MD, Federal Tax Deadlines Postponed Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The deadline for Americans to file federal taxes will be moved from April 15 to July 15, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin tweeted Friday. The decision comes at the urging of President Donald Trump, he said.

Likewise, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot said that state income taxes are now due on July 15.

As part of the change, all taxpayers and businesses will have the additional time to file, as well as make payments, without interest or penalties.

No interest or penalty for late payments will be imposed if 2019 tax payments are made by July 15, 2020.

Fiscal and calendar year filers with tax years ending January 1, 2020 through March 31, 2020 are also eligible for the July 15, 2020 payment extension. The due date for March quarterly estimated payments is extended to July 15, 2020.

All comptroller offices are now closed to help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

The agency has set up a dedicated email address — taxpayerrelief@marylandtaxes.gov — to help businesses with extension-related questions. Business owners can also call the comptroller's ombudsman at 410-260-4020.

Also, sales and use tax payments that typically would be due March 20 do not have to be paid until June 1.

Businesses that paid their Maryland Sales & Use Taxes for March early may request a refund of their payment by emailing taxpayerrelief@marylandtaxes.gov or by calling 410-260-4020.

Business taxpayers who file and pay by the extended due date will receive a waiver of interest and penalties.

"Our state’s top priority is safeguarding public health for Marylanders, but we must also protect the financial health of our economy," Franchot said in a news release. "This extension will provide much-needed relief to our business owners as they adjust to changes in consumer behavior, tourism trends and employee workforce output."

The Treasury Department had previously announced $300 billion in delays to tax deadline payments, The Washington Post reported, though it was reluctant to postpone the filing deadline because doing so might result in Americans getting their tax refunds at a weak moment for the American economy.