With the federal income tax deadline postponed until July 15, 2020 due to the COVID-19 emergency, states have begun to address whether they will follow these federal changes. States continue to issue guidance daily and the situation is constantly evolving. For some states, the change is automatic according to existing state law. For other states, the change has taken an executive order of their governor.
Fortunately, most states have taken the necessary steps to align with the federal income tax deadlines, with some notable exceptions. New Jersey, for example, cannot change its state income tax deadline without changing state law. As such, New Jersey legislatures have introduced legislation to provide the same tax relief, but the legislation has not yet been adopted. Virginia has also not extended their income tax filing deadlines. Virginia is presently only waiving penalties if income taxes are paid by June first, but no waiver of interest is provided.
Click here for a chart that summarizes current income tax relief, as currently provided by each state.
Prepared by:
Justin W. Herring, CPA, MST | Tax Manager
