Franchise Tax Board gives Californians affected by coronavirus more time to file

(KION) The State of California's Franchise Tax Board said it will provide special tax relief for taxpayers affected by coronavirus.

Those affected will be given an extension to file 2019 state tax returns and make certain payments until June 15.

"During this public health emergency, every Californian should be free to focus on their health and well-being. Having extra time to file their taxes helps people to do this, as experts work to control the spread of coronavirus," said State Controller Betty T. Yee, who is also the chair of FTB.

The relief includes moving the tax filing and payment deadlines that happen on March 15 through June 15 to June 15. It includes:

• Partnerships and LLCs that are taxed as partnerships with tax returns due on March 15 will have a 90 day extension to file and pay by June 15
• Individual filers with tax returns due on April 15 will have a 60 day extension to file and pay by June 15
• Quarterly estimated tax payments due on April 15 have a 60 day extension to pay by June 15

The extended due date could be pushed back again if the Internal Revenue Service gives a longer relief period, according to the FTB.

To claim the relief, taxpayers should write the name of the state of emergency, such as COVID-19, in black ink at the top of the tax return to let the FTB know about the extension period. Taxpayers who are e-filing should follow the software instructions to enter disaster information.

The FTB said it will also waive interest and any late filing or late payment penalties.