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The Kentucky Department of Revenue is reminding taxpayers that the 2020 state and federal individual income tax filing deadlines are coming up on Monday.

At the direction of Gov. Andy Beshear and in accordance with legislation passed by the General Assembly, the individual income tax filing deadline was extended by one month in response to continued disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, following the same policy issued by the federal Internal Revenue Service.

Individual taxpayers have until Monday, May 17, to submit Kentucky individual income tax payments for the 2020 tax year without accruing penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. Penalties, interest and additions to tax will begin to accrue on any remaining unpaid balances after May 17, 2021. Individual taxpayers will automatically avoid interest and penalties on taxes paid in full by that date.

This relief does not apply to 2021 estimated tax payments that were due on April 15, 2021. It also does not apply to corporation income tax, limited liability entity tax, withholding tax, sales and use tax, or other types of state taxes.

Gov. Beshear notes Kentuckians have faced many unprecedented challenges over the last year, from a once-in-a-lifetime global pandemic to the widespread natural disasters that struck earlier this year.

“I hope the extra time allotted to prepare, file and pay state taxes has been helpful,” he said. “With the deadline just around the corner, now is the time to get your taxes filed if you have not already done so. Families who are expecting a refund can be assured that our Department of Revenue staff are diligently working to process returns and get those dollars back into the pockets of hardworking Kentuckians as quickly as possible.”

Individual taxpayers unable to meet the May 17 return filing deadline may request an automatic extension to file calendar year returns by Oct. 15, 2021.

The department urges taxpayers who owe taxes, even those filing for an extension, to pay what they can by May 17, in order to avoid statutorily prescribed penalties and interest. For taxpayers facing financial hardship, including those affected by COVID-19, the Department of Revenue offers several payment options.

To enhance efficiency and minimize errors on their returns, taxpayers are encouraged to file them electronically. Those submitting paper returns should mail them to the address on the tax form or drop them off at the nearest taxpayer service center. Those locations and additional guidance can be found on DOR’s website.