Federal Tax Deadline Moved; Minnesota Deadline Remains April 15

MINNESOTA — While the Internal Revenue Service is providing tax payers some breathing room for filing federal income tax returns, the Minnesota Department of Revenue is holding firm on the normal April 15 deadline.

The Internal Revenue Service said Wednesday the due date for the 2020 tax year for individuals was being moved by about a month: from April 15 to May 17. The agency said it would provide formal guidance in the coming days.

In Minnesota, state revenue officials announced in January that the deadline for filing state returns by April 15. As of Thursday, the department had stated that it must receive the filing electronically by the date electronically or returns filed by mail must be postmarked by that date. However, residents may request the state to cancel or reduce penalties for late filing or payment if residents have reasonable cause or are negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. More information about late payment can be found here.

In light of this week's IRS announcement, Patch reached out to the Department of Revenue about a possible filing extension, but has not heard back. Patch will update this story once it receives a response.

Here’s what else the IRS said taxpayers need to know about the extended deadline:

• Taxpayers can postpone federal income tax payments that would be due April 15 to May 17 without any penalties or interest regardless of the amount owed
• The postponement is for individual taxpayers, including those who pay self-employment tax
• Penalties or interest in unpaid balances will begin to accrue May 17
• Taxes paid by May 17 will automatically avoid interests and penalties
• Taxpayers will automatically qualify for this relief and don’t need to file any forms

Anyone who needs an extension beyond May 17 can file to request an extension until October 15 but any taxes due would still need to be paid by May 17.

The agency also clarified that the extension doesn’t extend to estimated tax payments; the money withheld in paychecks or the estimated tax payments people make if their income isn’t withheld automatically.