Under normal circumstances today would be a very busy day at the Wisconsin Department of Revenue as last-minute filers would be scrambling to meet the April 15th deadline, but this year is different – very different.  It is a little quieter at the Department of Revenue today because last month both federal and Wisconsin income tax payment and return due dates were automatically extended to July 15, 2020.  Wisconsin law automatically extends time and waives interest and penalties for taxpayers due to a presidentially declared disaster.

  • Tax filers do not have to file any extension forms to be eligible for this new due date.
  • There is no limit on the amount of payment to be postponed, and there are no income exclusions.
  • This applies to individuals, trusts, estates, partnerships, associations, companies or corporations.
  • This relief is solely for income tax payments, estimated income tax payments and returns due April 15, 2020.
  • There will be no interest or penalty for the period of April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020.
  • Interest, penalties, and underpayment interest for failure to make quarterly estimated tax payments with respect to such postponed federal income tax filings and payments will begin to accrue on July 16, 2020.

“Roughly, two thirds of taxpayers have already filed their tax returns, and most have received refunds, averaging over $720,” noted Department of Revenue Secretary Peter Barca. “Even though the deadline has been extended, we encourage taxpayers to not wait until July.  Even if you owe, you can file now and pay by July 15.  The advantage of filing sooner is that you reduce the risk of someone else fraudulently filing with your information.”

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue notes that most services are found online at www.revenue.wi.gov

Customer service phone numbers:  

  • Individuals: (608) 266‑2486
  • Businesses: (608) 266-2776

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in the Wisconsin www.wisconsin.gov/covid19 .

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