With strict social distancing measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19, this is understandably a very difficult time for businesses across Maryland. On behalf of Comptroller Franchot, I want to reach out and make sure you were aware of some of the actions our agency is taking to help businesses during this unprecedented situation.
- Extension of Business Tax Filing Deadlines: The Comptroller has extended business-related tax filing deadlines to June 1st, 2020. The June 1st extension applies to certain business returns with due dates during the months of March, April and May 2020 for businesses filing sales and use tax, withholding tax, and admissions & amusement tax, as well as alcohol, tobacco and motor fuel excise taxes, tire recycling fee and bay restoration fee returns. Business taxpayers who file and pay by the extended due date will receive a waiver of interest and penalties.
- Extension of Income Tax Filing Deadline: Following the national decision to extend the federal income tax payment deadline to July 15, 2020, Comptroller Franchot applied the same relief to Maryland income taxpayers. No interest or penalty for late payments will be imposed if 2019 tax payments are made by July 15, 2020.
- Rainy Day Fund Relief for Small Businesses: Comptroller Franchot has called for Governor Hogan and legislative leaders to use at least $500 million from the state’s Rainy Day Fund for additional support. He’s been as strong an advocate as anyone for maintaining this account over the years, but during a torrential downpour, now is the time to use those funds to help our friends and neighbors.
- Easing Alcohol Regulations: To help our craft brewers and distilleries, our agency has suspended the enforcement of limits on how much beer and distilled spirits customers can buy from Maryland-based craft breweries and distilleries for carryout and delivery. The Comptroller also helped the Governor’s Office craft an Executive Order that allows restaurants, bars, breweries, wineries, distilleries and other licensed alcohol manufacturers to deliver off-premises.
- Encouraging Carryout: Comptroller Franchot and our office compiled a county-by-county list of area restaurants and other facilities that are offering carryout, curbside or delivery service at www.marylandtaxes.gov
We want to be of help to you during this difficult time. If you have any feedback about how we can better support businesses in your jurisdiction, please don’t hesitate to respond to Awalinskas@marylandtaxes.gov. If you have questions about the extended business filing deadline, please email taxpayerrelief@marylandtaxes.gov or call the Ombudsman at 410-260-4020.
Please feel free to send this message along to businesses in your jurisdiction.
