Additional Help for Richmond-Area Residents and Businesses in Response to COVID-19

By Terry Barrett, CPA, Tax Senior Manager | State and Local Tax Team

Richmond, Virginia, Additional Assistance in response to COVID-19

Parking Penalty Waiver

Richmond City announced on April 21, 2020, it is offering amnesty for penalties applied to past due parking fines. The amnesty applies to parking tickets issued on or after March 16, 2020, provided the original ticketed amount is paid by August 31, 2020. Parking tickets issued prior to March 16, 2020, will not accrue additional fines and penalties during the amnesty period if the balance is paid by August 31, 2020.

First Responder Meals Program

Last week, the City began a meals program to support both COVID-19 first responders and restaurants during the coronavirus pandemic.

With the program first responders on duty will be given options to order a meal from different local restaurants each day, giving small businesses priority. Restaurants employing fewer than 25 employees and located within the city limits can apply to participate in the program.  Approved restaurants will be assigned to certain dates when they will be paid for providing first responder meals.

Goochland County, Virginia, Additional Assistance in Response to COVID-19

The Goochland County Board of Supervisors approved several measures to assist the County’s business community at its April 7, 2020, meeting. These include, but are not limited to:

• Delay in Local Business Tax Bills: A delay in the billing of 2020 machinery and tools and business personal property tax until December 5, 2020. Normally, the taxes are billed in two parts, with first half in May and the second half in December. However, this year, all of those taxes will be due on December 5, 2020.
• Delay in Penalty/Interest on Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Payments: While real estate and personal property taxes are due on June 5, 2020, the Board approved a 30 day delay in the imposition of interest and penalties due to late payments.
• Allowance for Temporary Signage: The County will waive the requirements for permits and fees for banners and temporary signs installed by local restaurants and businesses to advertise they are open for business.

Visit Goochland County’s Economic Development website for more information on how the County is assisting businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

Chesterfield County, Virginia, Additional Assistance in Response to COVID-19

Chesterfield County has announced it will allow payment plans for personal property taxes and real estate taxes due June 5, 2020.  Those interested in pursuing such plans must apply online through the Treasurer’s office, or by calling the Treasurer’s office. It is important to note, however, that participating in a payment plan does not prevent additional interest and fees from accruing on a taxpayer’s account.

See the County’s COVID-19 response website for additional information about this and other ways Chesterfield is trying to assist its residents and businesses during these challenging times.

Questions on local tax changes that may impact your business? We can help. Contact your Keiter representative or our State and Local tax team. Email | 804.747.0000