The City of Allentown is extending some pending tax filing and discounted payment due dates.

During the city’s Disaster Emergency declared for the COVID-19 pandemic and in accordance with the Federal Government’s decision to delay the filing deadline for 2019 income taxes until July 15, 2020, the city will delay the filing due date for 2019 Business Privilege Tax until July 15, 2020. The city will not apply any interest or penalty to any 2019 Business Privilege Taxes paid or postmarked on or before July 15, 2020.

The normal due date for BPT filing is April 15.

In addition, in order to provide financial relief to property owners during this uncertain time, the city will extend the discount period for early payment of 2020 City Real Estate Taxes until May 5, 2020. All 2020 City Real Estate Tax paid or postmarked on or before May 5, 2020, is eligible for a 2% discount on the tax portion only of their 2020 City Real Estate Tax bill.

City Real Estate Discount is normally granted to payments postmarked or received by April 5.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has ordered that all non-essential businesses close and urges people to stay home to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Mayor Ray O’Connell and City Council approved the Disaster Emergency declaration on March 18. It authorizes taking emergency management measures to reduce the severity of this disaster and to protect the health, safety and welfare of affected residents in Allentown.

City Council is expected to vote to ratify the deadline and discount period extensions at its April 1 meeting.

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