March 26th, 2021
Tax Deadlines Extended for 2020 Tax Year
Posted in: Featured Tax Law Tagged: David S. De Jong
Author: David S. De Jong
The Internal Revenue Service extended the April 15, 2021 deadline for filing 2020 individual tax returns in response to ongoing COVID-19 challenges and processing delays. Individual income tax returns (Form 1040) were due on May 17, 2021, unless taxpayers filed Form 4868 for an extension. The deadline for making 2020 IRA contributions also moved to May 17, 2021, aligning with the extended filing date for individual tax returns.
First quarter individual estimated tax payments remained due on April 15, 2021. All other federal filing and payment deadlines were also unchanged, including those for C corporations, estates, and trusts. Unless extended, S corporation and partnership returns were due on March 15, 2021.
State and Local Tax Deadline Extensions
Local jurisdictions varied in their deadline changes for the 2020 tax year. Maryland implemented the most expansive relief, establishing a July 15, 2021 deadline for income tax returns and estimated tax payments of all types due between January 1 and July 15, 2021. Sales and use tax filings and payments from March, April, and May 2021 were also extended to July 15, 2021, providing significant relief for businesses managing sales and use tax compliance.
The District of Columbia extended the filing and payment deadline for all calendar year income tax returns until May 17, 2021. The extension did not apply to estimated tax payments for 2021.
Virginia extended the filing and payment deadline for individual 2020 tax returns until May 17, 2021. The extension did not apply to estimated payments for 2021.
Legal Guidance for Tax Deadline Questions
Navigating tax deadlines and understanding which extensions apply to your specific situation can be complex, particularly when federal and state deadlines differ. If you have questions about tax filing requirements, estimated tax payments, IRA contribution deadlines, or compliance with federal and state tax obligations, contact a member of Stein Sperling’s tax law department for guidance tailored to your circumstances.
