CPA Group Calls on Treasury, IRS to Extend Tax Filing Deadline

Barry Melancon, president and CEO of AICPA, said that while the administration is allowing certain taxpayers to delay tax payments for 90 days and is providing interest and penalty relief, “unfortunately, this important payment relief does not apply to the filing of tax returns. The concern and confusion related to coronavirus is causing cities across the country to shut businesses down, and Treasury’s recent decisions do not reflect the real-world difficulties tax practitioners and their clients are experiencing.”

Melancon stated that “it is impossible for every taxpayer and their tax adviser to prepare returns in this environment.”

Nearly 60% of all taxpayers turn to a tax practitioner to prepare and file their tax returns, “and individual and business tax filing deadlines are fast approaching,” he said.

“Even the relatively simple process of filing an extension form requires calculations based on data and information from the taxpayer. Given the current environment, this extension process is impossible for many taxpayers.”

He called on Treasury to act immediately to extend the April 15 filing deadline and provide “more clarity on the details of recent relief actions.”