Pa. taxpayers get extra time to file

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

Pennsylvania has extended the deadline to file personal income tax returns.

This week, the Department of Revenue announced the deadline has been moved to July 15, matching the new federal filing deadline.

The extension applies to both final 2019 tax returns and payments, and estimated payments for the first and second quarters of 2020.

In addition to deadline extensions, the Department of Revenue will waive penalties and interest on 2019 personal income tax payments through the new deadline.

The extension came after Gov. Tom Wolf ordered non-life-sustaining business to close to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell said the extension is an additional effort to help residents during the pandemic.

“This is a necessary step that will give Pennsylvania taxpayers extra time to file their returns and make tax payments during a difficult time for everyone,” he said. “Particularly for those who plan to meet with a tax professional to prepare their returns, the new deadline will help everyone follow the governor’s guidance to stay at home as we all work to prevent the spread of the virus.”

Although the deadline has been extended, taxpayers who are able to file their returns electronically are encouraged to do so.

“This will enable the department to continue to process returns as commonwealth offices are closed,” Hassell said. “Additionally, if you are expecting a refund from the commonwealth, filing electronically will help avoid a delay in the release of your refund.”

Taxpayers who received more than $33 in total gross taxable income in 2019 must file a Pennsylvania personal income tax return by midnight July 15.  

If additional time is needed, residents can file for an additional extension of up to six months.

Ways to file

There are several ways to file tax returns online.

One option is to use Padirectfile, a secure, state-only electronic income tax filing system available through the Department of Revenue’s website.

Free electronic filing options are available to file state and federal returns using software from a reputable vendor. A list of safe sites to use can also be found on the Department of Revenue Website.

Taxpayers can also use paid tax preparers, who offer electronic filing for a fee. E-filing offers advantages not available to taxpayers filing by paper, including error-reducing automatic calculators, instant confirmation of successful filing, faster refund processing and direct deposit options, Hassell said.

Although the Department of Revenue wants as many taxpayers to electronically submit their personal income tax returns, paper returns can still be submitted.

Paper returns will be considered timely filed as long as they are postmarked on or before July 15.

Taxpayers who do submit paper returns should expect delays in the processing of their returns, because the Department of Revenue’s offices are closed as part of mitigation efforts to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

For more information, go to revenue-pa.custhelp.com.

Free tax forms and instructions are available at www.revenue.pagov.