COVID-19 Impact

Are you ready for the new tax deadline?

Mark Steber Chief Tax Information Officer Published On June 30, 2020

A lot of things have changed this year, not the least of which is the deadline for filing your 2019 federal tax return. Back in March, the tax deadline for federal income tax filings and payments was extended to July 15, 2020, meaning all 2019 federal income taxes and estimated tax payments for Q1 and Q2 of 2020 are due by July 15. It is also important to note that state tax deadlines vary and, in some states, 2019 income taxes or 2020 estimated tax payments were due before July 15.

While you may have until October 15 to file your tax return if you request a tax-filing extension, as always when you file an extension, you are still required to pay outstanding taxes by July 15, just like everyone else.

As you prepare for the July 15 deadline, here are some tips on how to maximize your refund at the last minute. There are some new rules and changed deadlines that can help reduce your taxable income:

IRA contributions through July 15 can count for your 2019 tax return
HSA contributions through July 15 can count for your 2019 tax return
There is no longer a penalty for not having health insurance

The bottom line is that you need to get moving on your taxes if you haven’t filed. No need to keep waiting! This year, you have even more options that ever before to file taxes with Jackson Hewitt:

If you feel uncomfortable sitting in an office, you can securely file through Document Drop Off
Tax Pro From Home allows you to work with a Jackson Hewitt Tax Pro from the comfort of your home
If you are fine with heading out, our offices are open and you can book an appointment with a Tax Pro

Ready to learn more? Visit JacksonHewitt.com and schedule an appointment with a trusted tax pro today.

How does a new filing deadline affect you?

Tips for filing your 2019 taxes

Chief Tax Information Officer Mark Steber shares new tax requirements and how you can be prepared.

Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for our Tax File Minute: Answers from a Tax Insider videos, where we will cover the key developments and other changes that will make this year, tax year 2020, different than any other year in decades - if not ever!

About the Author

Mark Steber is Chief Tax Information Officer, responsible for key initiatives that support overall tax service delivery and quality assurance. Mark also serves as a Jackson Hewitt liaison with the Internal Revenue Service, states, and other government authorities. With over 30 years of tax experience and deep knowledge of the federal and state tax codes, Mark is widely referenced as an expert on consumer income tax issues, especially electronic-tax and data-protection issues.

View Mark's LinkedIn Profile Jackson Hewitt Editorial Policy

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