today: Trump's Copper Comments Cause a Stir
Markets remain resilient and monetary policy makers stand fast against a rising tide of new terms of trade, including around copper.
-
Ask the Editor, July 4: Tax Questions on Inherited IRAs
Ask the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, we answer tax questions from readers on the rules on inheriting IRAs.
-
Ten Cheapest Places to Live in Virginia
Property Taxes The Commonwealth of Virginia has some cheap places to live. Here are a few if you hate paying property taxes.
-
IRS Watchdog: Three Problems the IRS Must Address in 2025
IRS The tax season is over, but new changes to the IRS can pose risks to your taxpayer experience.
-
Ask the Editor, June 27: Tax Questions on Disaster Losses, IRAs
Ask the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, we answer tax questions from readers on paper checks, hurricane losses, IRAs and timeshares.
-
2025 SALT Cap Could Hurt Top 'Hidden Home Cost'
Tax Deductions The GOP tax bill could make hidden homeowner costs worse for you. Here’s how.
-
Retire in the Bahamas With These Three Tax Benefits
Retirement Taxes Retirement in the Bahamas may be worth considering for high-net-worth individuals who hate paying taxes on income and capital gains.
-
Ask the Editor, June 20: Questions on Tax Deductions and IRAs
Ask the Editor In our latest Ask the Editor round-up, Joy Taylor, The Kiplinger Tax Letter Editor, answers four questions on deductions, tax proposals and IRAs.
-
2025 Virginia Tax Rebate Checks Coming Soon? What to Know Now
Tax Rebates Given a historic 2025 gubernatorial race, tax policy will remain a key issue for Virginians in the months ahead.