The Iowa Department of Revenue extended the deadline Monday to file individual state income tax returns from April 30th to June 1st, but if you’re ready to file now, a local expert advises not to wait.

H & R Block Area Manager for Washington, Sigourney and Columbus Junction Terri Bain says they expected the state to follow the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) when the deadline for federal income tax returns was extended from April 15th to May 17th. She says whether it’s your state or federal taxes, the sooner you file, the quicker you get any refund. Bain understands that residents might appreciate the extra time much like state and federal agencies,, “Honestly, it’s a little extra time for the government because with all the stimulus stuff, they’re running a little behind, so they’ve given themselves a little extra time to process returns. We have people who have submitted returns and they’re waiting on refunds. They’re waiting for paperwork to get back from the IRS and it’s just given everyone a little breathing room to get things finalized.

Bain says another reason to file as soon as possible is many tax preparers like H & R Block will begin reducing their seasonal staff within the next month and that will slow down your filing process. She says her offices will start scaling back after April 15th. She also reminds tax filers that stimulus payments are not taxable, but are included in your tax return to indicate to the IRS you have received your payments.