In his letter to Mnuchin, Neal said that having separate deadlines for filing and paying “will potentially create a great deal of confusion for taxpayers accustomed to having only one deadline.” He also cited the closure of some IRS assistance centers across the country.
In introducing their legislation, Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Angus King (I-Maine) said a filing extension also would ensure that taxpayers don’t have to violate CDC social distancing guidelines, since they may have to meet with an accountant or need to physically retrieve documents to file by April 15.
People could still file their taxes before July 15 if they choose to, so their refunds wouldn’t be delayed, the senators said in a news release.
“Treasury’s decision to extend the tax payment deadline from April 15 to July 15 was an important first step, but it only makes sense to also extend the tax filing deadline itself,” Thune, who is Senate majority whip, said. “There’s enough confusion amid this outbreak as it is, so I believe it’s incumbent upon Congress to provide as much clarity and relief as possible to American families.“
In recent days, numerous business groups and organizations representing tax preparers have called on the administration to push back the filing deadline. Businesses have also sought an array of other measures to ease their tax burden during the health crisis.
Neal also asked Mnuchin to delay payment of estimated taxes for the second quarter of 2020, noting they would otherwise be due June 15.
Source: politico.com
See more here: news365.stream
