IRS postpones deadline for gift and GST taxes due to coronavirus

The Internal Revenue Service is postponing the date for filing gift tax and generation-skipping transfer tax returns and making payments until July 15 because of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The Internal Revenue Service is postponing the date for filing gift tax and generation-skipping transfer tax returns and making payments until July 15, 2020, because of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The IRS issued Notice 2020-20 on Friday, extending the relief it provided earlier this month on the tax-filing and payment dates for most other types of tax returns. The IRS also said the associated interest, additions to tax, and penalties for late filing or late payment will be suspended for the gift tax and generation-skipping transfer tax until July 15.

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David Klasing

David Klasing is a dual-certified tax attorney and CPA, and founder of the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing, P.C. He has earned dual California licenses that enable him to simultaneously practice as an attorney and as a CPA in the practice areas of taxation, estate planning and business law. He provides businesses and individuals with tax representation, planning and compliance services, and criminal tax representation. He has more than 20 years of professional tax, accounting and business consulting experience, coupled with extensive knowledge about federal and state tax codes, regulations and case law.

Nicole MacMillian

Nicole is a strategic HR leader with demonstrated experience collaborating with all levels of leadership to drive successful People initiatives in dynamic and fast-paced environments. Known as an out-of-the-box thinker who offers creative and effective solutions to support an exceptional employee experience and drive high performing teams.

Her industry experience includes technology, wellness, consumer goods, entertainment, and aerospace & defense. Experienced with global organizations, both private and public, spanning start-up to established large firms. She is skilled in engaging complex, evolving, distributed, and diverse employee populations to achieve business results.

Hannah Bjornn

Hanna Bjornn is the Vice President of Product at Canopy Tax, Inc., where she leads product strategy and development for one of the accounting industry's most innovative SaaS platforms. With a career spanning both startups and established tech companies, Hanna has built a reputation for delivering customer-centric solutions that drive measurable impact and user delight.

Her leadership at Canopy reflects a deep commitment to solving real problems for accounting professionals—streamlining workflows, enhancing client collaboration, and simplifying complex tax resolution processes. Known for her strategic clarity and collaborative approach, Hannah blends technical insight with a strong understanding of market needs.

The relief is automatic and applies to any amounts due related to these types of returns. There’s no requirement to file for an extension and the three-month period between the original due date of April 15 and the new deadline of July 15 will be disregarded in terms of any interest, penalties or extra taxes for those who fail to file a Form 709 United States Gift and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return by April 15.

Groups of tax and accounting professionals such as the American Institute of CPAs, the National Society of Accountants and the National Conference of CPA Practitioners have been pressing the IRS to provide additional forms of tax relief beyond the initial relief granted for tax payments from coronavirus victims.

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The IRS headquarters building in Washington, D.C.
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