NEWSLETTER
MARCH 31, 2020
Neighbors in the 42nd District,
Below are updates - including an important update on Virginia’s policy for filing taxes for Tax Year 2019 - from our state government and community partners regarding our response to the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19).
Additionally, save the date for my upcoming Tele-Town Hall on Monday, April 6 at 7pm! Join me and Delegates Mark Sickles, Vivian Watts, and Paul Krizek as we answer your questions regarding COVID-19 and provide updates on the 2020 legislative session. Use the following information to access the call: Dial-in: (605) 472-5239 | Access Code: 811044 | Submit questions here.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions or need assistance.
Best, Kathy
https://www.kathyfordelegate.com/coronavirus-resources
State Agency Updates
Updated: Tax Policy
As I previously shared, Secretary of Finance Aubrey Lane has notes that, unfortunately, Virginia will not be extending the due date for filing individual and corporate income taxes to match the federal government’s extension. Virginia’s fiscal year starts on July 1, which does not give us the same flexibility that the federal government has, whose fiscal year starts on October 1.
The Department of Tax has clarified the policy for filing taxes for Tax Year 2019. Below is a summary of the available payment extension and applicable interests and penalties. To help you make the most informed decision that meets your personal financial situation, I encourage you to view the Virginia Department of Taxation’s complete overview of the policies for Tax Year 19 here.
The tax filing deadline for Tax Year 2019 remains May 1 for individuals and April 15 for most corporations. However, the deadline to pay any taxes owed has moved from May 1 to June 1, 2020.
Penalties will be waived on final payments made by June 1, provided at least 90% of the tax is paid. Penalties will also be waived for estimated payments otherwise due in April or May that are paid in full by June 1.
If the required payment is not submitted by June 1, the penalty waiver will not apply and penalties will accrue from the original payment due date.
Interest begins to accrue on taxes owed after the original due date of the payment.
Taxpayers may still use Virginia’s automatic filing extension - no application is required.
Taxpayers that have an extension are still required to pay at least 90% of the final tax liability by June 1 or they will incur penalties.
Taxpayers that do not pay by June 1, but make a full payment with their return by the extended due date, then the 2% extension penalty applies instead of the higher 6% late payment penalty.
Education
The United States Department of Education has approved Virginia’s application to cancel federally mandated standardized tests, also known as SOL tests, for the 2019-2020 school year. The Virginia Department of Education is still exploring options for cancelling the administration of state-required SOL tests during the reconvened session of the General Assembly in April. The announcement is here.
Health Care Access
The Virginia Department of Health has updated its COVID-19 testing guidelines for Virginia’s public lab to include the following people - You can read VDH’s most updated guidance here. These guidelines are specific to Virginia’s state laboratory; private laboratories are not required to adhere to them but are strongly recommended to do so.
People who reside or work in congregate settings like homeless shelters, assisted living facilities, group homes, nursing homes and correctional facilities who also have a fever or signs/symptoms of lower illness and have tested negative for influenza on initial workup.
The Virginia Department of Health Professions has posted an announcement by the United States Department of Health and Human Services regarding relaxing the enforcement of HIPAA regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare providers can, in good faith, use any non-public facing audio or video remote communication to connect with patients. This is not limited to COVID-19 related care. You can find the announcement here.
Virginia Unemployment Insurance
The Virginia Employment Commission would like to remind everyone that has applied and been approved to receive your initial unemployment insurance benefits that you must file a claim every week by calling 1-800-897-5630 or visit www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed/online-services/apply-for-unemployment-benefits.
Consumer Protections - Price Gouging
During this state of emergency, businesses are prohibited from price gouging necessary goods and services like food, hand sanitizers, and medical services. If you notice potential price gouging happening, you can file a complaint with the Office of Attorney General Mark Herring by calling 800-552-9963 or emailing consumer@oag.state.va.us.
Fairfax County Updates
Solid Waste Management Program
Fairfax County has announced changes to private and public solid waste operations, which are in effect until further notice. Below are the changes and you can read the full announcement here.
The requirement to collect yard waste is suspended.
The 30-day prior notice requirements for change of collection schedule or services is suspended. Collectors must still notify customers and the county as soon as possible if changes in schedule are being made.
Fairfax County support for community clean-ups has been suspended.
Customers who have been provided with trash carts must set-out waste in those carts only.
The creation of new sanitary districts has been suspended.
Support for Operation Stream Shield (litter removal program) is suspended.
Collection of glass dropped off at purple, glass-only containers is suspended. Containers will be removed from existing locations throughout Fairfax County. Residents can bring glass to containers at the I-66 transfer station and I-95 landfill complex, or glass can be placed in the trash.
Secure document shredding events are postponed until further notice.
Community Partners
Virginia Federation of Food Banks
All of Virginia’s regional food banks are standardizing low- and no-touch distribution, pre-boxed items, and drive-through options for people in need of food. The 42nd District is served by the Capital Area Food Bank and you can get more information on their services here.
For my previous updates about how Virginia is addressing COVID-19 and related resources,