If you filed for an extension for your 2019 federal income tax return you have less than a month to file.
October 15th is the same deadline to file on extension as any other normal year. But, seeing as 2020 has been anything but normal due to the pandemic many taxpayers may not be aware of the upcoming due date.
The IRS gives taxpayers six months to file from the due date, if they file for an extension.
But here’s where it gets tricky. This year, because of COVID, the due date was July 15, not April 15. But the request for extension starts ticking from the original due date (that’s April 15) and not the revised due date (that’s July 15).
That means that all individuals who filed for an extension have to file on or before October 15th, even if they requested an extension in July.
While it’s always a relief to have your tax return over and done with by the due date, it’s not the end of the world if that doesn’t happen. Even if you did not request an extension and have not filed your 2019 tax return, you should file and pay as soon as possible to reduce any penalties and interest that might be due.