How to benefit from the Tax Deadline being Extended to May 17

The federal income tax filing due date for individual taxpayers, including individuals who pay self-employment tax, has been extended to Monday, May 17, 2021, for the 2020 tax year. There is no need to file any forms to qualify for this automatic federal tax filing and payment relief.

Individual taxpayers will automatically avoid interest and penalties on the taxes paid by May 17; however, penalties, interest, and additions to tax will begin to accrue on any remaining unpaid balances as of May 17, 2021.

The extended tax return due date applies to any individual who files a federal individual income tax return - or has a federal tax payment reported on one of these forms that would otherwise be due April 15, 2021 - using the Form 1040 series, including Form 1040, 1040-SR, and 1040-PR.

Additionally, foreign trusts and estates with federal income tax filing or payment obligations that file Form 1040-NR now have until May 17, 2021. File as Soon as Possible for Refunds Even with the new deadline, however, taxpayers should consider filing as soon as possible, especially those who are owed refunds.

Filing electronically with direct deposit is the fastest way to get refunds and can help some taxpayers receive any remaining stimulus payments they may be entitled to.

Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the May 17 deadline can request a filing extension until October 15, 2021, by filing Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. If you think you need an extension, please contact the office as soon as possible.