Governor Gavin Newsom this week signed an executive order that will provide some relief for small businesses struggling during the COVID-19 crisis.
The Governor’s March 30 executive order allows the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) to offer a 90-day extension for tax returns and tax payments for all businesses filing a return for less than $1 million in taxes. That means small businesses will have until the end of July to file their first quarter returns.
Additionally, the order extends by 60 days the statute of limitations to file a claim for refund to accommodate tax and fee payers.
The executive order also includes extensions that affect state government workers, as well as consumers. For instance, the Department of Motor Vehicles will limit in-person transactions for the next 60 days, allowing instead for mail-in renewals. In addition, the Department of Consumer Affairs will waive continuing education requirements for several professions, also for the next 60 days.
Further, the order will extend the Office of Administrative Law deadlines to review regular department-proposed regulations. The order also extends by 60 days the time period to complete investigation of public safety officers based on allegations of misconduct.
Finally, deadlines for training, investigations, and adverse actions for state workers will also be extended.
The executive order (N-40-20) is available at www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/3.30.20-N-40-20.pdf.
