CDC Guidelines for COVID19 Workplace Safety as Businesses Re-Open

Businesses grapple with safety issues while cautiously reopening.
Businesses grapple with safety issues while cautiously re-opening.

Communities are starting to ease their COVID19 restrictions, which means many businesses will be re-opening under new guidelines. While this is welcome news for many business owners, questions remain about workplace safety. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has an updated reference site for businesses with a guide to ongoing mitigation and resources for COVID19 prevention and support.

The site offers a special section for Frequently Asked Questions on the following topics: Suspected or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in the Workplace, Reducing the Spread of COVID-19 in Workplaces, Healthy Business Operations, Cleaning and Disinfection in the Workplace, and Critical Infrastructure.

The Department of Labor also has a thorough safety guide compiled under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) available for download. This 35-page document is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. It does contain recommendations as well as descriptions of mandatory safety and health standards. Download the OSHA guide at https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf

For more information on CDC guidance on other COVID19 issues that may affect you see https://galligan-law.com/covid19-update-cdc-recommends-care-plans-for-both-older-adults-and-caregivers/.

Resources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Businesses and Workplaces: Plan, Prepare and Respond, updated April 20, 2020.

Suggested keywords:

Continue ReadingCDC Guidelines for COVID19 Workplace Safety as Businesses Re-Open

Coronavirus and IRS Deadlines

The IRS has extended payment dates for some taxes due to coronavirus
In light of the coronavirus, the IRS has extended some payment due dates. Bookmark the IRS’ coronavirus link to stay up to date.

UPDATE:  Secretary Mnuchin extended the filing date for returns as well immediately after this blog.  See here for the update:  https://galligan-law.com/update-coronavirus-and-irs-deadlines-filing-extended-to-july-15/  In light of the frequency of changes, definitely bookmark and follow the IRS’ page to stay up to date on these changes.

The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus. This page will be updated as new information is available. https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus

As of this writing, the IRS has extended several IRS deadlines due to the coronavirus.  The April 15th, 2020 filing deadline for 2019 tax returns is still in effect.  However, payment deadlines are extended to July 15, 2020 for up to $1,000,000 due.  The deadline is also extended for first quarter 2020 estimated payments.  Type C Corporations also may pay their tax liabilities by July 15, 2020, up to $10,000,000 worth of tax due.  The IRS also included a reminder that you may request a filing extension, and that the best solution is to file as soon as possible so you can receive your refund if you are entitled to one.

Keep in mind this does not extend non-income tax deadlines nor affect state income taxes.

In addition to the IRS’ coronavirus response, there are several other government links worth keeping in mind.

For health information about the COVID-19 virus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) https://www.coronavirus.gov

Other information about actions being taken by the U.S. government visit https://www.usa.gov/coronavirus and in Spanish at https://gobierno.usa.gov/coronavirus.

The Department of Treasury also has information available at Coronavirus: Resources, Updates, and What You Should Know https://home.treasury.gov/coronavirus

Continue ReadingCoronavirus and IRS Deadlines