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Testing Resources and DC Updates
Heading into the weekend, we want to remind you of important information on FREE testing. If you or anyone you know is in need of a coronavirus test, please refer to the below resources. Your testing location is based on your place of residence not employment. DC, Virginia and Maryland all offer walk up testing sites as well as appointment only locations.
In DC, in the draw of Tuesday’s 10-hour DC Council Legislative Session over Zoom, we missed communicating one major nugget that we know was a big concern to all of you and that was addressed and rectified through a legislative fix. Included in the Budget Support Act is a provision that keeps the sales tax rate on alcoholic beverages for restaurants at 10% regardless of whether it is consumed on or off premise. Currently off-premise consumption of alcoholic beverages is subject to a rate of 10.25%. This is a huge win as we know it was causing great angst to all of you. Big thank you to Andrew Kline at The Veritas Law Firm for finding the solution to fix an incredibly burdensome POS and cost issue.
As you know, February and March sales and use tax payments were deferred until July 20, 2020. Taxes for June are also due on this date. If you are concerned that you will not be able to pay all February, March and June taxes on July 20th, you are encouraged to proactively reach out to OTR now to discuss your options that may include a payment plan. You are able to connect directly with OTR through the below avenues.
- Contact OTR through your portal by logging into your mytax.dc.gov portal to send an email directly to the OTR e-services group
- Call 202-727-4829
- Reach out to the taxpayer advocate at taxpayeradvocate.dc.gov
If you have any questions regarding the July 20th filing, please contact OTR ASAP.
We are here for you, as we all navigate through these unparalleled times, we are hearing from many of you about champions in our industry, and in your lives, who have been lost due to COVID. Our thoughts are with all of you. We are here to help inform, support, and come together as a community. Please do let us know if we can be of assistance as your association and your community and of course let us know how we can help honor those who should be as we always share an In Memoriam through our annual RAMMYS Awards. This week, we learned of the passing of a long-time member of the Buffalo Billiards and Franklin Hall family, José Rigoberto Lacan Chamale. Our thoughts are with Jose’s family, friends, and colleagues who are sharing a fundraiser link to help cover costs for the funeral and cemetery expenses. Click here to learn more, support, or share.
For any families of restaurant employees seeking support, we encourage you to share details about CORE (Children of Restaurant Employees) with your teams. CORE provides financial assistance for families facing challenges related to a health crisis, death, or natural disaster to cover expenses such as medical costs, rent, food, utilities, transportation and more. Share this English/Spanish one-sheet with your teams and click here to learn more.
One final note, I will be out of the office next week trying to enjoy some much needed downtime. Updates will be shared as needed throughout the week from Eden Raskin Jenkins.
As always, if you have questions, needs or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out by calling the RAMW office at (202) 331-5990 or by emailing us at coronavirus@ramw.org.
Be safe. Be kind. Wear a mask.
Best,
Kathy
