This is a reminder that the federal filing deadline for 2020 individual tax returns is Monday, May 17, 2021.
If an individual needs more time to complete their 2020 federal return, they can request an extension until October 15, 2021 by filing Form 4868 (Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File US Individual Income Tax Return).
For e-Filed returns that are rejected on May 17, the return will be considered timely filed if it is retransmitted and accepted by May 22, 2021.
May 17, 2021 is also the deadline for the following:
- Making a contribution to an IRA for Tax Year 2020
- Making a contribution to a health savings account (HSA), an Archer medical savings account, or a Coverdell education savings account for Tax Year 2020
- To file an automatic extension (Form 4868) for individual federal returns to October 15
Remember, the extension is for filing the return only. Any tax due must be paid by May 17 to avoid any penalty and interest.
For some individuals, the filing deadline is June 15, 2021. This applies to the following:
- Victims of winter storms in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana
- US Citizens and resident aliens who live and work outside the US and Puerto Rico
For more information, see the following on the IRS website:
- IRS News Release of April 29 – IRS: Some people get more time to file without asking
- IRS News Article of March 17 – Tax Day for Individuals Extended to May 17
