As of 10/14/20
Phase 3
- D.C. is not meeting the metrics it needs to begin Phase 3.
- Maryland entered Phase III on September 4th. Read Gov Hogan’s press release and stay up-to-date with additional guidance with the MD Roadmap to Recovery.
- Movie theaters and outdoor performances
- All businesses
- Child care providers
- Some counties are reopening at their own pace including Montgomery and Prince George
- Virginia entered Phase III on July 1, 2020. Read more at https://www.virginia.gov/coronavirus/.
- No limits on capacity for restaurants and non-essential retail
- Childcare facilities allowed to open
- A last-minute change prohibits bar seating in Phase 3 of VA’s reopening
Phase 2
- D.C. entered Phase II on Monday, June 22, 2020. In addition to the provisions under Phase One, nonessential retail businesses are allowed to be open for indoor services given:
- Retail businesses limit the occupancy to 50%
- Follow protocols established by the Department of Health
- Nonessential, non-retail businesses should continue to have teleworking operations in place to the greatest extent possible
- Personal services such as tanning, tattoo, waxing, threading, electrolysis, cryotherapy, facial and other skin services, and nail salons are to be opened under the same conditions as hair salons and barbershops
- Gyms and yoga studios can reopen with restrictions
- Bars (unless serving food) and all high contact sports remain prohibited
- Mayor Bowser announced a pilot that will allow a limited number of venues to host live entertainment. The pilot will go through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 30. During the pilot period, the District will not be accepting waiver applications from any other venues.
- Further information can be found at https://coronavirus.dc.gov/phasetwo.
Phase 1
Phase 1:
- D.C. entered Phase I on May 29, 2020 before entering Phase II on June 22nd. Specific guidance including continued health safety measures and business reopenings including restaurants, childcare services, cosmetology/barber professionals, dental care, rideshare services, gyms/fitness studios can be found at https://coronavirus.dc.gov/phaseone.
Overview
- Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which requires certain employers to provide paid leave for COVID-19 related reasons. For updated guidance and information on the Sept 16, 2020 revisions: COVID-19 and the American Workplace. These provisions apply through December 31, 2020.
- Quick reference for employees: FFCRA Employee Paid Leave Rights
- Quick reference for employers: FFCRA Employer Paid Leave Requirements
- In partnership with several health care vendors, D.C. will be offering on-demand content and live and recorded health and wellness seminars to aid employee efforts to manage and maintain their health and well-being. Find them here: DC Dept of Human Resources
- On May 27, 2020, the Mayor signed COVID-19 Support Emergency Amendment Act (CSEA), D.C. Act 23-326, which replaces all previous Coronavirus-related legislation and temporarily amends the DC Family and Medical Leave Act (DCFMLA) to create a new COVID-19 job-protected leave. CSEA also amended the District Paid Sick and Safe Leave Act (D.C. Code § 32-531.02a) which requires certain employers to provide paid leave for COVID-19 related reasons based on FFCRA. The key provisions under this act include:
- Employee who has worked for 30 days for an employer of any size may use up to 16 weeks of “COVID-19” leave for self, family, household member, or childcare closure
- Read the full act dated August 25, 2020 here.
- Department of Employment Services (DOES) remains operational. Due to increased call volume, the DOES recommends applying for unemployment compensation online at dcnetworks.org.
- CDC Interim Guidance for Business and Employers– How to Plan, Prepare, and Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019.
- Fair Labor Standards Act Questions and Answers:
- If you have been laid off and have not received your last paycheck, immediate payment may be required by state law. Contact DOH Wage and Hour Division or State Labor Office
Economy
DC ECONOMIC AND REVENUE TRENDS
- DC’s percentage drop in the private sector jobs has been comparable to the national average, even though its industry mix is significantly different.
- However, in May, the US nationally had recouped some of its earlier job losses, while DC job totals continued to decline. This difference is explained primarily by public, not private, sector employment.
- As of the June 2020 report (last released), federal government employment in DC for May was up by 0.8%, while the private sector lost 7.7%
- Suburban DC employment decreased 6.7% compared to the year earlier
- Professional and technical services added over 4,333 jobs in DC over the last year despite extensive job losses in other sectors of the economy
- Tax collections have been down 13.9% from the past year, including for sales, non-withholding, and business income taxes
- US economic forecasts (June Blue Chip Indicators) estimate that real GDP growth would be at -3.9% for the FY 2020, and 1.1% for the FY 2021.
- IHS Markit and Moody’s both forecast that FY 2021 will experience:
- Similar job losses
- Slow population growth
- Modest increase in income
- Source: District of Columbia Economic and Revenue Trends: June 2020
News
- The District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES) reported today that the preliminary June job estimates show an increase of 52,400 jobs for a total of 2,551,200 jobs in the Washington Metropolitan Division. The private sector increased by 51,000 jobs, while the public sector payroll increased by 1,400 jobs. (https://does.dc.gov/release/washington-metro-region-adds-52400-jobs-june)
- If people come into Washington, DC from a high-risk area either because they are returning home after performing an essential duty or because they are coming to D.C. in order to perform an essential duty, then they don’t need to abide by the 14-day self-quarantine. However, they should only leave their residence in order to perform the essential activities. (Source: Situational Update Presentation 07.24.20)
- Please see these links for the most up to date information regarding employment:
- DC Updates
- Maryland Employment Updates
- Virginia Employment Updates
- Read the National Jobless Claims Report for the week ending Sept 19 here.
Family & Medical Leave
D.C.: “The one-year employment requirement and 1,000-hour work requirement shall not apply to an employee who has been ordered or recommended to quarantine or isolate due to COVID-19. To learn more, please contact the Office for Wage & Hour at owh.ask@dc.gov”
Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act- March 18th 2020
- Qualifications: inability to work due to needing to care for children at home due to child care or babysitter being unavailable due to coronavirus. Employees must have worked for their employer for 30+ days. Private businesses with < 500 employees and all public employers
- Payment: “Not less than two-thirds of the employee’s regular pay, up to $200/day and $10,000 over the benefit period. The first 10 days taken may be unpaid, but the employee may use other paid leave during that period, if available.”
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Read more here
D.C. Paid Family Leave (DCPFL)
- Benefits will be available starting July 1st, 2020
- Provides partial wage replacement benefits to eligible employees who need to take leave for certain medical or family reasons
- Funded by employer payroll taxes
- Administered by the Department of Employment Services (DOES)
Disability Benefits/Paid Sick Leave
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act)
- Two weeks (up to 80 hours) of paid sick leave at the employee’s regular rate of pay where the employee is unable to work because the employee is quarantined and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and seeking a medical diagnosis
- OR at two-thirds the employee’s regular rate of pay because the employee is unable to work because of a bona fide need to care for an individual
Unemployment Benefits
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS
As of October 13th, 2020, the number of initial weekly claims filed in D.C. is 1,493, an increase of 268 claims from the prior week (not seasonally adjusted). State-by-state breakdowns can be found at this link. The running total for unemployment compensation claims in D.C. as of October 13th is 150,668.
(Source: https://does.dc.gov/publication/unemployment-compensation-claims-data)
INDIVIDUALS
District residents can use dcnetworks.org to file for their unemployment compensation. A quick guide to accessing unemployment benefits can be found at this link.
Office of Workers Compensation and Office of Workers Compensation remains operational. General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program – you can file and unemployment insurance claim online, or by phone: 202-724-7000 (M-F 8:30AM-4:30PM)
- The online system is being updated to reflect recently passed DC legislation
- Work Search Requirement: Effective 03/15/20, the work search requirement has been temporarily suspended for all claimants. If you receive a message indicating that benefits will be delayed or denied for this reason, please disregard it.
- Waiting Period Week: Effective 03/15/20, the waiting period in the District of Columbia has been temporarily suspended. All claims filed after March 15, will no longer serve a waiting period week and benefits will be paid beginning of the first week of eligibility.
- American Job Centers and DC Infrastructure Academy will be closed.
- As of April 8th, 2020, the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act had been updated, which includes an expansion of unemployment insurance benefits for DC workers. A summary of the expanded programs offered under the provisions of the CARES Act is provided on the UI service center online system. A brief listing of the unemployment insurance programs can be found below:
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
- Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC)
- Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
- Source: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/recovery-individuals
- CARES Act Frequently Asked Questions can be found: here.
The “Act” expands unemployment insurance (“UI”) eligibility to employees affected by COVID-19 to include employees that become unemployed or partially unemployed due to circumstances that arise from this public health emergency. There is NO work-search requirement. These circumstances include:
- Being quarantined or isolated by the Department of Health or any other agency
- Deciding to self-quarantine under guidance by the Department of Health, other agency, or medical professional
- Employment by an employer who stopped or reduced operations due to guidance from the Mayor or Department of Health, or experienced reduced business revenue due to COVID-19
Additional benefits for District residents include eligibility for cash or food assistance, as well as medical coverage for the individual and their family. New applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, Alliance, and other public benefits can be found at this link.
You ARE eligible for UI even if:
- Your employer has not provided a date for your return to work; or
- You do not have a reasonable expectation of continued employment with your current employer
STATES
The United States Department of Labor is awarding over $102 million in grants via the Trade Adjustment Assistance program. This is targeted for state distribution to trade-affected workers who experienced losses in their income. The TAA program is also used to provide training and income support to eligible workers over the age of 50. More information can be found in this link.
SCHOOL CLOSURES: If your child’s school is closed and you have to miss work to care for them, you do NOT qualify.
- Check your eligibility here
- Call 202-724-7000 for your questions about eligibility and visit does.dc.gov
- Learn more about how to start your UI claim here
- Submit your unemployment insurance claim HERE!
Maryland: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/uibenefits.shtmlVirginia: http://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed
Worker’s Compensation
Worker’s compensation processes claims and monitors the payment of benefits to injured private-sector employees in the District of Columbia. Disputes between claimants and employers (or their insurance carriers) are mediated and employers are monitored to ensure compliance with insurance coverage requirements.
Worker’s compensation is available for those who are unable to do their usual job because they were exposed to and contracted COVID-19 while in the regular course of their job (i.e. healthcare workers).
- File your ONLINE claim of an accidental injury or occupational disease here
- Keep a copy of the completed form for your records, file a copy with your employer and send the original to the Office of Workers’ Compensation.
For Businesses
SMALL BUSINESSES
Small business grant programs have been created to assist nonprofit organizations and small contractors who do not qualify for unemployment. Specifically, the District’s Economic Recovery Team (DERT) helps to coordinate responses to restart business activity and support the workforce. The following programs and funds are available:
- DC East of the River Small Business Economic Relief Microgrant Program for Wards 7 and 8 (Closed 5/29/20)
- DC Small Business Recovery Microgrants– $25 million fund for businesses that meet criteria: 1)Located in Washington, DC. 2) Business license up to date 3)At least 25% revenue loss due to COVID-19
- Application available as of March 24, 2020: coronavirus.dc.gov/recovery
- Application period has closed as of 12PM on April 1st.
- US Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Business- targeted, low-interest loans to WDC small business that have been severely impacted by COVID-19, provides working capital loans up to $2 million.
- Grantwatch.com will continue to serve the nonprofit and small business community during the COVID-19 global crisis. New funding opportunities will be posted, active grants will be updated, and new grant deadlines will be extended.
- Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act
- Programs and initiatives passed by Congress that are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now including:
- Paycheck Protection Program
- Emergency Economic Injury Grant
- Small Business Debt Relief Program
- Free counseling to navigate this uncertain economic time
- Programs and initiatives passed by Congress that are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now including:
- For Artists or Art Organizations, see section from DC gov webpage: “Additional Resources for Artists and Organizations” for more information of help you can seek during this time.
Please note:
- Benefits paid under the expansion of unemployment insurance for employees will not be charged to employers’ experience rating accounts.
- Respond to worker’s compensation claims here (OWC-7A form) within 14 days of receipt of
Other Resources
For Nonprofits
Private nonprofit organizations can apply for the FEMA Public Assistance grant to support recovery against major disasters. Local governments, states, tribes, territories, and certain private nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply. Unlike other grants, PA is a 75/25 cost share reimbursement program that is meant to recover lost revenue. The PA Program Manager for DC is Russel Gardner. (Source: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/recovery-business)
Learn more at https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/nonprofits-and-coronavirus-covid-19
Personal Finance Management
Learn more at https://www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/
During COVID-19 Employment Opportunities
- The Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) runs every summer from late June to the end of July to provide District youth between the ages of 14 and 24 enriching summer work experiences in subsidized placements in the private as well as government sectors. Mayor Bowser is continuing this program this summer despite COVID-19 with the dates of June 22nd to July 31st. More information can be found at this link.
- Many local grocery stores are hiring additional employees immediately. See postings from Safeway, Giant, Walmart, 7-Eleven, and Whole Foods on their websites.
- Pharmacies (ie. CVS, Walgreens) are hiring additional employees to meet demand.
- D.C. Area Companies that are hiring amidst the pandemic:
- Amazon – hire 100,000 additional employees for distribution centers
- Balducci’s
- Dominos, Papa John’s, Pizza Hut – hire 60,000 additional employees total
- Lidl – hire an additional 1,000 workers
- (Source: https://wtop.com/business-finance/2020/03/whos-hiring-during-covid-19-crisis/)
Please remember to practice social distancing and proper hygiene in pursuing these opportunities!
Full text of Emergency COVID 19- Response Bill- March 17, 2020: https://www.dccouncil.us/council-unanimously-passes-emergency-covid-19-response-bill/ (will remain in effect for 90 days)
Modified DC Government Operations: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/release/during-modified-dc-government-operations-many-services-still-operating
Full text of news release for Virtual/Online Legislative meeting, to which council unanimously approves broad Second COVID emergency response bill on 04/07/2020
Contact the Department of Human Resources at askHRcovid19@dc.gov or (202) 442-9700 for information about COVID-19 as it relates to employment, leave, travel, healthcare, telework, and requirements for essential and emergency employees.
COVID-19 Scenarios and Benefits Chart: Paid Sick Leave, Unemployment Insurance, and Workers’ Compensation https://does.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/does/publication/attachments/COVID19_DOES_Scenarios.pdf
Resources about Unemployment Compensation and COVID-19:
As of 09/08/20
Federal
The IRS does have free resources available to help you file your taxes.
Visit here for more information regarding the IRS response to COVID-19.
- FEDERAL ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENT REGISTRATION
- The IRS is committed to helping you get your Economic Impact Payment as soon as possible. The payments, also referred to, by some, as stimulus payments, are automatic for most taxpayers. No further action is needed by taxpayers who filed tax returns in 2018 and 2019 and most seniors and retirees.
- For Non-Filers: If you were not required and did not file a 2018 or 2019 federal income tax return because you had no income or your gross income was under $12,200 ($24,400 for married couples), you can now use the IRS Non-Filers: Enter Your Info Here tool or any IRS Free File company to register for Economic Impact Payments.
- Visit the IRS Information Center for more information on Economic Impact Payments and eligibility.
- NOTE: Please be on the lookout for scams that may masquerade as the IRS to target you for your personal information.
- FEDERAL TAX FILING & PAYMENT DEADLINE: July 15, 2020, no application required.
- IRS Free File Companies: If your 2019 adjusted gross income was $69,000 or less, you may find one or more Free File Online options for you. Review each company’s offer to make sure you qualify for a free federal return. Some companies offer free state tax returns; others may charge a fee.
- NOTE: In response to the national emergency and to protect our employees, America’s taxpayers, communities and our partners, the IRS has temporarily closed all Taxpayer Assistance Centers and discontinued face-to-face service throughout the country until further notice. The IRS is continuing to process tax returns, issue refunds and help taxpayers to the greatest extent possible. Click here for more info on taxpayer assistance center closures.
- FAQs & Updates (Visit FAQs for more information)
- Payment Guidelines & Compliance: (3/25/20) To help people facing the challenges of COVID-19 issues, the Internal Revenue Service announced today the People First Initiative, a sweeping series of steps to assist taxpayers by providing relief on a variety of issues including:
- Existing Installment Agreements
- New Installment Agreements
- Offers in Compromise
- Delinquent Returns and Non-Filers
- Field Collection & Automated Liens/Levies
- EITC and Wage Verification Process
- Appeals
- Statutes of Limitations
- Paid Leave: (3/20/20) Treasury, IRS and Labor announce plan to implement Coronavirus-related paid leave for workers and tax credits for small and midsize businesses to swiftly recover the cost of providing Coronavirus-related leave.
- HDHPs and HSAs: (3/11/20) The Internal Revenue Service today advised that high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) can pay for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)-related testing and treatment, without jeopardizing their status. This also means that an individual with an HDHP that covers these costs may continue to contribute to a health savings account (HSA).
- Payment Guidelines & Compliance: (3/25/20) To help people facing the challenges of COVID-19 issues, the Internal Revenue Service announced today the People First Initiative, a sweeping series of steps to assist taxpayers by providing relief on a variety of issues including:
District of Columbia
- The DC Office of Tax and Revenue mailed real property tax bills for the 2020 second half tax year on August 11th to District property owners. Payments are due Tuesday, September 15.
- The above extensions were automatic and did not require taxpayers to apply.
- Taxpayers may continue to request an extension to file their income, partnership and franchise tax returns to October 15, 2020. All such extension requests needed to be made by filing the applicable extension form with OTR by July 15, 2020 and making all required payments for tax year 2019 by July 15, 2020.
- The deadlines to file Forms D-20ES, D-30ES, D-40ES and D-41ES and to make estimated tax payments remains unchanged. The second quarter payments were due June 15, 2020
- The deadlines for individual and business taxpayers to file their Tax Year 2020 estimated tax payments (Forms D-40ES, D-41ES, D-20ES, and D-30ES) remain unchanged. The second quarter payments were due June 15, 2020 (https://otr.cfo.dc.gov/node/1469326).
- For an explanation of estimated tax payments, see https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes
- The Office of Tax and Revenue has closed all of its walk-in centers. There will be no in-person transactions. Taxpayers are encouraged to use OTR’s online portal, MyTax.DC.gov, for their tax matters.
- The District of Columbia Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) urges taxpayers to beware of scams involving the new federal economic impact payments. The IRS is seeing phone calls, text messages, and e-mails that criminals are using to phish for information from individual taxpayers as well as tax preparers.Taxpayers are reminded that scammers may:
- Emphasize the words “Stimulus Check” or “Stimulus Payment.”
- Ask the taxpayer to sign over their economic impact payment check to them.
- Ask by phone, email, text or social media for verification of personal and/or banking information saying that the information is needed to receive or speed up their economic impact payment
- Suggest that they can get a tax refund or economic impact payment faster by working on the taxpayer’s behalf.
- Mail the taxpayer a bogus check, perhaps in an odd amount, then tell the taxpayer to call a number or verify information online in order to cash it
- The criminals use the information they gather to raid taxpayer’s bank accounts or for other illegal purposes, such as identity theft or filing fraudulent tax returns. It is important to remember that government agencies, including the IRS and OTR, will not call, text, or email to request information about the federal payments.
- Real Property Tax Penalty and Interest Waiver Form found here: https://otr.cfo.dc.gov/node/1470836
For information on Emergency Income and Franchise Tax Nexus, see the following: https://otr.cfo.dc.gov/release/otr-tax-notice-2020-05-covid-19-emergency-income-and-franchise-tax-nexus
Maryland
All information obtained from https://www.marylandtaxes.gov/covid/
- Deadlines for Maryland are summarized below:
- July 15:
- 2019 individual income state tax returns AND payments due
- Business-related tax returns AND payments that were not collected in March, April, May, and June are due
- October 15:
- Individual income state tax returns deadline if taxpayer filed for federal extension
- July 15:
- “The extension to July 15, 2020 for filing of returns and payment of 2019 taxes is automatic; no filing or request is required to take advantage of the extended deadline.
- “For individuals who requested a federal extension by July 15, 2020, the Maryland tax return is due by October 15, 2020. For corporations who requested a federal extension by July 15, 2020, the Maryland tax return is due by November 15, 2020.
- “Claims for refund from tax year 2019 must be filed no later than July 15, 2023.
- “Due to the state of emergency, claims for refund from tax year 2016 were due July 15, 2020.
- “Fiscal year filers with tax years ending January 1, 2020 through March 31, 2020 were also eligible for the July 15, 2020 extension for filing returns and payment. The payment due date for quarterly estimated tax payments for the periods ending March 31, 2020 is generally April 15, 2020. Due to the state of emergency, the due date was extended to July 15, 2020. Additionally, the due date for estimated payments for the second quarter of 2020, originally due on June 15, 2020, was extended to July 15, 2020.
- “Any estate with a return due date after April 1, 2020 and before July 15, 2020 was able to file the return on or before July 15, 2020. This extension affected the estates of decedents dying between July 1, 2019 and October 14, 2019. Estates that had previously filed a request for extension and whose due date falls between April 1, 2020 and July 14, 2020 were also affected. No action was required to take advantage of this extension; the extension was automatic. Because the due date for estates of decedents dying between July 1, 2019 and October 14, 2019 changed to July 15, 2020, any request for a six-month extension beyond the July 15, 2020 due date to file the estate tax return should have been submitted by July 15, 2020. As usual, a request for extension did not extend the time to pay the estate tax due beyond July 15, 2020; the tax should have been submitted with the request for extension. Estate tax returns for those estates that filed a request for extension by July 15, 2020 must submit the Maryland estate tax return on or before January 15, 2021.”
- This extension also applied to filing a claim for refund of income tax.
- For specifics regarding estate tax returns, collection efforts, and extensions for other business taxes (sale and use, withholding, admissions and amusement, alcohol, tobacco, motor carrier and fuel, tire recycling and Bay restoration, unclaimed property) please visit https://www.marylandtaxes.gov/schedule/covid.php
- Of note, the above information applies only to those filing taxes under the authority of the Comptroller. Taxpayers should consult other state agencies regarding possible extensions for other tax filings, such as personal property or unemployment insurance.
- Please visit marylandtaxes.gov/covid/ for “Withholding Requirements for Teleworking Employees” and the payment process for MD’s Essential Personnel Childcare Program
A thorough list of FAQs pertaining to COVID-19 and taxes is available at https://www.marylandtaxes.gov/covid/
Virginia
All information obtained from https://www.tax.virginia.gov/news/coronavirus-updates
- There have been reports of increased activities from scammers exploiting the lack of stability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Be wary of unsolicited calls, texts, and email phishing attempts about the coronavirus, or COVID-19.
- Income tax payments due during the time period of April 1, 2020, to June 1, 2020, were due on June 1, 2020. This included individual and corporate taxable year (TY) 2019 tax due payments, individual and corporate extension payments for TY 2019, first estimated income tax payments for TY 2020, and individual and corporate income taxes paid to Virginia Tax.
- “If you were unable to file by established deadlines, Virginia offers automatic filing extensions to all taxpayers for up to six months (or seven months in the case of certain corporations). No application is required to file on extension. If you file during the extension period, make sure to pay any taxes owed by June 1, 2020 to avoid any potential penalties.
- “If you paid at least 90% of your tax liability by June 1, 2020, no penalties will be imposed as long as you file your return and pay the remaining amount of your tax liability by November 1, 2020. For those who were unable to pay 90% of their tax liability by June 1, an extension penalty of 2% per month (up to 12%) will be applied. Existing late filing penalties and late payment penalties each charge 6% of tax per month (up to 30%) but do not apply concurrently. For those who were unable to pay 90% by June but are able to pay the full amount by November 1, the extension penalty will apply, not the 6% filing/payment fee.
- “Businesses impacted by coronavirus were able to request an extension of the due date for filing and payment of their February 2020 sales tax return due March 20, 2020, for 30 days. When granted, businesses were able to file and pay no later than April 20, 2020 with a waiver of any penalties.
- “The cashier’s office is now closed, and cash payments are not currently accepted. Payment options available at tax.virginia.gov/payments”
As of 10/14/20
Utilities
General Resources
- D.C. https://doee.dc.gov/energyassistance
- Maryland https://211md.org/211provider-utility-assistance
- Virginia https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ea/
Pepco
If you’re having trouble paying your utility bill, there are several payment arrangements available to Pepco customers that you may qualify for. On October 7, 2020, PEPCO released a quick guide to their energy assistance options.
Phone: 202-833-7500 (customer service), 1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662) (emergency).
Washington Gas
Washington Gas offers energy assistance through programs like the Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF) and Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for customers. Read to learn more.
Waiving late fees and suspending service disconnections. Offering payment arrangements for individual customer needs. Phone: 1-844-WASHGAS. E-service: eservice.washgas.com
DC Water
On May 12th, 2020, DC Water announced that funds have been authorized by Mayor Muriel Bowser and the D.C. Council to provide emergency relief to District residents struggling with unpaid DC Water bills during the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency and 105 days thereafter. Eligible households may receive bill assistance up to $2,000 as a one-time emergency benefit. Click here for more information.
Suspended service disconnections for non-payment, waiving late fees, offering lenient repayment terms. Phone: 202-787-2000 or customer.service@dcwater.com
Internet Access
General Resources
- D.C. https://connect.dc.gov/affordable-internet
- Maryland https://search.211md.org/211provider-md-search-results?taxonomyCode=BV-8900.1700-330
- Virginia https://www.commonwealthconnect.virginia.gov/COVID-19
Comcast Internet Essentials
Offering home internet service for $9.95/month. Families are eligible for 2 months of free internet service. See eligibility criteria below and enroll here: https://www.internetessentials.com/apply
- You may qualify if:
- You are eligible for programs such as the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI and others.
- You live in an area where Comcast Internet service is available.
- You are not an existing Xfinity Internet customer and have not subscribed to Comcast Internet within the last 90 days.*
- If approved for this program, you may be eligible for a $30 gift card. Send an email with the subject line “First Internet Essentials Bill” to connect@dc.gov with your name, phone number, and an attached copy of the complete first month’s bill.
* Due to the Coronavirus emergency, households with outstanding debt owed to Comcast may be eligible for Internet Essentials. Comcast is waiving this qualification if you apply and are approved by 6/30/20. After 6/30/20, standard eligibility rules apply.
Verizon Lifeline
Offering a new affordable internet option for low-income households starting at $19.99. Offer ends September 30, 2020. You can qualify based on income or based on eligibility for programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing, and others. Also offering two months of waived internet and voice service charges for current Lifeline customers.
RCN Internet First
Offering a home internet service for $9.95 for eligible households. Apply online here: https://www.internetfirst.com/apply/
- You may be eligible if you:
- Live in a serviceable area
- Participate in programs like the National School Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and others
- Have not subscribed to RCN within the 60 days immediately prior to applying for the program
Also willing to help defer payments and waive late fees for those experiencing financial hardship as a result of recent events pertaining to COVID-19. Call 1-800-746-4726 or click here for more information.
Legal
Federal
Since the pandemic escalated in March, federal courts have responded in varied ways, depending largely on local conditions. While some continued to hold in-person proceedings, many districts closed courthouse buildings or curtailed public entry, conducting most proceedings by video or teleconference.
The uscourts.gov website has compiled a list of links to all federal court websites, as well as links to court orders and other information posted to the courts’ websites regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and court business. This can be found at https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/court-website-links/court-orders-and-updates-during-covid19-pandemic. For questions regarding a specific court, we suggest you visit the court’s website directly.
An attempt to resume in-person courtroom proceedings is a top priority, noting that criminal defendants have a constitutional right to a speedy trial. Even in a health crisis, the Sixth Amendment guarantees rights that must be provided in an open court of law. These include the right to confront accusers and the right to confer confidentially with counsel. Most critically, jury trials must be conducted in person, and the backlog is rapidly growing.
Courts that have resumed jury trials are enacting safety precautions such as social distancing, mask-wearing, the use of plexiglass barriers, and the alteration of air circulation in the courtroom.
D.C.
The DC Superior Court is conducting hearings remotely, except for a limited number of Criminal Division hearings, which will be partially remote. Most of the Superior Court remote hearings are open to the public. Members of the public are able to join by the video-conference application WebEx or by phone. Audio and video recording; taking pictures of remote hearings; and sharing the live or recorded remote hearing by rebroadcasting, live-streaming or otherwise are not allowed.
Please visit https://www.dccourts.gov/coronavirus/ for more information. For questions regarding a specific court, we suggest you visit the court’s website directly.
Maryland
Beginning on October 5, 2020, the Maryland Courts moved into the final phase, Phase 5, of the Maryland Judiciary’s reopening plan. During Phase 5, Maryland’s circuit courts have resumed jury trials and all courts have returned to full operations. Some courts will continue using technology for remote proceedings, either by video or telephone, but please note that this will vary by court location. Any individual seeking access to a courthouse or court office will be required to answer screening questions, wear a facial covering , and practice social distancing.
Please visit https://www.courts.state.md.us/coronavirusupdate for more information. For questions regarding a specific court, we suggest you visit the court’s website directly.
Virginia
On September 28, 2020, the Virginia Courts extended the Declaration of Judicial Emergency, first declared March 16, 2020, to apply through November 1, 2020.
As of May 18, 2020, Virginia courts began hearing non-emergency, in-person hearings if the court deemed it safe to do so. By order of the Declaration of Judicial Emergency, all courts are still encouraged to conduct as much business as possible by means other than in-person court proceedings. Jury trials are beginning to be approved on a county-by-county basis. These include: Albemarle, Alexandria, Alleghany, Charlottesville, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Fairfax, Fluvanna, Fredericksburg, Henrico, Norfolk, Prince William, Richmond, Stafford, and Virginia Beach.
Please visit http://courts.state.va.us/ for more information. For questions regarding a specific court, we suggest you visit the court’s website directly.
