Due to COVID-19, the delayed deadline to file state and federal taxes is quickly approaching. Arkansans who have not filed to pay their taxes still have until July 15.
“This year, the date might have changed, but the responsibility remains – tax time has arrived,” said Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “Our communities have dealt with many difficult situations for a majority of the year when it comes to making ends meet and I want Arkansans to know their options and filing your taxes shouldn’t be a burden.”
Taxpayers have the ability to file and pay their taxes safely online through IRS.gov in order to avoid the backlog of mail that may have developed due to previous closures in response to the pandemic. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers taxpayers their Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA) system as a resource to learn more and answer frequently asked questions while filing taxes online.
Attorney General Rutledge has provided these tips for Arkansans still working on filing their federal and state taxes this year:
- Taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the July 15 deadline can request a filing extension to October 15, but this must be done by July 15. Then they must file Form 4868 through their tax professional, tax software, or using the Free File link on IRS.gov.
- Arkansas taxpayers who still owe 2019 income tax, as well as estimated tax for 2020, must make two separate payments on or before July 15, 2020; One for their 2019 income tax owed and one for their 2020 estimated tax payments.
- Members of the military qualify for an additional extension of at least 180 days to file and pay taxes if either of the following situations apply: they serve in a combat zone, have qualifying service outside a combat zone, or they serve on deployment outside the United States away from their permanent duty station while participating in a contingency operation.
- AARP Foundation Tax Aide program offers free assistance to Arkansas seniors filing their taxes online or by calling 888-OUR-AARP (888-687-2277).
- Tax help is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week on IRS.gov.
- Information for filing state taxes can be found online on dfa.arkansas.gov/income-tax or by calling (501) 682-1100
For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office at (800) 482-8982 or [email protected] or visit ArkansasAG.gov or Facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.
