National Taxpayer Advocate Urges Action for COVID Tax Refunds by July 10
Tens of millions of taxpayers may be eligible for significant tax refunds due to a recent court decision, but they must act quickly, according to National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins. The decision in the case of Kwong v. United States interprets a provision of the Internal Revenue Code that allows for the postponement of tax filing and payment deadlines during federally declared disasters. The COVID-19 pandemic was declared a federal disaster from January 20, 2020, to May 11, 2023, with an additional 60-day extension, making July 10, 2023, the new deadline for tax purposes. Collins emphasizes that taxpayers must file claims for refunds by July 10, 2026, to protect their rights, as the IRS disagrees with the court's interpretation and may appeal the decision.