Department of Revenue Announces Extended Due Date for Taxes

Franchise and Excise Tax, Individual Income Tax, and Gift Tax Return Filers
Have Until April 17, 2012 to File and Pay 

Nashville - Taxpayers who normally file their individual income tax, franchise and excise tax, or gift tax returns by April 15 have a few extra days to file and remit their payments to the Department of Revenue.

Legislation enacted in 2011 permits the due date of individual income tax, franchise and excise tax, and gift tax returns to be extended when the due date falls on any federal holiday recognized by the Internal Revenue Service. This extension also applies to any remittance due or other tax document, including quarterly estimated payments and extension requests. 

Due to the observance of Emancipation Day in Washington, DC, the Internal Revenue Service announced April 17, 2012, as the official due date for filing individual federal tax forms. Tennessee law now allows taxpayers to effectively have the same due dates for their state tax returns as they have for their federal 1040 series returns.

The extended due date is April 17, 2012. Returns and tax payments normally due on April 15, 2012, that are postmarked on or before April 17, 2012, will be considered timely filed. Any tax returns or payments required to be electronically filed are also allowed the extended time to file and pay. Electronic filers using the Global Payment Systems option have until 3:00 p.m., Central Time on April 16, 2012 to remit their returns and payments. 

“This legislative action makes good sense for Tennesseans,” said Revenue Commissioner Richard H. Roberts. “Allowing our state’s citizens the same extended due date available to them at the federal level eliminates confusion and ensures taxpayers are given credit for timely filing and paying their taxes.” 

The Department of Revenue is responsible for the administration of state tax laws and motor vehicle title and registration laws established by the legislature and the collection of taxes and fees associated with those laws. The Department of Revenue collects approximately 91 percent of total state tax revenue. During the 2011 fiscal year, the department collected $10.4 billion in state taxes and fees. In addition to collecting state taxes, the Department of Revenue collects taxes for local, county and municipal governments. During the 2011 fiscal year, local government collections by the Department of Revenue exceeded $2.0 billion. In collecting taxes, the department enforces the revenue laws fairly and impartially in an effort to encourage voluntary taxpayer compliance. The department also apportions revenue collections for distribution to the various state funds and local units of government. To learn more about the department, log on to www.TN.gov/revenue.

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