Letter to the Hon. Steven Mnuchin, Secretary of the Dept. of the Treasury, and the Hon. Charles Rettig, Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service - Gottheimer, Mitchell Seek 90-Day Federal Tax Filing Extension to Protect Taxpayers, Tax Preparers, Small Businesses

Letter

Dear Secretary Mnuchin & Commissioner Rettig,

We applaud actions taken by the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide relief to American workers and businesses for the current tax season by delaying the tax payment deadline until July 15, 2020. However, we continue to urge the Treasury and IRS to offer further relief and flexibility for taxpayers by extending the tax filing deadline.

We appreciate and agree with Secretary Mnuchin's statement that those Americans who are expecting a refund of tax payments should file as soon as they can, and would add only as long as they can do so safely. However, there are reports that accounting firms are unable to operate out of public health concerns, at a time when they are normally experiencing the highest demand in their business. We are also concerned that the conflict between filing and payment deadlines has created confusion among our constituents and small businesses.

As stated in our letter sent to Commissioner Rettig on March 13th, 2020, we urge the IRS to delay individual and business tax deadlines, including filing, by a minimum of ninety days. This will give Americans more flexibility in deciding when they should file their taxes. We also request that tax deadlines continue to be evaluated, including whether further delays to the tax season for individuals or businesses will be necessary. Americans need relief from filing and to be able to fully focus on the health and safety of themselves, their families, and their community.

We look forward to your response on this important matter and urge you to utilize all tools available to assist our communities.

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