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Tax Day 2020

July 15, 2020
taxes

The deadline for taxpayers to file 2019 tax returns and tax payments is today, at midnight,  after a three-month extension.

The federal government extended the traditional April 15 deadline for tax returns and payments to July 15 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

For taxpayers, 2019 tax returns and tax payments, as well as their first two 2020 estimated tax payments, are due on Wednesday, July 15, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

Today, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announces expanded tax filing assistance ahead of tonight's midnight filing deadline.

"It's tax day in July, and we're making every effort to ensure New Yorkers have the resources they need to get their returns in on-time," Governor Cuomo said. "Many New Yorkers have already taken advantage of the free resources we provide, but with only hours left to submit an on-time tax return we're extending the hours of free online and phone assistance and reminding New Yorkers to submit their tax returns today." 

 NYS Tax Department Extends Call Center Hours to 7 p.m. Tonight!

Governor Cuomo today announced expanded tax filing assistance ahead of tonight's midnight filing deadline. To assist New York State #taxpayers who have yet to submit their personal income tax returns, Tax Department representatives will be available until 7 p.m. Eastern Time tonight to answer last-minute filing questions. Representatives can be reached at 518-457-5181.

File both your NYS and federal tax returns for free!

Each year, millions of New Yorkers qualify to file their personal income #taxreturns for free through the Tax Department's website. Taxpayers who earned $69,000 or less in 2019 are eligible to electronically prepare and e-file both their federal and New York State income tax returns by using Free File software.

More than 221,000 taxpayers have already filed their returns through the Free File program this year, a 40% increase over last year, saving these taxpayers an estimated $45.3 million in tax preparation fees.

To ensure you're not charged a fee, you must go to the Tax Department's website to complete your return. Simply select the Free File your income tax return link on the Tax Department's website to review the Free File options. You'll save preparation fees, avoid costly errors, and ensure that you receive any refund you're owed in the most efficient way possible.

The Tax Department has produced a series of video tutorials to assist New Yorkers with the tax return filing process. Topics range from gathering the necessary documents to choosing the right software. You can view the videos at our Get ready to e-file your income tax return webpage. Guidance and more resources, including answers to common questions, are also available on the Tax Department website to help taxpayers electronically prepare and file an accurate return.

Free Tax Filing Resources and Software Available Online at www.tax.ny.gov

Check your refund status

The Tax Department has already issued more than 6 million refunds worth more than $6.1 billion. Taxpayers can quickly view the status of their New York State tax refund anytime by using the department's Check Refund Status app at its website: www.tax.ny.gov. Updated daily, this online tool is the fastest and most convenient way to know when to expect your refund. It provides the same information available to our phone representatives—without the wait!
You can also find out when your refund will be issued by signing up for Tax Department email alerts. Visit the Tax Department homepage at www.tax.ny.gov and select subscribe at the bottom of the page.

Visit the Taxpayer Answer Center

You can find answers to common tax questions by searching our database of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Click Answer Center at the bottom of www.tax.ny.gov.

New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Michael Schmidt said, "The Tax Department website is a critical resource right now for taxpayers filing within these final few hours. Everything from free filing software to answers to common questions, I encourage all New Yorkers preparing their returns today to visit www.tax.ny.gov to ease the stress of last-minute filing."

How do I request an extension?

You can obtain an automatic extension of time to file if you're unable to submit a completed income tax return by the July 15 deadline. An extension will provide more time to submit your return, but not more time to pay any #tax owed. You must make full payment of the properly estimated tax balance owed when requesting an extension of time to file. Personal income tax returns filed on extension are due on or before October 15, 2020.

The IRS usually allows taxpayers to file for an extension. This year, according to the instructions on Form 4868 (Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File US Individual Income Tax Return), taxpayers can apply for an extra three months to file, making Oct. 15 the due date. 

What changes for 2019 taxes do I need to know about?

According to the #IRS, for tax year 2019, the IRS has tweaked individual income tax brackets, adjusting them for inflation. And there are new regulations involving the standard deduction, 401(k) plans and health savings accounts that may affect how you prepare your taxes. The major changes include: 

  • The standard deduction is now $12,200 for single filers and $24,400 for married couples filing jointly. (Learn more.) 
  • The 401(k) contribution limit has increased to $19,000 but the catch-up limit -- for folks 50 and over -- remains $6,000. (Learn more.)
  • The "individual mandate penalty" -- previously charged to people who didn't have health insurance -- has now been eliminated.(Learn more.)

 More Resources (from #IRS)