IRS won’t postpone July 15 filing, payment deadline

In an Information Release, the IRS has announced that the July 15 tax filing and payment deadline won’t be postponed. Individuals unable to meet the July 15 filing deadline can request an automatic extension, until October 15, to file. However, tax payments are due on July 15.

Background. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the April 15 filing and tax payment due date for 2019 was postponed to July 15.  Previously, the Treasury Secretary indicated that the July 15 deadline might be postponed.

July 15 deadline won’t be postponed. The IRS has announced that the July 15 filing and payment deadline won’t be postponed. Individuals unable to meet the July 15 filing deadline can request an automatic extension of time to file. However, tax payments are due on July 15.

Automatic extensions of time to file a return. Taxpayers who need more time to file their federal income tax return can get an extension until October 15 by filing Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, before the July 15 deadline. Taxpayers should estimate their tax liability on Form 4868 and pay any amount due when filing the form.

Taxpayers can also get an automatic extension by making a tax payment using Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or an authorized credit or debit card processor, and indicating that the payment is for an automatic extension.

When using one of the above payment methods to request an automatic extension, taxpayers do not have to file a Form 4868 and will receive a confirmation of their payment for their records.

State filing deadlines. The IRS also reminds taxpayers to check their state filing and payment deadlines, which may differ from the federal July 15 deadline. A list of state tax division websites is available through the Federation of Tax Administrators.