The Department of Revenue announced the deadline for taxpayers to file their 2020 Pennsylvania personal income tax returns and make final 2020 income tax payments is extended to May 17. This means taxpayers will have an additional month to file from the original deadline of April 15. The Internal Revenue Service also announced it would extend the federal income tax filing deadline to May 17.
The IRS said in its announcement that the date was extended 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.
“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,” said Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell. “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. 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’re expecting a refund from the commonwealth, filing electronically will help avoid a delay in the release of your refund.
Taxpayers can electronically file their Pennsylvania personal income tax returns with the department’s new, state-only filing system at mypath.pa.gov.
If additional time to file is needed, taxpayers have the option to file a request for an extension, which is available for up to six months. This means the due date to file a return for those who request an extension is Nov. 15. An extension of time to file does not extend the deadline to make a payment if you owe taxes to the commonwealth, including applicable late-filing payment fees, interest and penalties.
Those with questions can review the PA Personal Income Tax Guide. Free tax forms and instructions are available at revenue.pa.gov
