Tax Payment Help for Businesses During Pandemic
Two programs have recently been implemented to help businesses during this difficult time.
VA Dept of Taxation Sales Tax Filing Extension
Businesses impacted by coronavirus can 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 will be able to file and pay no later than April 20, 2020 with a waiver of any penalties. For more information, see Virginia Tax Bulletin 20-3: Option to Request Extension of Sales Tax Deadlines for those Affected by the COVID-19 Crisis.
Virginia Tax is committed to keeping you informed as the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis continues to evolve. Visit tax.virginia.gov/coronavirus for tax-related coronavirus updates.
Local Taxes Penalties Waiver
We care about your business and want to help during this difficult time. On March 17, City Council approved a resolution (R-2020-13) to waiver penalties/interest on meals, transient occupancy tax ("motel" or "lodging") and admissions taxes. Below is more about the process as a result of the waiver approval:
- As a first response, the City of Winchester will waive late filing/payment penalties and interest on amounts due for the period of March 17, 2020 through May 31, 2020 for the above mentioned excise taxes.
- Each business will need to continue submitting a standard monthly filing, even if there is a zero-dollar filing due to temporary closure.
- If your filing includes less than a full payment amount, please include a note to that effect along with any anticipated payment date.
As of now, City offices are closed to the public but remain staffed on a reduced basis to serve you. You are welcome to contact us by phone, email, or fax. You may also submit filings and payments by mail or through the drop box located outside our new Commissioner of the Revenue and Treasurer offices at the Creamery Building, 21 South Kent Street, Suite 100.
We will do our best to keep you informed of further changes or relief programs through the website, press release and further mailings.
Ann T. Burkholder, Commissioner of the Revenue
Your Commissioner of the Revenue is a constitutional officer elected by fellow Winchester city citizens to a four-year term. The Commissioner of the Revenue is responsible for the equitable application of the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Ordinances of the City of Winchester directed by the Code of Virginia.
"Our goal is to provide state mandated duties of fair and equitable assessments, while providing quality customer service for the citizens of the City of Winchester." - Ann Burkholder
First Elected: January 1, 2010
Term Expires: December 31, 2021
Office/Mailing Address: Creamery Building, 21 S. Kent Street, Suite 100
(CLOSED until further notice as a COVID-19 precaution. Staff available vai phone & email.)
Office Hours: 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday
Staff Available by Phone & Email: 8:00 am-5:00 pm, Monday-Friday
DROP BOX AVAILABLE OUTSIDE BUILDING
Phone (540) 667-1815
Fax (540) 667-8937
The Commissioner of the Revenue's Office is responsible for the administration of the following local taxes:
- Personal Property Tax Assessment
- Local Business, Professional Occupation License
- Meals & Lodging Tax
- Tax Relief for the Elderly and /or Totally disabled
- Short Term Rental Tax
- Real Estate Records and Taxes
- Motor Vehicle Registration
Additional responsibilities include:
- Receipt of Virginia individual Income Tax Returns
- Provide assistance in the filing of Virginia Individual Income Tax Returns
- Problem resolution between taxpayers and the Virginia Department of Taxation
- Monitor legislation to be acted upon by the General Assembly that may affect our community
- Maintain a library of tax forms
