Pennsylvania income tax deadline moved to mid-July, following IRS lead

Pennsylvania residents will have longer to file their 2019 state income tax returns, matching the new July 15 filing deadline for federal returns.

The later deadlines, moved from April 15, are meant to help people cope with the upheavals triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.

“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,” Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell said in a press release. “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.”

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

Anyone who expects to receive more than $8,000 of Pennsylvania-taxable income not subject to withholding by a Pennsylvania employer must estimate and pay personal income tax quarterly.

Under Pennsylvania law, the filing deadline for personal income tax returns is tied to the federal income tax due date.

The Department of Revenue cautioned those who expect a refund that there will be delays in processing returns submitted on paper because of the department’s coronavirus-related office closures.

Taxpayers can electronically file their Pennsylvania tax returns for free through Padirectfile.