COVID-19 and Timely Filing your 2019 Tax Return

What is the deadline for filing your federal tax return and submit payment? July 15, 2020. 

What is the deadline for filing your California state tax return and submit payment? July 15, 2020; 

This means that if you owe taxes, either state or federal, you may wait until July 15, 2020 to file your return and pay without penalty or interest accruing. 

If you are expecting a refund, it is in your best interest to file quickly, not to wait for the July 15th Deadline. 

If you need more time to file your Federal return you will need to file a request for extension with the IRS, the State of California will automatically extend to October 15, 2020 however, after July 16, 2020 interest will be added to any amount owing and not paid by July 15, 2020. If you need more time to file past July 15, 2020, use Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. The deadline for mailing the form to the IRS is July 15, 2020. Form 4868 is available on IRS.gov/forms. 

If you need more time to file your State return, the State of California gives you an automatic extension to October 15, 2020 before a late filing penalty is assessed, however, after July 16, 2020 interest will be added to any amount owing and not paid by July 15, 2020. To Make a payment for your State Tax Bill Use Payment for Automatic Extension for Individuals (FTB 3519) to make a payment by mail if both of the following apply: You cannot file your 2019 tax return by July 15, 2020 and You owe tax for 2019. 

In California what business entities qualify for the July 15, 2020, extended deadline to file and pay taxes? 

The new extensions apply to any business entity with a California return or payment due between March 15 and July 15. This includes Corporations, S-Corps, LLCs, Partnerships, and other entity types with returns or payments due during this period. Visit COVID-19 Extensions to file and pay for more information. 

How does the California FTB define who is “affected by the COVID-19 pandemic”? How would they need to demonstrate this? 

All California taxpayers are considered affected taxpayers if they have an income tax return filing or payment due date between March 15, 2020 and July 15, 2020. 

For more information on Federal Tax Returns see https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/payment-deadline-extended-to-july-15-2020 

For more information on California State Tax Returns see:

https://www.ftb.ca.gov/about- ftb/newsroom/covid-19/index.html

California Calendar year filers

California Calendar year filers

California Estimated tax payments due dates