On February 18, 2021 the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee wrote a letter to the IRS Commissioner Charles P. Rettig requesting an extension of time to file 2020 tax returns past the statutory date of April 15, 2021.

As we recall, last year the IRS extended the filing deadline from April 15 to July 15, 2020 without penalties and interest because of health and economic challenges due to the pandemic. The Ways and Means Committee’s letter points out that many of the same pandemic-related challenges remain, such as the closure of many IRS assistance sites and taxpayers being homebound, lacking digital capabilities, or English proficiency.

The Committee’s letter also notes that the April 15 deadline is just two months after the 2021 tax filing season got started on February 12, 2021. The Committee expressed concern that taxpayers may need additional time to adjust to potential unexpected balances due on their returns and that the IRS is still processing millions of returns from last year while trying to train newly-hired and recalled employees.

Lawmakers and tax professionals all seem to agree that an extension of the filing season is warranted and needed. So stay tuned.  The tax professionals at Cantrell & Cantrell are here to help you. Call 713-333-0555 if you need us.