Per IR-2021-59, the 2020 tax return deadline for individuals has been automatically extended from April 15, 2021 to May 17, 2021.
This also extends the time to pay outstanding income taxes for the 2020 tax period to May 17, 2021.
To extend the deadline from May 17 to October 15, 2021, taxpayers must file Form 4868 by May 17, 2021. Filing Form 4868 does not extend the deadline to pay your 2020 taxes.
Tax return filing deadline for Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana residents
In response to the February 2021 winter storms, Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana residents have an automatic extension to June 15, 2021 to file their personal and business tax returns.
This also extends the time to pay outstanding income taxes for the 2020 tax period to June 15, 2021.
To extend the deadline from June 15 to October 15, 2021, taxpayers in these disasters areas must file Form 4868 by June 15, 2021. Filing Form 4868 does not extend the deadline to pay your 2020 taxes.
What else is extended?
In addition to more time to file and pay taxes, taxpayers also have additional time to contribute to Health Savings Plans (HSAs) and and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).
For tax year 2017 Federal income tax returns, the normal April 15 deadline to claim a refund has also been extended to May 17, 2021. The law provides a three-year window of opportunity to claim a refund. If taxpayers do not file a return within three years, the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury. The law requires taxpayers to properly address, mail and ensure the tax return is postmarked by the May 17, 2021, date.
Additionally, foreign trusts and estates with federal income tax filing or payment obligations, who file Form 1040-NR, now have until May 17, 2021.
What is not extended?
State filing deadlines are not affected, so taxpayers should check with their state taxing agencies whether the state filing deadline remains the same or has been extended.
It also does not extend the deadline to pay estimated tax payments that were due April 15, 2021.