In response to the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS issued Notice 2021-21 this week to postpone the April 15, 2021, due date for filing Form 1040 and paying related federal income taxes until May 17, 2021. The notice also postpones the due date for making 2020 contributions to individual retirement arrangements (IRAs and Roth IRAs), health savings accounts, Archer medical savings accounts, and Coverdell education savings accounts until May 17, 2021. In addition, if the period for an individual to file a claim for refund expires between April 15, 2021, and May 17, 2021, the date for filing the claim for refund is postponed until May 17, 2021. The notice does not extend the due date for paying the estimated tax payment due April 15, 2021.
The relief granted in Notice 2021-21 is narrower than the COVID-19 filing and payment due date relief provided last year. The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS have received requests to expand the relief provided in Notice 2021-21, but to date they have not done so. It is unclear whether additional guidance answering questions related to Notice 2021-21 will be provided.
Every state except Arizona, Hawaii, and New Hampshire has extended its filing and payment due dates in light of the IRS’ action.
