By the Associated Press
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama extended the filing deadline for state income taxes from April 15 to July 15 as the state tries to curb the spread of the coronavirus, Gov. Kay Ivey announced Monday.
Taxpayers will be able to defer state income tax payments until July without penalties or interest, regardless of the amount owed, Ivey’s office said. The deferment applies to all taxpayers, including individuals, trusts and estates, corporations and other non-corporate tax filers.
Ivey signed a supplement to the state of emergency order to grant the extension.
“It is imperative we reduce the burden upon Alabamians and get folks back on their feet financially. The safety and wellbeing of Alabamians is the paramount priority as we do everything within our power to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus,” Ivey said in a statement.
Revenue Commissioner Vernon Barnet said taxpayers who are owed refunds are urged, “to file as soon as possible and file electronically.”
Alabama on Monday had at least 167 confirmed cases of coronavirus, of which 79 were in Jefferson County. The state has closed all K-12 schools until at least April 6. Health officials have issued orders prohibiting on-site restaurant dining and non-work gatherings of more than 25 people that cannot maintain a consistent 6-foot (2-meter) distance between people.
Health officials in Alabama’s largest county ordered the closure of nonessential businesses, including hair salons and many retail stores, to curtail the spread of the coronavirus.
The virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, for most people. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover.