Federal Tax Filing Deadline Pushed Back To July 15 Due To Coronavirus Pandemic

Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced on Twitter that Tax Day would be moved from April 15 to July 15 to accommodate those who will not be able to file because of the coronavirus pandemic. 

“We are moving Tax Day from April 15 to July 15,” he said. “All taxpayers and businesses will have this additional time to file and make payments without interest or penalties,” adding this was at President Donald Trump’s discretion. 

“I encourage all taxpayers who may have tax refunds to file now to get your money,” he wrote.

This comes as the White House looks for ways to soften the harsh impact of the coronavirus on the economy. Legislators have also been working on a package to stimulate the economy. 

So far, Trump has signed a package that would expand paid sick leave for workers to allow them to remain home if they fall ill from the disease. He also endorsed a plan that would  send checks directly to certain Americans, adding that he wanted to “go big” in his plans to help save the economy. 

Despite the deadline being pushed back, taxpayers can still request a six-month extension to file returns as they can any year. 

The deadline Mnuchin announced only applies to federal taxes. States would have to decide individually whether or not to follow the federal government’s example when it comes to state taxes.