NORTH CAROLINA — The North Carolina Department of Revenue has extended the April 15 tax filing deadline to July 15.

The extension, announced Friday, applies to all individual, corporate, and franchise taxes. Officials say the extension is designed to mirror the deadline change announced by the IRS.

“Taxpayers need relief during this difficult time, and my administration is bringing it,” Gov. Roy Cooper said. “I will work with both Republicans and Democrats in the state legislature to provide additional help.”

Penalties will not be charged, says the NCDOR, for anyone filing and paying their taxes after April 15, 2020, as long as they file and pay before the updated July 15, 2020 deadline. However, the department says it can't offer relief from interest charged to filings after April 15.

"Unless state law is changed, tax payments received after April 15 will be charged accruing interest over the period from April 15 until the date of payment," officials say.

The changes do not apply to trust taxes, such as sales and use, or withholding taxes.

The NCDOR says it will issue official notification once the IRS publishes its guidance, which has not yet happened.