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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Headshot of Chandrashekar Surbhat

As Chief AI and Digital Officer at SLK Software, Chandrashekar Surbhat leads the company's digital and AI led transformation strategy, focusing on delivering business outcomes. Chandra is focused on building IP/platforms, strategic partnerships with niche vendors to co-create value for customers and has successfully managed billion-dollar P&L businesses, turned around underperforming units and unlocked efficiencies. His leadership has been instrumental in driving organizational transformations and aligning business strategies with emerging technologies like AI, cloud and digital experience. Chandra holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Bangalore University and Program Management, General Management, and Marketing certification from IIM Bangalore.

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Neil Keenan is a partner at the Forensic Risk Alliance based in the firm's Washington, D.C., office and serves as co-lead of FRA's investigations practice. He specializes in the delivery of forensic accounting services, including investigations in a number of areas that include corruption, accounting fraud, asset misappropriation and embezzlement.

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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