COVID-19 Impact

How will COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Affect the Tax Filing Deadline?

Jo Willetts, EA Director, Tax Resources Published On March 20, 2020

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^{UPDATED ON: March 24, 2021}

With the Federal Government’s national recommendation to stay at home affecting businesses across the country, it may be time to file your taxes if you haven’t already done so. Remember, the majority of Americans filing taxes receive refunds, and additional funding during this time of uncertainty could provide you and your family with greater peace of mind.

Will the 2020 federal tax filing deadline for 2020 returns be extended again due to Coronavirus?

The federal tax filing deadline for filing 2019 returns was extended to July 15, 2020 for individual and business tax returns. The filing deadline for 2020 returns has been extended to May 17, 2021.

Additional questions regarding tax extensions are addressed below:

Will tax refunds be delayed due to Coronavirus?

IRS Federal and state tax returns and refunds are expected to be processed normally and have not been impacted by the spread of COVID-19. Moreover, filing online with Jackson Hewitt Tax Pro From Home provides the safety of an easy-to-use service complemented by Tax Pros from the comfort of your own home. E-Filing is the quickest and safest way to file your tax returns, so file now to access any refunds you may have pending.

What if I owe taxes and can’t pay due to the financial impacts of Coronavirus?

If you file your taxes and find that you owe, you must pay your taxes by May 17, 2021 to avoid a late paying penalty. If you are not ready to file your return, file an extension (IRS Form 4868). This will give you an additional five months to October 15, 2021 to file your taxes without a late filing penalty. Remember, you have the ability to work with the IRS to establish a manageable payment plan. Jackson Hewitt’s Tax Debt Associates can help you apply for the best payment plan for your financial situation while filing this year’s tax return. For convenience, this can be done on the phone or an internet-connected device.

What do I do if I need more time to file my taxes in 2021?

In the event you need more time to file your taxes, Jackson Hewitt's Tax Pros can begin the filing process and request an automatic five-month extension to ensure you have the time to apply all credits, deductions, and locate missing paperwork. You must pay your taxes, or what you estimate your tax bill to be, by May 17 to avoid additional fees and penalties.

Which states have extended tax deadlines due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)?

At this time, the filing deadline for federal tax returns is May 17, 2021. As a result of the 2021 winter storms in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana and the resulting FEMA Disaster Area declaration, tax filers in these states will have until June 15, 2021 to file their 2020 federal tax returns.

Please note that only 43 states have income tax requirements with Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming exempt. For updated information on which deadline applies to your state, visit the IRS’ State Government Website. To speed up the process, E-file with Jackson Hewitt Tax Pro From Home and enjoy the safety of an easy-to-use service complemented by Tax Pros from the comfort of your own residence. Should you owe, Jackson Hewitt’s Tax Pros can help you apply for the best payment plan while completing your tax return.

What happens next?

Additional information on the government’s response to COVID-19 can be found at https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus. For updated information on your state, visit the IRS’ State Government Website. To speed up the process, E-file with Jackson Hewitt Tax Pro From Home and enjoy the safety of an easy-to-use service complemented by Tax Pros from the comfort of your own residence. We’re here to help. Give Jackson Hewitt a call and see how we’re still working hard for the hardest working.

About the Author

Jo Willetts, Director of Tax Resources at Jackson Hewitt, has more than 25 years of experience in the tax industry. As an Enrolled Agent, Jo has attained the highest level of certification for a tax professional. She began her career at Jackson Hewitt as a Tax Pro, working her way up to General Manager of a franchise store. In her current role, Jo provides expert knowledge company-wide to ensure that tax information distributed through all Jackson Hewitt channels is current and accurate.

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