2020 US Individual Income Tax Returns with tax time reminder.

IRS Filing Deadline Extended

The Treasury Department and IRS announced last Wednesday that the filing deadline has been extended from April 15th, 2021 to May 17th 2021. 

IRS commissioner Charles Rettig stated “This continues to be a tough time for many people, and the IRS wants to continue to do everything possible to help taxpayers navigate the unusual circumstances related to the pandemic, while also working on important tax administration responsibilities.”

What Does This Deadline Extension Mean For American Expats In New Zealand?

The main takeaways are:

  1. Federal income tax payments will be due on May 17, 2021. Interest and penalties will begin to accrue on unpaid balances as of May 17, 2021.
  2. The extension does not apply to state tax returns. Refer to your individual state for due date information.

Need More Time To File?

While no action is needed to take advantage of the extended deadline, taxpayers who need additional time can file Form 4868 for an additional extension to October 15, 2021. The IRS continues to urge taxpayers who are due a refund to file as soon as possible. Most e-filed tax returns have refunds issued within 21 days.

The Extended Deadline Does Not Apply To Estimated Tax.

Most importantly, this extension does not apply to your 2021 Q1 Estimated Tax Payment. If you’re uncertain what you need to pay or have questions about what the IRS extended deadline for filing affects your tax return, take the guess work out of it all and ask the tax pros at US Tax Professionals LTD!