Americans are getting three more months to file their 2019 tax returns without penalties as more Americans struggle just to make ends meet.

The delay from April 15 is in response to the coronavirus pandemic wreaking havoc on the economy.

"All taxpayers regardless of income have now been granted a three-month extension," says accountant Carmine Flippone.

The new July 15 deadline is for up to $1 million in owed federal income tax, but people don't have to wait for their refund. 

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin wrote on Twitter, "I encourage all taxpayers who may have tax refunds to file now to get your money."

"If you're due a refund, you're better off filing earlier... you get your refund earlier. If you owe, you can file later. You can also file on time, file now and pay later," says Flippone.

In early March, New York also lined up its state tax deadline with the federal government to July 15.

Essentially, it grants a grace period for residents of the state with the highest number of coronavirus cases in the nation.

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