Massachusetts announces small business tax relief

Photo | SHNS Gov. Charlie Baker

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By Sam Bonacci

The Gov. Charlie Baker Administration announced on Wednesday measures to provide small tax relief focused on the hospitality sector, as dining rooms and gatherings of 25+ people have been banned in an effort to stem the impact of the coronavirus.

The tax relief announced includes postponing the collection of regular sales tax, meals tax, and room occupancy taxes that would have been due in March, April and May. Instead, they will be due on June 20. All penalties and interest that would otherwise apply will be waived. Additionally, businesses that paid less than $150,000 in regular sales plus meals taxes in the year ending Feb. 29 will be eligible for relief for sales and meals taxes, and business that paid less than $150,000 in room occupancy taxes in the year ending Feb. 29 will be eligible for relief with respect to room occupancy taxes.

The details of these relief measures are expected to be finalized by the end of the week.

The Wednesday announcement also included an Executive Order requiring all early education centers and family childcare providers to close, starting Monday. Exempt emergency childcare programs will be the only ones allowed to be opened, with families who work to maintain the health, safety, and welfare of all commonwealth citizens receiving priority access, according to the release from the Baker Administration.

These services should only be used by those who have to go to work, according to the Governor.