IRS Extends Tax Filing Deadline to May 17 After AARP Urging Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again. × Search search POPULAR SEARCHES SUGGESTED LINKS Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Leaving AARP.org Website You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

IRS Extends Tax Filing Deadline to May 17

AARP urged extra time to allow at-risk older taxpayers to get help with complicated 2020 returns

iStock / Getty Images Taxes may be inevitable, but older Americans can face heightened risks if they seek in-person tax help during the Fortunately, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is giving taxpayers more time to file their taxes — and to get help if they need it. The IRS has extended the tax filing deadline to May 17. Bill Sweeney, AARP's senior vice president for government affairs, to key members of the House Ways and Means Committee, asking to postpone the tax deadline, as was done in 2020. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. "Many older Americans, who are most at risk from COVID-19, require assistance in preparing their tax returns and may not have access to or familiarity with online platforms to fill out their forms over the internet,” Sweeney wrote. “To protect public health and ensure all tax filers, including older Americans, receive the time and assistance they need to file their taxes, Congress should extend the tax filing deadline and waive all interest and penalties resulting from any such extension." Sweeney also expressed concerns that IRS resources continue to be strained by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Reports indicate the IRS is experiencing overwhelming demand on their phone lines, making it challenging for people to get answers to their questions,” Sweeney wrote. A recent said the IRS was answering about one call for every 11 attempted calls. Last year, in response to the coronavirus outbreak that emerged during the heart of tax season, the to July 15, 2020.

Disaster victims already have extended deadlines br

AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Flowers & Gifts 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items See more Flowers & Gifts offers > Texas storm victims will also have until June 15 to make a 2020 individual retirement account (IRA) contribution. And those who normally have to make quarterly estimated tax payments on April 15 will have until June 15 to do so. The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in the disaster area. Taxpayers do not need to contact the agency to get this relief. You can find the complete rundown of .

Even if Congress doesn t act you can still get more time to file

Penalties for failing to file income taxes are 5 percent a month, up to 25 percent of the amount owed, and the clock starts ticking the day after taxes are due. You can get an automatic filing extension to Oct. 15 by submitting , “Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.” You can also use the program to get an automatic extension. One hitch: You need to pay your full tax liability when you ask for an extension. Your estimated tax bill must be within 90 percent of the amount you owe. In addition, you need to file your request for an extension by the normal due date for taxes — which, for most Americans, is traditionally April 15. And remember: Your state's tax deadline may be different than the federal deadline. AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. More on money AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS