The IRS has just announced that the April 15, 2021 tax filing deadline for individual income tax returns for the 2020 year has been extended until May 17, 2021. This extension also applies to the payment of 2020 income taxes. Penalties and interest will begin to accrue if the taxes are not paid by May 17, 2021.

The May 17, 2021 extension to file is automatic. An extension request does not need to be filed with the IRS. You will only need to file a request for extension of time to file if you want to extend your tax filing deadline until October 15, 2021.

BE AWARE: This extension of time to file does not apply to the estimated tax payment for tax year 2021 due on April 15, 2021.The extension does not apply to any returns other than the individual federal income tax return (Form 1040).