RICHMOND, Va. -- As COVID-19 continues to impact Virginia, the City of Richmond passed a new tax amnesty program designed to take some pressure off both residents and business owners.
“The one thing we know is that times are tough right now," Richmond City Councilman Mike Jones said. “The amnesty allows the director of finance to waive penalties, and interest without impacting the principal amount of taxes that are due.”
Richmond City Council unanimously approved the new program at Monday night's meeting.
The amnesty will waive penalties and interest on past-due real estate, admissions, lodging, and meals tax, for those who apply.
“I think it’s going to give great relief to our small businesses and our restaurants," Jones said. "Our restaurant owners need all the help they can get.”
Jones said in order to get the tax amnesty, you must apply and register for it online when applications open up.
Admission, lodging, and meal tax applications will run through the month of April, while real estate applications will run only through March.
Jones called the application a positive step and that every little bit can help businesses rebound.
"We’re all in at the City of Richmond, we’re all in on city council and I know the mayor's administration is all in on ensuring that we all get through this difficult time together," Jones said.
For more information on how to qualify for each set of applications, click here. You can also call the City of Richmond Finance Department at 804-646-7000.
Virginia Together: The Rebound Richmond campaign is here to help. Find information on who is hiring, investigations into unemployment payment issues, financial advice on making ends meet, and mental health advice on managing the pressures. These stories will be featured often on CBS 6 News and can be found by clicking this link.