Tax and Wealth Advisor Alert: Wisconsin follows IRS, State Tax Filing Deadline Extended to July 15

Wisconsin law already provides that any extension granted by the IRS for filing income taxes also extends the time allowed for filing Wisconsin income taxes.  Nevertheless, Governor Tony Evers and Department of Revenue Secretary Peter Barca announced on Saturday March 21, 2020 that Wisconsin law will automatically extend time and waive interest and penalties for taxpayers due to the President’s declaration of a national emergency.  A summary of what this means for Wisconsin taxpayers is below.

• Tax filers do not have to file any extension forms to be eligible for this new due date.
• There is no limit on the amount of payment to be postponed, and there are no income exclusions.
• This applies to individuals, trusts, estates, partnerships, associations, companies, and corporations.
• This relief is solely for income tax payments, estimated income tax payments, and returns due April 15, 2020.
• There will be no interest or penalty for the period of April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020.
• Interest, penalties, and underpayment interest for failure to make quarterly estimated tax payments with respect to such postponed federal income tax filings and payments will begin to accrue on July 16, 2020.

We will continue to communicate updates as we receive them. If you are interested in learning more about the new tax filing guidance, please contact attorney Britany E. Morrison at O’Neil Cannon