By Andy Clark
The Internal Revenue Service is not immune to the challenges and obstacles of this year. It does appear that longer delays can and should be expected when it comes to the IRS processing returns (including amended returns), payments and refunds (including both deposit deposit/debit as well as paper checks). It is probably safe to assume delays regardless of the type of filing or actions taken with the IRS.
If you sent payment for an outstanding tax liability, it may not have cleared your bank account yet and remains outstanding. This is due to the backlog at the IRS. We have been told to give them 45 days and hopefully everything will be caught up. Therefore, we would recommend that you not stop payment and re-issue checks. This will only result in you incurring interest and penalty. The IRS will go off of the date the check was mailed when considering any late interest and penalties. If payment was postmarked by the extended deadline of July 15, 2020, you should be covered.
If you receive a tax notice regarding any matter indicated above, please let your tax advisor know. For now, remain patient until the IRS gets caught up.