HARRISBURG, Pa. — Editor's note: The above video is from Feb. 11.
One day after the Internal Revenue Service announced a one-month extension to file 2020 income taxes, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue announced a similar extension on Thursday.
The deadline to file federal and state income tax returns for 2020 is now May 17, 2021, the department said.
This means taxpayers will have an additional month to file from the original deadline of April 15.
The IRS said in its announcement that the extension is another action the agency is taking to do everything it can to help taxpayers navigate the unusual circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under Pennsylvania law, the deadline for filing state income tax returns is tied to the deadline set at the federal level, according to the department.
"This is a positive step that provides additional time to Pennsylvania taxpayers, many of whom have been struggling during the last year due to the pandemic,” Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell said in a press release issued Thursday. “The new deadline will be a benefit for many Pennsylvanians, including those who plan to meet with a tax professional for assistance with preparing their returns."
The extension means the Department of Revenue will waive penalties and interest on final 2020 personal income tax returns and payments through the new deadline of May 17.
Those who make estimated income tax payments should continue to do so on the same filing schedule that they would normally follow, the department said. This includes taxpayers with estimated tax payments due on April 15.
Taxes must be paid as taxpayers earn or receive income during the year, either through withholding or estimated tax payments.
Although the filing deadline for 2020 tax returns has been extended, the Department of Revenue is encouraging taxpayers who are able to file their returns electronically to do so as soon as possible.
If you are expecting a refund from the commonwealth, filing electronically will help avoid a delay in the release of your refund, according to the department.