Tax Deadline Extended

Annual Income Tax return extended from April 15 to July 15
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Due to the unprecedented situation caused by the COVID-19 virus, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has extended the state's personal income tax deadline to July 15, giving taxpayers an additional 90 days to file.  The IRS also extended the federal filing deadline to July 15.

The Department of Revenue also said it will waive penalties and interest on 2019 personal income tax payments through the new deadline of July 15. This extension applies to both final 2019 tax returns and payments and estimated payments for the first and second quarters of 2020.

The filing deadline is being extended as Gov. Tom Wolf has ordered all non-life-sustaining businesses to close to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.  Under Pennsylvania law, the filing deadline for personal income tax returns is tied to the federal income tax due date. 

According to Revenue Secretary Dan Hassel, “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.  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.”

At the Township level, Berkheimer and Associates, the agency that collects the Township’s Earned Income and Local Services Taxes, does not anticipate disruptions to its services.  The bulk of EIT revenues are submitted electronically by employers and can easily be processed and disbursed by Berkheimer employees that are working remotely.  

However, in the coming months there will be an impact to collections of the EIT and LST.  As employers file 1st and 2nd quarter information, Berkheimer will be able to do more analysis and provide better insight as to what those impacts will be. 

Although the filing deadline has been extended, the Department of Revenue is encouraging taxpayers who are able to file their returns electronically to do so.

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