The Internal Revenue Service is warning taxpayers that if they mailed checks (either with or without tax returns), the checks may still remain unopened in the backlog of mail the IRS is processing due to COVID-19.  Any payments received will be posted as of the date the IRS receives them, rather than the date they are processed.

To avoid penalties and interest, taxpayers should not cancel their checks and should ensure funds continue to be available so the IRS can process them. In order to provide fair and equitable treatment, the IRS is providing relief from bad check penalties for dishonored checks the agency received between March 1 and July 15 due to delays in processing.  However, interest and penalties may still apply.

Due to high call volumes, the IRS suggests waiting to contact the agency about any unprocessed paper payments still pending. Information on options to make payments other than by mail can be found here.

More information regarding the IRS’s progress on mission critical functions during COVID-19 can be obtained here.

CironeFriedberg CironeFriedberg’s primary client base is in Connecticut and neighboring Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester counties in New York. The firm was established in 2016 with the merger of Bethel-based Equale & Cirone, LLP, established in 1999 and Bridgeport-based Friedberg, Smith & Co., PC, founded in 1945. Services include: Tax, Accounting & Assurance, Consulting, Forensic Valuation and Litigation Support.

If you have any questions, please call your CironeFriedberg professional.  You can reach us by phone at (203) 798-2721 (Bethel), (203) 366-5876 (Shelton), or (203) 359-1100 (Stamford), or email us at info@cironefriedberg.com.