NC Individual Income Tax Filing/Payment Extended to May 17

March 19, 2021

The North Carolina Department of Revenue (NCDOR) announced on March 18, 2021 that the deadline for filing 2020 tax returns and paying 2020 individual income taxes will be extended. NCDOR has changed the usual April 15 deadline to match the May 17, 2021 deadline announced by the IRS earlier this week. 

Secretary of NCDOR, Ronald Penny, has statutory authority to extend tax filings, and now the legislature is tasked to create and pass legislation so that tax payments received after April 15 are not charged interest. 

“In order for taxpayers to have more time to navigate the tax changes during this pandemic, North Carolina will mirror the IRS change as much as possible under current state law,” said Secretary Ronald G. Penny. “The Governor and the legislative leadership have indicated their willingness to work with us to address issues that will need law changes.” 

NCDOR will not charge penalties for 2020 filings and payments received after April 15, 2021 so long as they are filed and paid on or before May 17, 2021. 

The extension does not apply to any other taxes or tax returns such as withholdings, sales tax or corporate taxes. It also does not apply to the 1st quarter 2021 estimated income tax payments, which are still due April 15, 2021.  

The NCDOR stated it will issue official notification and guidance in the near future.