Tax day 2021 is now May 17, but the IRS encourages filing soon
Getting your refund and getting any remaining stimulus payments you may be entitled to—the IRS names these two reasons for forging ahead with your plans to file your taxes, even though a new tax filing deadline for 2021 has been announced.
The change in the 2021 tax day gives you more time to file as hardships continue during the coronavirus pandemic. While this is the second year in a row for a later tax deadline, the 2021 deadline change differs from the one last year.
What is the 2021 tax filing deadline change?
For 2021, the IRS has extended the tax filing deadline that applies to 2020 returns for individual taxpayers and some businesses to May 17. The typical tax deadline to file is April 15, unless it falls on a weekend or holiday.
What is the new tax deadline for paying taxes?
If you file and pay your taxes on or before the new May 17 tax day deadline, you won’t incur a tax penalty or incur any interest. You don’t need to take any additional action to notify the IRS you will be filing after the typical April 15 tax deadline.
If you planned an amendment for 2017 taxes, you now have until May 17 to do so.
Should you wait to file in May? Here are two good reasons not to delay your filing
Having a little more time to file can be helpful if it’s needed, but that may be the case for everyone. In fact, for some it may be more advantageous not to delay until the new 2021 tax day.
Here are two possible reasons why filing sooner may be better than later.
- Know how much you owe and have the time to pay for it. Did you know your filing date doesn’t have to equal your payment date? For example, let’s say you file on March 30 and see that you have a balance due of $1,000. Your 2021 tax payment won’t be due until May 17, so you’ve given yourself just about six weeks to plan how to pay your balance.
- Protect your tax identity from criminals. The IRS generally uses a first-come, first-served basis. That means once someone files with your Social Security number, any other attempts to electronically file will be declined. By filing sooner, you could save yourself the headache of a months-long process to reclaim your tax identity, file a return, and receive your refund.
How to file your tax return this year
As you navigate your 2020 tax situation, H&R Block’s tax expertise is here for you – virtually, online, and in-person.
- H&R Block Virtual: Get matched with a local tax pro, take a pic to send your documents and sit back while our team prepares your return.
- File Online: File completely independently or get some assistance from a tax pro (virtually).
- In-Person: Meet with a tax pro at a safe distance and get the tax filing help you need.
Whether you’re filing now or take advantage of the 2021 tax deadline extension, we can help!
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