The Internal Revenue Service provided individual taxpayers with a nice St. Patrick’s Day surprise by announcing that the tax deadline for individuals had automatically been extended from April 15, 2021 to May 17, 2021.

Individuals will automatically receive the federal income tax extension and do not need to make any extension filings. No interest or penalties will accrue on amounts that taxpayers extend from April 15, 2021 to May 17, 2021.

It should be noted that this extension only applies to federal income tax returns, and individuals should check their state and local tax authorities to see if an extension is necessary.