The year 2021 brought unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters like the winter storms in Texas. In response, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Treasury Department extended tax filing and payment deadlines to provide relief to taxpayers. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the tax deadline extensions in 2021, including the specific deadlines, eligibility criteria, and instructions for filing and making payments.
Federal Tax Deadline Extension
The federal income tax filing and payment deadline for individuals was extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021. This extension applies to all individual taxpayers, including self-employed individuals.
Eligibility
All individual taxpayers are automatically eligible for this extension. No special forms or applications are required.
Filing and Payment Instructions
- Filing: Individual taxpayers can file their 2020 tax returns electronically or by mail. The IRS encourages electronic filing for faster processing and refunds.
- Payment: Individual taxpayers can postpone federal income tax payments due on April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021, without penalties or interest. However, interest and penalties will accrue on any unpaid balances after May 17, 2021.
Estimated Tax Payments
The extension does not apply to estimated tax payments due on April 15, 2021. These payments must be made on time to avoid penalties.
State Tax Deadlines
The federal tax filing deadline extension does not affect state tax filing deadlines. Taxpayers should check with their respective state tax agencies for state-specific deadlines.
Winter Storm Disaster Relief
In addition to the general federal tax deadline extension, the IRS also provided disaster relief for victims of the February winter storms in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. Taxpayers in these states have until June 15, 2021, to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.
The tax deadline extensions in 2021 provided much-needed relief to taxpayers during a challenging year. By understanding the specific deadlines, eligibility criteria, and filing and payment instructions, taxpayers can ensure timely compliance with their tax obligations while taking advantage of the available extensions.
Will 2021 tax deadline be extended?
FAQ
Is the tax filing deadline extended for 2021?
What happens if you miss October 17 tax deadline?
Can I still file my 2021 tax return?
Can I extend taxes beyond October 15?
When is the 2021 tax filing deadline?
This follows a previous announcement from the IRS on March 17, that the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year was extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021. Notice 2021-21 PDF provides details on the additional tax deadlines which have been postponed until May 17.
What is Pennsylvania’s tax deadline for 2021?
Pennsylvania has extended the deadline for individual income tax return filings and payments to May 17, 2021. This extension does not apply to estimated tax payments due on April 15, 2021. This extension does not apply to business returns.
When is Illinois tax filing deadline 2021?
Illinois has extended the individual income tax filing and payment deadline to May 17, 2021. The filing extension does not apply to estimated tax payments that are due on April 15, 2021. This extension does not apply to business tax returns. Indiana has extended the deadline for individual income tax filing and payments to May 17, 2021.
What is a 2021 tax extension?
The extension applies to 2020 individual, corporate, pass-through entity, and fiduciary tax returns. It also includes 1st and 2nd quarter estimated payments that are typically due one April 15, 2021 and 2nd quarter estimated payments that are typically due on June 15, 2021 now have a deadline of July 15, 2021.