Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana Tax Deadline Extensions 2021

What is the last day to file taxes if you live in Texas, Oklahoma, or Louisiana?

If you are a Texas, Oklahoma, or Louisiana resident, you have until June 15, 2021 to file your federal tax return. The federal filing deadline was extended for Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana to accommodate taxpayers who were affected by severe winter storms earlier this year.

Taxpayers who are not residents of any of these three states must file by or on the recently extended May 17, 2021 federal income tax deadline, or they will need to file an extension. The IRS made it clear that state tax deadline extensions will vary on a state-by-state basis. At the time of publication, the majority of the states that do require taxpayers to file state tax returns have followed suit in extending their deadlines from April 15 to May 17, 2021. But taxpayers should go to their respective state’s official government website to check if their state is among that group.

Does this tax-filing extension for Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana apply only to the April 15, 2021 personal income tax filing deadline?

No. In addition to personal income tax filing, the following tax filings have also received an extension to the June 15, 2021 deadline.

• Various 2020 business returns usually due on March 15
• 2020 IRA contributions originally due on April 15
• Quarterly estimated income tax payments normally due on April 15
• Quarterly payroll and excise tax returns ordinarily due on April 30
• 2020 returns for tax-exempt organizations typically due on May 17

Do I need to do anything special to receive this relief?

No, but if you receive a late filing or late payment penalty notice from the IRS that has a deposit due date that falls within the postponement period – by or on June 15, 2021 for Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana -- you should call the number on the notice to have that penalty abated.

What if I don’t live in Texas, Oklahoma, or Louisiana but my business is located there?

Individuals who own businesses in Texas, Oklahoma, or Louisiana -- but who are not residents themselves -- may also receive a filing extension. They will need to contact the IRS at 866-562-5227.

This also includes workers assisting the relief activities who are affiliated with a recognized government or philanthropic organization.

Additional relief

The IRS will waive the fees and requests for copies of previously filed tax returns for affected taxpayers. Taxpayers should put the assigned Disaster Designation "Texas - Severe Winter Storms," in bold letters at the top of Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return PDF, or Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return PDF, as appropriate, and submit it to the IRS.

Should I wait until closer to the deadline to file my tax return?

No! The IRS urges taxpayers who are due a refund to file as soon as possible. Most tax refunds associated with e-filed returns are issued within 21 days. Most tax filers receive a tax refund each year, and in 2021 so far, the average amount has been $2,990.

If you are eligible for the first and second Economic Impact Payments (EIP), or stimulus, and you did not receive the full amount or any amount already, then filing sooner would also allow you to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 tax return and receive that money via your tax refund.

Book an appointment with a Jackson Hewitt Tax Pro to file your tax return so you can get every dollar you deserve as soon as possible.

About the Author

Mark Steber is Senior Vice President and Chief Tax Information Officer for Jackson Hewitt. With over 30 years of experience, he oversees tax service delivery, quality assurance and tax law adherence. Mark is Jackson Hewitt’s national spokesperson and liaison to the Internal Revenue Service and other government authorities. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), holds registrations in Alabama and Georgia, and is an expert on consumer income taxes including electronic tax and tax data protection.

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