Coronavirus tax extension: Why you still might want to file by April 15

If dealing with the effects of coronavirus has put you behind schedule for preparing and paying your taxes this year, the US Treasury will give you three more months to pay your federal taxes without a penalty. Although you'll now have until July 15 to file your tax returns, there are still some benefits to meeting the typical April 15 deadline.

Along with the federal government, many state tax agencies are also moving their tax filing deadline past the annual April 15 due date to help people and businesses destabilized by the COVID-19 outbreak. The federal government is also sending coronovirus stimulus checks to help those struggling under the epidemic.

Here's what we know about the federal tax deadline and how to discover if your state taxes are also being pushed back. You can also learn everything you need to know about coronavirus and unemployment, some resources to help you if you've lost your job and more information on credit card and banking relief.

What are the new federal tax deadlines?

You now have till July 15 to pay your federal taxes. The three-month extension is automatically available to any federal taxpayer, without a limit on amount owed, including individuals, trusts and estates, corporations, noncorporations and those who pay self-employment tax. 

Why you might want to file by April 15

Waiting is one strategy, but keep in mind that the quicker you file, the quicker you'll get your refund, if one is owed to you. Most tax refunds are issued within 3 weeks. Your tax refund does not affect your coronavirus stimulus payment, if you're eligible. Right now, the IRS is open and processing tax returns, but it has closed its Taxpayer Assistance Centers, where you could get help in person with tax questions.

Is there a penalty for paying after July 15?

To avoid a penalty for filing after July 15, you'll need to request an extension and pay your estimated taxes by the cutoff date. See below for details on how to request an extension.

How do I get the federal tax extension as an individual taxpayer?

According to the IRS, you don't have to do anything to qualify for the automatic July 15 extension, such as filing a form or calling the IRS. If, however, you need to request an extension beyond July 15, head to the IRS free-file service and file Form 4868. According to the IRS, with Form 4868, you still have to pay your estimated taxes by July 15 to avoid penalties but have till Oct. 15 to file your tax return. The Department of the Treasury did not respond to a request for comment.

As a business, can I also defer my payment?

Yes. Businesses can also get the July 15 extension to pay taxes without interest or penalties. According to the IRS, businesses can file Form 7004 to request a deferral beyond July 15 to file. With Form 7004, businesses still need to pay estimated taxes by July 15 to avoid penalties but have till October 15 to file. The Treasury did not respond to a request for comment.

Where can I find out more information?

To see the federal tax updates, you can check the IRS's coronavirus site.

Are there extensions for state tax returns, too?

According to the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, every state with a personal income tax has extended its April 15 deadline, with 38 states moving to it to July 15 and eight more moving the filing deadline anywhere from April 30 to July 20.

If you have questions about your state, check with your state's tax agency to learn its new filing deadline.

If you need help filing your state and federal taxes, here are the tax-preparation apps this year and how to file your taxes for free. Plus, here are the best tax deductions and tax myths you should watch out for.