Van Hollen Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Extend the Tax Filing Deadline, Provide Additional Relief to Middle-Income Americans

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and Angus King (I-Maine) in introducing the Tax Filing Relief for America Act, a bill to extend the tax filing deadline from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020. This date would coincide with the Treasury Department’s previous announcement that it would extend the tax payment deadline for filers who owe the IRS for the 2019 tax year. The legislation would provide greater clarity to taxpayers and allow those who need to travel to a secondary location to acquire documents or meet with an accountant to follow CDC’s ongoing guidelines with respect to the coronavirus outbreak. It would also preserve the right of taxpayers who are owed refunds to file their tax returns and get their hard-earned money back today.

“As the coronavirus continues to impact the every-day lives of Americans, the tax filing deadline is just one more thing folks have to worry about. Many families don’t have the time or the resources they need to file their taxes right now. Just last night, during my Coronavirus Telephone Town Hall, a Marylander voiced their concern on this issue. We should extend the April 15th deadline so that families can focus on taking care of themselves and their loved ones,” said Van Hollen.

“Treasury’s decision to extend the tax payment deadline from April 15 to July 15 was an important first step, but it only makes sense to also extend the tax filing deadline itself,” said Thune. “There’s enough confusion amid this outbreak as it is, so I believe it’s incumbent upon Congress to provide as much clarity and relief as possible to American families. While I’m working with my colleagues on additional swift and bold action to respond to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, this is the least we can do, and I hope my colleagues will support this effort.”

“Hardworking Montanans shouldn’t have to worry about meeting a deadline for filing their taxes when we’re in the middle of a public health and economic crisis,” said Daines. “This will give some extra time so Montanans can focus on what they need to do to protect their health and finances." 

“In this unprecedented moment, we should be doing everything possible to relieve economic worries and encourage Americans to practice social distancing,” said King. “By moving the tax filing deadline back, we can offer some breathing room for millions of Americans who are trying to do their civic duty and protect their communities.”

Senator Richard Burr (R-N.C.) is also a cosponsor of the Tax Filing Relief for America Act.

The full text of the bill is available here.