Today is the federal income tax filing deadline.

Certified Public Accountant Tom Kennedy with Henkel and Associates in Jefferson says the deadline for filing income taxes is typically April 15th, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline was delayed three months for federal and to July 31st for state income taxes. He points out if you need more time to file income taxes for 2019, you can apply for a six-month extension by the end of today.

Kennedy notes that while most people file their federal and state income taxes together, you can file them separately, especially if you owe taxes to one but not the other. Kennedy explains if there will be a delay for those who will see a return payment from either federal or state.

“If they e-file their returns I don’t think they’ll see much of a difference in that. But any correspondence that you’re going to have with the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) is going to be delayed. I think they’re understaffed (and) they’re going to have a lot of delays on stuff like that. But the returns – I think – if you get it in and have it deposited into your (bank) account right away if you’re getting a refund, I don’t see much delay on that.”

Kennedy adds to make sure you have all documents that show your income and deductibles before you file taxes for 2019.