2020 Individual Income Tax Filing and Payment Deadline Extension FAQs

  • What payments and returns does the relief apply to?

    The relief provides an extension until May 17, 2021 for individual state income tax payments and state income tax returns due on April 15, 2021. 

  • What does it NOT apply to?

    It does NOT apply to:

    1. State estimated income tax payments due on April 15, 2021.
    2. The filing, payment, or deposit of any other type of state tax (including other income tax, nonresident composite income tax, employee withholding, sales tax, etc.) or for the filing of any state information returns.
  • For tax year 2020 is unemployment income taxable?

    The Georgia General Assembly annually considers updating certain provisions of state tax law in response to federal changes to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). This year’s IRC update bill (House Bill 265) was signed into law by Governor Kemp on February 24, 2021.

    The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which included temporary changes to the taxability of unemployment income at the federal level in addition to a host of other measures, was signed into law on March 11, 2021.

    As such, unemployment income remains taxable at the state level and must be included in a taxpayer’s income on his or her Georgia return.  Any unemployment income that was excluded on the taxpayer’s federal return should be added back on Georgia Form 500, Schedule 1, line 5. 

    Finally, the state of Georgia is awaiting guidance from the Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Treasury Department related to ARPA. While this will not impact the taxability of unemployment income at the state level, additional information may be released as the state receives further guidance from the federal government.

  • Do taxpayers need to file any additional forms or call the Department to qualify for this automatic tax filing and payment relief?

    No.

  • I filed my 2020 individual income tax return with a balance due to be withdrawn and want to change my payment date, can this be done?

    You may call 877-423-6711 to have your scheduled payment cancelled. 

    You will have to initiate a separate payment either through GTC, check or credit card on or before the May 17, 2021 due date, to avoid late pay penalty and interest.

  • What if I am unable to file my affected state income tax return by May 17, 2021?

    You must request an extension by May 17, 2021.  If a federal extension is filed, Georgia will accept it and if one is not filed, Georgia Form IT-303 should be filed.  If you file an extension by May 17, 2021, your tax return will be due on the normal extended due date (not 1 month after the normal extended due date).  To avoid interest and penalties, by May 17, 2021 pay the tax you estimate as due with the Georgia Form IT-560.

  • Does the relief extend the statute of limitations to file a refund or to claim certain credits for a prior year individual income tax return (for example a 2017 return that was originally due in April of 2018)?

    Yes, for individual state income tax returns only.

  • Does the relief apply to the penalty for failing to pay estimated tax payments timely during 2020?

    No.

  • Has the April 15, 2021 deadline for making a deductible contribution to Georgia's 529 Plan (Path2College 529 Plan) been extended to May 17, 2021?

    Yes.  As such a contribution made by May 17, 2021 may be deducted on an individual's 2020 Georgia income tax return, subject to the normal dollar, etc. limitations.

  • Has the time to make contributions to IRAs and health savings accounts been extended to May 17, 2021 like the IRS?

    Yes, in the same manner as the IRS.