Today, the U.S. Treasury announced that the Federal Tax Day, the filing date for individuals, is moved to July 15. This basically has no effect and no bearing on individual tax filings. Individuals already had the 90 extension to pay 2019 tax owed without penalty or interest, and a 90 day extension on the first 2020 tax estimate, for those who pay tax estimates.
On the Federal side, we are currently awaiting what Congress calls Phase 3 of COVID 19 measures, that politicians indicate will provide relief for employers to allow them to pay employees according to Phase 2 legislation (see prior writings). Today, the President stated in his press conference that “small business is the engine of the economy”, so we are hopeful for Congress action that will assist employers.
Most states have NOT extended Tax Day yet. Individual filings are still due 4-15-20. The standard 5-7 month extension, depending on the State, is still available.
{as previously reported, California has extended 60 days for filing and payment of 2019 tax without penalty, as well as the first 2020 tax estimate}
Arizona:
Employers:
Shared Work
From AZ DOR….”The Shared Work Unemployment Compensation Program is an alternative for employers faced with a reduction in force. It allows an employer to divide the available work or hours of work among a specified group of affected employees in lieu of a layoff, and it allows the employees to receive a portion of their Unemployment Insurance (UI)benefits while working reduced hours.
The Shared Work Program is not available to an employee unless the employer for whom the individual is currently working reduced hours completes an application which then must be approved by the Department of Economic Security.
An approved Shared Work Plan is valid for one year and an employee may be eligible for up to 26 weeks of Shared Work benefits.”
For more information, visit https://des.az.gov/services/employment/unemployment-employer/shared-work-program-faqs.
Paid Sick Leave:
Employers with less than 15 employees (that includes full-time, part-time and temporary employees) are required to provide at least 24 hours of annual PSL; employers with 15 or more workers are required to provide at least 40 hours of PSL.
An employer may use their discretion to lend PSL to an employee in advance of accrual.
Employees also may use accrued PSL to care for a family member who is ill, or who needs care or treatment, or preventive care. Employees may use PSL as it is accrued, but employers have the option of delaying use of PSL by newly-hired employees until after their ninetieth (90th) day of employment
For Arizona employees:
Unemployment insurance benefits may be available to individuals who are involuntarily unemployed as a result of COVID-19. The amount of the benefit will vary based upon the amount of money that the individual has previously earned, but will be between $187 and $240 per week.
You can learn more at www.AZUI.gov(link is external) or by watching this video(link is external).
To file for unemployment insurance benefits, visit www.azui.gov(link is external), and click on the button titled “Apply for UI Benefits.”
See Accrued Pay Sick Leave information above.
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