Federal agencies adjust schedules, deadlines due to coronavirus spread

Federal agencies adjust schedules, deadlines due to coronavirus spread

Several federal agencies, including the U.S. Census Bureau and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have announced changes in response to the spread of the coronavirus in the U.S.

The Census Bureau announced March 18 that it will pause field operations until April 1. Households can still respond to the 2020 Census online using a desktop computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet, and can also respond by phone or mail.

2020 Census invitations have been mailed to all U.S. households.

In late May, census takers will begin visiting households that have not yet responded to the census to help complete the count.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin announced March 20 that the income tax filing deadline has been moved from April 15 to July 15. Individuals and corporations will have the extra 90 days to file and make payments without interest or penalties, Mnuchin announced via Twitter.

Mnuchin’s announcement only affects 2019 federal income taxes.

The Alabama Department of Revenue announced it would mirror IRS extensions, noting that other assistance may be available on a case-by-case basis to individuals and businesses that cannot file their tax returns on time due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

More information about Alabama tax filing help is available at revenue.alabama.gov/news. (TAB)