Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree joined more than 100 House Members in urging the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the U.S. Treasury Department to extend the April 15, 2021 federal tax filing and payment deadline. The push comes in the wake of recent significant changes to federal tax law included in the American Rescue Plan.

The Members wrote: “The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021, contained a provision excluding from income the first $10,200 of unemployment benefits received in 2020 for those with an adjusted gross income under $150,000. The IRS will need to take action to address such changes in the tax law, and taxpayers will need additional time to fully understand how these changes affect their tax liability. Further, taxpayers and tax return preparers are awaiting guidance from the IRS regarding these recent tax changes and are still waiting for some IRS forms to be made available for electronic filing.”

The IRS also began the 2020 filing season nearly three weeks later than usual, creating less time for individuals and businesses to file as they grapple with the recent changes. Compared with this time last year, 27% fewer tax returns have been filed already and 31% fewer returns have been processed by the IRS.

The Members continued: “With limited in-person tax assistance at local tax preparation clinics, libraries, and community centers, tens of millions of our constituents are facing new challenges and the same logistical hurdles as last year.”

Last year, the Treasury Department extended the deadline for taxes until July 15, 2021.

A copy of the members’ letter can be found here.

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