US extends individual tax filing deadline to July 15

The United States is extending its Tax Day from April 15 to July 15, the Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin announced on Twitter today (Friday, 20 March).

According to Mr. Mnuchin, he was acting "at President Donald Trump's direction".

The Treasury Secretary wrote: "At @realDonaldTrump’s direction, we are moving Tax Day from April 15 to July 15. All taxpayers and businesses will have this additional time to file and make payments without interest or penalties."

In a second tweet, he said: "I encourage all taxpayers who may have tax refunds to file now to get your money."

This will give American citizens an extra three months to file their taxes amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Per CNN, the Trump administration had previously stated plans to defer tax payments for 90 days, but taxpayers were still required to file by April 15. Now, they will only be required to do so in the summer. However, those with tax refunds should still file now in order to get their money, Mr. Mnuchin advised.

The publication also states that Americans can still seek an extension of up to six months to file their taxes, as they normally could in previous years.

Furthermore, the July 15 deadline applies only to federal tax income payments. Individual states will be responsible for setting their own deadlines.