Relief for businesses and property owners affected by E. Wash. wildfires

OLYMPIA – Aug. 18, 2015 – With state business tax filing deadlines coming next week, the Washington State Department of Revenue (Revenue) wants businesses impacted by the wildfires to know relief is available.

Chelan County is the latest county battling wildfires that have burned homes and businesses. Revenue will work with businesses in any county that cannot file or pay their taxes on time because of the wildfires. Homeowners may also qualify for property tax relief through their county assessor’s office.

In June 2015, Governor Inslee proclaimed a state of emergency for all 39 counties due to the weather and high-risk fire fuel conditions existing statewide. This allows Revenue to extend special disaster assistance for businesses that have been impacted, such as:

• More time to file and pay their taxes
• A waiver of a late payment penalty
• An extension on expiring reseller permits and business licenses and registrations
• An audit to be rescheduled

The next tax return due date is August 25 for businesses that file on a monthly basis.

Property damage

Any individual or business that owns property in a declared disaster area may be eligible for property tax relief. Property owners can visit Revenue’s disaster relief page for links to the forms that should be filed with the local county assessor’s office.

Contacting Revenue

Businesses can request an extension or penalty waiver by sending a secure email in their My Account or by calling Revenue’s customer service staff at 360-705-6705 during regular work week hours.

Visit disaster relief for related links and information. This information has also been translated into Spanish.

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