Coronavirus: Income Tax Filing Updates
As part of the relief efforts during COVID-19 outbreak, the government will be implementing new rules, guideline, policies and laws. So far those efforts include income tax filings, expanded unemployment benefits, and access to small business. As more information is made available, we will share it.
INCOME TAX FILING EXTENSIONS
The The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced this morning that the income tax filing deadline to July 15 from April 15, 2020. This move applies to individuals, families, and business. Tax payers will also have the ability to request a 6 month extension as they would in a regular tax year.
An extension is not required for Alabama. There is an automatic extension to file until lOctober 15th. However, if an filer has a balance due, it must be paid by April 15th to avoid interest of penalties.
VITA SUSPENDED
Update – VITA remains suspended at this time. The IRS and the VITA Coordinators will begin scheduling appointments as soon as they are able.
Based on recommendations from authorities to avoid large public gatherings and for the safety of our volunteers and clients, we have decided to suspend tax preparation services at all United Way of Southwest Alabama locations effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020. All individuals with appointments will be contacted directly and notified of changes. We will not be taking new appointments until we resume services.
Since we are unable to offer face to face tax preparation at this time, as an alternative you may contact us by email at taxhelp@uwswa.org to request free software for which you may use to prepare your tax return at no charge.
VITA volunteers are also offering email support to taxpayers who use our software. We can answer questions about tax law topics and the software, so long as those questions fall within the scope of our training. Please send your questions to taxhelp@uwswa.org and we will respond as quickly as we can. If we are unable to answer your question, we will let you know.