State Tax Deadline Moved To May 17

COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio is following the federal government's lead and moving the state tax deadline to May 17.

Ohio Tax Commissioner Jeff McClain said Ohioans will have an extra month to file and pay individual income and school district income taxes for 2020. The Internal Revenue Service extended the federal income tax deadline to May 17 on March 18.

"The extension is intended to provide some relief to individuals impacted by the public safety measures adopted to contain the spread of the coronavirus," McClain said.

Here's what else the IRS and Ohio Department of Taxation said taxpayers need to know about the extended deadline:

• Taxpayers can postpone federal and state income tax payments that would be due April 15 to May 17 without any penalties or interest regardless of the amount owed
• The postponement is for individual taxpayers, including those who pay self-employment tax
• Penalties or interest in unpaid balances will begin to accrue May 17
• Taxes paid by May 17 will automatically avoid interests and penalties
• Taxpayers will automatically qualify for this relief and don't need to file any forms

"This continues to be a tough time for many people, and the IRS wants to continue to do everything possible to help taxpayers navigate the unusual circumstances related to the pandemic, while also working on important tax administration responsibilities," IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said.

Anyone who needs a federal tax extension beyond May 17 can file to request an extension until October 15 but any taxes due would still need to be paid by May 17.

The IRS also clarified that the extension doesn't extend to estimated tax payments; the money withheld in paychecks or the estimated tax payments people make if their income isn't withheld automatically.