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When is the New IRS Tax Filing Deadline for 2020? – Coronavirus Delay

As America and the world continue to combat the coronavirus, and most major sporting, business and social events have been postponed or canceled, the IRS and Treasury are expected to announce on Monday (March 16) the new tax deadline.

Mar. 16, 2020

Covid Taxes IRS

Updated: 9:40pm ET, March 15, 2020

As America and the world continue to combat the coronavirus, and most major sporting, business and social events have been postponed or canceled, the IRS and Treasury are expected to update tax professionals and taxpayers about a possible change to the annual income tax filing deadline on Monday. The deadline is traditionally April 15 of each year.

Two U.S. Congressmen, Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Paul Mitchell (R-Mich.) have joined the call for changing the nation’s income tax reporting deadline. The two sent a letter to the IRS Commissioner asking the agency to extend the normal April 15 tax deadline by at least 3 months as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

In an Oval Office address to the nation on March 11, President Trump stated that he had asked the Treasury department to extend the filing season, but the agencies involved have not yet announced such a change.

The American Institute of CPAs and other professional organizations have also expressed dismay that the Treasury Department and IRS have yet to provide taxpayers and tax preparers with filing and payment relief given Monday’s impending tax return deadline for many businesses.

“The AICPA appreciates the efforts being made by the Treasury Department and IRS to provide relief to the taxpaying public. However, in light of the uncertainty and challenges caused by the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic, we are disappointed that the Treasury Department and IRS have yet to make an announcement on how relief would help millions of individuals and businesses and the CPAs who advise them,” said Edward Karl, CPA, AICPA Vice President of Tax Policy and Advocacy.

The AICPA encourages its members to refer to its resources that can help them manage clients’ needs and their business at this time:

  • On March 11, the AICPA called for the Treasury Department and IRS to provide relief to all taxpayers in light of the uncertainty and challenges caused by the spread of the coronavirus (press release).
  • The IRS has provided more information on what a national emergency may mean for taxpayers and tax practitioners: IRS Resource Guide on Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief Program.
  • U.S. states are providing tax filing relief for individuals and businesses. The AICPA has compiled the latest developments on state tax filings related to coronavirus (more here)
  • CPAs’ clients may need assistance with their tax returns and business affairs during this filing season’s uncertainty. Access AICPA guidance and tools.
  • Casualty loss and disaster relief resources are also available (more here)