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.

CORONAVIRUS IMPACT: ADDITIONAL COVERAGE
Jillian Berry Headshot.JPEG
Jillian Berry

Jillian Berry is the senior director of StrongHer Money at RFG Advisory.

StrongHer Money is a purpose-built program for RFG advisors looking to increase engagement and deepen relationships with women clients by enhancing how they attract, win and serve women at all life stages.

Mary Delaney of Karbon

Mary Delaney is CEO of Karbon, where she works closely with accounting firms to optimize their operations through technology. She has over 20 years of experience driving growth, transformation and innovation in B2B software who brings unique insight into how firms can streamline workflows, improve collaboration and leverage connected ecosystems to drive efficiency and growth.

A photo of a man smiling for a photo.
Andrew White

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.

IRS-Building-light
The IRS headquarters building in Washington, D.C.
Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg