Staying Fit
Taxes may be inevitable, but older Americans can face heightened risks if they seek in-person tax help during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is giving taxpayers more time to file their taxes — and to get help if they need it. The IRS has extended the tax filing deadline to May 17.
Bill Sweeney, AARP's senior vice president for government affairs, sent a letter on Feb. 22 to key members of the House Ways and Means Committee, asking to postpone the tax deadline, as was done in 2020.
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"Many older Americans, who are most at risk from COVID-19, require assistance in preparing their tax returns and may not have access to or familiarity with online platforms to fill out their forms over the internet,” Sweeney wrote. “To protect public health and ensure all tax filers, including older Americans, receive the time and assistance they need to file their taxes, Congress should extend the tax filing deadline and waive all interest and penalties resulting from any such extension."
Sweeney also expressed concerns that IRS resources continue to be strained by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Reports indicate the IRS is experiencing overwhelming demand on their phone lines, making it challenging for people to get answers to their questions,” Sweeney wrote. A recent Politico report said the IRS was answering about one call for every 11 attempted calls.
Last year, in response to the coronavirus outbreak that emerged during the heart of tax season, the IRS moved the filing deadline to July 15, 2020.
