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Calif. Extends Tax Filing, Payment Deadlines Due To COVID-19

By Maria Koklanaris · 2020-03-19 16:23:32 -0400

California residents and businesses will have until July 15 to both file and pay their 2019 taxes and 2020 first- and second-quarter estimated taxes to help taxpayers amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the tax agency handling income taxes said Thursday.

The Franchise Tax Board, which had previously announced a payment extension to June 15, on Thursday went further and conformed to Internal Revenue Service guidance extending the payment deadline to July 15. However, the FTB extended both the filing and payment deadlines, not just the payment deadline.

The agency said it would postpone until July 15 the filing and payment deadlines for all individuals and business entities for 2019 tax returns, 2019 tax return payments, 2020 first- and second-quarter estimated payments, 2020 LLC taxes and fees, and 2020 nonwage withholding payments.

The extension is due to difficulties caused by the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. But the tax agency is not requiring calls or explanations; the new deadlines are for everyone, it said.

"The COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting life for people and businesses statewide," said State Controller Betty T. Yee, who serves as chair of the FTB. "Hopefully, this [extension] will help allow people to focus on their health and safety during these challenging times."

--Editing by Vincent Sherry. 

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