U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) this week requested that the 2020 federal tax filing deadline be extended due to the uncertainty the coronavirus pandemic has caused American businesses and workers.
“Numerous state and local governments have implemented social distancing requirements, including the closure of certain businesses, to slow the spread of this virus,” Rep. Kelly wrote in a March 17 letter sent to U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig. “While necessary, these drastic and unprecedented measures are causing significant financial hardship for all Americans.”
The U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service recently issued guidance allowing taxpayers and businesses to defer paying their taxes until July 15 as opposed to the traditional April 15 tax deadline. The move follows President Donald Trump’s declaration of a national state of emergency as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Rep. Kelly noted that current law permits the IRS to extend the tax filing deadline up to six months.
“The agency has exercised this authority in the recent past when it helped Americans in the wake of devastating hurricanes,” wrote the congressman. “Taking this action now would relieve American taxpayers during this unpredictable and stressful period.”
Timely assistance and guidance for American families and businesses “is crucial during this national crisis,” Rep. Kelly wrote.