Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, the ranking Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee, said on Friday that the Internal Revenue Service should ''seriously consider'' allowing an extension to the tax filing deadline.
The congressman, during a call with reporters, said that the agency is backlogged and still has yet to process some paper returns from last year, and will now have to issue another round of stimulus checks while also making tax changes in response to the ongoing pandemic.
"They are trying to make changes to accommodate that overwhelming work responsibility right now," Brady said, according to The Hill. "I'd be very open to extending that tax-filing deadline. I think it could be helpful."
Earlier this week, the top Democrats on the Ways and Means panel, Reps. Richard Neal of Massachusetts and Bill Pascrell of New Jersey, issued a statement urging the IRS to extend the deadline.
"Once it is signed into law, the American Rescue Plan will change the tax laws applicable to unemployment benefits received in 2020 and reported on returns filed during this filing season," they said. "Taxpayers need more time to file accurate returns and get their questions answered by the IRS."
They add, ''We stand in the midst of the most important tax filing season in recent memory, and taxpayers cannot get the help they need from the IRS.''
Last year, the IRS extended the tax filing deadline until July 15, but the congressmen note that "many Americans continue to face the same health and economic challenges that necessitated an extension last year."
Neal and Pacrell added, "Facing enormous strain and anxiety, taxpayers need flexibility now. We demand that the IRS announce an extension as soon as possible.''
Neal told reporters on Monday in Springfield, Massachusetts, that extending the deadline ''makes some sense,'' but added, ''I don’t think that it is likely that there is going to be an extension. I would like to see one for those who need it.''
IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig said last month that he does not intend to direct the agency to extend the deadline this year.
"We have no present plans to extend the filing season," Rettig said during a hearing before the House Appropriations Committee's subpanel on financial services and general government.
"Keep in mind, it creates a lot of confusion for taxpayers. It also backs up the Internal Revenue Service."
He added that the IRS has heard the calls to extend the deadline.
"We have our eyes on it. We're aware of it. We're aware of people who are asking for it," he said.
Theodore Bunker ✉
Theodore Bunker, a Newsmax writer, has more than a decade covering news, media, and politics.
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