AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills announced Thursday the State of Maine will move the deadline for Maine individual income tax payments from April 15 to May 17, a change aligning Maine with the federal government’s recent extension of the federal tax filing and payment deadline.

Additionally, the filing deadline for Maine tax returns, which is distinct from the payment deadline, is automatically tied to the federal date. As a result, the filing deadline for 2020 Maine income tax returns has also been moved to May 17. Like the Internal Revenue Service, Maine Revenue Services (MRS) will provide formal guidance in the coming days.

“Aligning Maine’s tax filing and payment deadlines with the Federal government will maintain consistency for Maine people and provide them with valuable added time to handle their taxes,” said Governor Janet Mills. “If Maine people have questions about or need assistance with their returns, I encourage them to contact Maine Revenue Services.”

“Today’s announcement is meant to alleviate complexity and give Maine families one less thing to think about during this difficult time,” said Kirsten Figueroa, Commissioner for the Department of Administrative & Financial Services (DAFS). “That said, Maine Revenue Services continues to process tax returns and payments daily, and refunds are being issued promptly.”

Maine individual taxpayers, including individuals who pay self-employment tax, do not need to file any forms or call to qualify for this deadline extension to May 17. For individuals who file via Form 1040ME (Maine Individual Income Tax Return) for the 2020 tax return, penalties and interest will not be applied for the period from April 16 until May 17.

Additionally, the bipartisan supplemental budget enacted by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Mills allows recipients of unemployment benefits to claim exemption from Maine income tax up to $10,200 for tax year 2020. This applies to those with an annual income of less than $150,000, regardless of filing status. Qualification criteria and tax forms are available at maine.gov/revenue. Low-income Mainers may call 2-1-1 or visit 211maine.org for assistance in identifying free tax preparation resources available throughout the state.

“We know that taxes can be complicated enough without taking into consideration the anxiety of a public health crisis,” said Jerome Gerard, Executive Director of MRS, a division of DAFS. “That is why Governor Mills has instructed Maine Revenue Services to be sure we are providing first-class service to filers during a tax season that is unlike any other. We stand ready to assist Maine people who may need to file an extension beyond May 17, 2021 or to discuss payment plans, and we encourage filers to reach out to us sooner rather than later to begin those conversations.”

The federal government’s extension through May 17 does not apply to corporate returns and payments nor to individual and corporate estimated payments, all of which remain due on April 15. As a result, Maine’s deadlines for corporate and/or estimated filing and payments will also remain April 15.