Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced that his agency is extending the state income tax filing deadline by three months until July 15, 2021. No interest or penalties will be assessed if returns are filed and taxes owed are paid by the new deadline.
Note: The Internal Revenue Service has so far rejected calls to extend the federal filing deadline.
The extension, which applies to individual, pass-through, fiduciary, and corporate income tax returns — including first and second quarter estimated payments, is due to recent and pending legislation at the state and federal levels that impact 2020 tax filings and provide economic relief for taxpayers facing financial hardship amid the pandemic.
In Maryland, the passage of the RELIEF Act in February required extensive revisions to previously released forms and software programs used by tax filers and tax software vendors. Legislative veto overrides that took place later than usual require additional changes. At the federal level, the passage of a third stimulus package this week necessitates more changes to federal and state forms even as the traditional April 15 tax filing deadline approaches.
“We’ve never before seen so many changes to the current year’s tax code in the midst of the tax filing season,” said Comptroller Franchot. “We’re realistic about the burden this puts on taxpayers, tax preparers, and our staff, which is why I’m taking this emergency action to extend the tax filing deadline to July 15.”
According to a press release:
Taxpayers who already have filed their state returns and are awaiting the revision of forms to amend their taxes to take advantage of an Unemployment Insurance subtraction should remain patient. The third federal stimulus bill provides additional Unemployment Insurance (“UI”) tax benefits, which requires more updates to both state and federal forms. Taxpayers who intend to take advantage of the UI subtractions are advised to wait until April 15, when all state forms will be ready with federal and state legislative changes.
“I know many Marylanders are eager to take advantage of these relief programs that will put more money back in their pocket and our agency is working as fast as possible to make the necessary changes,” Comptroller Franchot said. “Our goal is to streamline this process so taxpayers don’t have to file multiple amendments as a result of further federal changes.”
Comptroller Franchot noted that revisions to tax forms usually take several months and occur before the start of tax season. The multiple extensive changes in the midst of the tax season is unprecedented, he noted.
