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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Internal Revenue Service said on Wednesday it was extending the federal income tax filing and payment deadline by about a month until May 17 due to the coronavirus pandemic, bowing to pressure from congressional Democrats.
A security camera hangs near a corner of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) building in Washington May 27, 2015. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
In a statement, the IRS said the extension would be automatic, with no need to file any forms and no penalties or interest on taxes due that are paid between April 15 and May 17.
The move marked a reversal of the IRS’ earlier stance, which was to maintain as normal a tax-filing season as possible in order to speed refunds to households. A year ago, as coronavirus lockdowns began, the IRS delayed the filing and tax payment deadline by three months, to July 15.
Tax deadline officially extended to May 17
The IRS has pushed back the filing deadline by another month. Listen - 01:16
You now have until mid-May to file your taxes without late penalties. Sarah Tew/CNET For the most up-to-date news and information about the coronavirus pandemic, visit the WHO website. The IRS wants to continue to do everything possible to help taxpayers navigate the unusual circumstances related to the pandemic, said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig in a statement. Even with the new deadline, we urge taxpayers to consider filing as soon as possible, especially those who are owed refunds. We are gratified that the IRS has recognized the need and heeded our calls for additional time, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal and Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Bill Pascrell said in a statement. This extension is absolutely necessary
The IRS is delaying traditional tax filing deadline from April 15 until May 17
The House Ways and Means Committee confirmed the move on Wednesday
It said that the extension provides added time for both taxpayers and IRS
It comes after an intense year for the chronically underfunded IRS which had to dole out relief payments and process tax returns as the pandemic hit last year
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