PORTLAND, Ore. — Good news if you haven’t filed your taxes yet, you’ll be getting an extra month this year to get them done. Both the state and federal taxes are now due on May 17. There’s a couple of reasons for the extension, but the big one is new tax laws which were passed earlier this year, some just passed last week.
“Essentially, nationwide there were last minute changes to tax laws in January and the IRS had to shut down and reconfigure all of its programs and instructions for laws that were passed,” said tax specialist April Gutierrez.
That meant tax specialists like Gutierrez had to wait to file for her clients because she was waiting to see what tax changes would mean when it comes to unemployment benefits. She said unemployment benefits of up to $10,200 per person have now become tax-exempt at the federal level for individuals earning under $75,000 a year and married couples earning less than $150,000 a year.
Certified public accountant Kathleen Bernards said if you already filed your taxes, and qualify for the exemption, don’t do anything. That’s exactly what the Oregon Department of Revenue is saying, too. Bernards said that group of people is encouraged not to file an amended return yet. She said the IRS is planning on coming out with guidance on how the refunds will be distributed if you qualify.