The IRS is extending the federal income tax filing deadline to July 15 to stem the financial pain from the coronavirus pandemic. This gives Americans three months more than they normally would have to file their income tax returns for the 2019 tax year, without incurring interest or penalties.

While the IRS is reportedly going to increase pressure to have states align with the new federal deadline, it is important for people to check with their local government to make sure they do not miss their obligation in their state.

Here in Maryland…Comptroller Peter Franchot put out the following information on Facebook:

Here is an updated graphic now that the IRS had delayed filing both returns & extensions until July 15. This is now consistent with Maryland, which is not requiring any income tax filing OR payments until July 15.

Previous guidance on this issue “Maryland Income Tax Deadline Extended to July 15, 2020” in which “No interest of penalty for late payment to be imposed if 2019 tax payments made by July 15, 2020” but that still required you to file your taxes by April 15th….the new guidance not only pushed back the payments (if you owe them) but also the filing of your paperwork.

Glad to see this change because it is much less confusing for residents of Maryland. Hopefully other states across the nation will do the same.

Hopefully I can setup a podcast interview in the near future with Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot to talk about these changes. Something I am working on in my spare time.

Scott E