The move is in recognition of the impact and disruption the COVID-19 pandemic will have caused for many Islanders and businesses.
Nicky Forshaw, Director of the Revenue Service said: “We know it’s been a really turbulent year for so many people in so many ways. While of course it is important that people do fill out their returns, we understand that it is one more bit of ‘life laundry’ to have to worry about so by extending the deadline we’re hopefully giving people a little bit more breathing room”.
While the deadline being extended will allow people more time to complete their returns, they need to be aware that those who fail to provide their return by the new deadline will face penalties. Details on these can be found here. As a result of the extension of the deadline for 2019 returns, 2020 returns will not be made available until later than normal, and a new date will be announced before the end of this year.
It is hoped the additional time will also be helpful to corporate customers who are using a new online return. Some have reported technical difficulties in using this and the Revenue Service is working with them to address those. Unlike in previous years, reminders of the deadline will not be issued to all customers however the Revenue Service will continue to make sure the community is aware of the new deadline date through social media and the traditional media ahead of the end of February.
Many customers will already be used to filling out their tax returns online and the Revenue Service would encourage people to use the online facilities if they haven’t already.
Details for how to do so can be found here.
