Information for Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus

• Fairfax County Asks Residents to Follow State’s Stay at Home Order (March 30)
• Trash and Recycling Changes Effective March 30 (March 27)
• Unemployment Resources Available through Virginia Career Works Centers (March 26)
• Fairfax County Extends Tax Deadlines for Car, Business and Real Estate Taxes (March 24)
• Governor Announces Business and School Closures Due to COVID-19 (March 23)
• U.S. Small Business Administration Implements Automatic Deferment on Existing SBA Disaster Loans (March 23)
• Tools for Local Business Leaders to Navigate COVID-19; Webinar Set for March 23 (March 20)
• How to Support Local Businesses During COVID-19 (March 20)
• Low-Interest Loans Now Available for Fairfax County Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus (March 19)
• Announcements by Governor Northam to Address COVID-19, including tax deferrals or later due dates and guidance for child care providers (March 19)

What Is an Essential Business? 

Virginia Governor Northam's order, issued March 23rd, details what businesses are effected and the restrictions in place.

• Governor Northam's Actions Taken on COVID-19 - Updates
• Governor Northam’s FAQs
• Virginia Department of Health FAQs
   
• Virginia Declaration of State of Emergency
• Fairfax County State of Emergency Declaration

Federal Economic Impact Payments

The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service announced April 1, 2020 that distribution of economic impact payments will begin in the next three weeks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people.

• Seniors who receive Social Security will automatically receive checks. However, those individuals that don’t receive Social Security and did not file a tax return last year will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the stimulus payment.

Tax Deadline Changes

Federal Tax Deadline Changes

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus. It offers resources for tax return assistance and tips for the coronavirus.

Virginia Tax Deadlines Changes

Businesses impacted by COVID-19 can also request to defer the payment of state sales tax due tomorrow, March 20, 2020, for 30 days. When granted, businesses will be able to file no later than April 20, 2020 with a waiver of any penalties. The Governor has requested that the Department of Taxation to extend the due date of payment of Virginia individual and corporate income taxes.

While filing deadlines remain the same, the due date for individual and corporate income tax will now be June 1, 2020. Please note that interest will still accrue, so taxpayers who are able to pay by the original deadlines should do so.

Fairfax County Tax Deadlines Changes

The county is looking for ways to be flexible to accommodate residents and businesses. As this situation evolves, the county will continue to adjust, while maintaining public services. 

• The filing deadline for personal property taxes for both individuals and businesses is extended to June 1.
• The deadline to pay the first half of real estate taxes was extended to August 28.

Fairfax County businesses can take advantage of several assistance programs through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The federal government has created a helpful summary and infographic highlighting key programs available to small businesses. 

For questions about the loan programs or help with the application process, you may contact the Community Business Partnership (CBP) or the George Mason Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

• Contact the SBA Customer Service Center
• Watch a recorded webinar on how to apply
• Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act
• Infographic: Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
• Virginia Small Business Development Center Overview of SBA Loans
   

Loan Programs

Note that in many cases you can apply and qualify for more than one loan program.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) Program

The SBA’s EIDL Program now provides an emergency $10,000 grant for small businesses and eligible nonprofits and will respond within 3 days of applying for a disaster loan. To access the grant, businesses must first apply directly to the Small Business Administration for an EIDL and then request the advance. Businesses may receive this "advance" even if they are turned down by EIDL and does not need to be repaid. Low-interest federal loans up to $2 million are also available through this program. Available through December 31, 2020. 

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans to Assist with Cash-flow

PPP is a short-term loan designed to provide an incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. These loans will help small businesses meet operating needs, including payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities, for 8 weeks. The SBA is offering the potential to forgive loans if requirements are met.  

• Q&A from Virginal Small Business Development Center
• Treasury Department PPP Information

Apply Through an Approved SBA lender

Starting April 3, small businesses, nonprofits with 501(3) and 501 (c) 19 veteran’s status, and sole proprietorships can apply. Starting April 10, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply. 

Find a Lender

Most banks are preferred SBA lenders; businesses can reach out to their primary bank and ask for help for PPP 7(a)loans.

• SBA lenders in Virginia 
• SBA Top 100 7a Lenders

Additional Programs

Small Business Debt Relief Program 

This program will provide immediate relief to small businesses with non-disaster SBA loans, in particular 7(a), 504 and microloans. SBA will cover all loan payments on these SBA loans - including principal, interest and fees - for six months. This relief will also be available to new borrowers who take out loans within six months of President Trump signing the bill into law.

Employee Retention Payroll Tax Credit

This provision would provide a refundable payroll tax credit for 50 percent of wages paid by eligible employers to certain employees during the COVID-19 crisis. The credit is available to employers, including non-profits, whose operations have been fully or partially suspended as a result of a government order limiting commerce, travel or group meetings. The credit is also provided to employers who have experienced a greater than 50 percent reduction in quarterly receipts, measured on a year-over-year basis.

Delayed Payment of Employer Tax Credit

This provision would allow taxpayers to defer paying the employer portion of certain payroll taxes through the end of 2020, with all 2020 deferred amounts due in two equal installments, one at the end of 2021, the other at the end of 2022.

Small Business Owners' Guide to Federal CARES Act

A guide to the major programs and initiatives available from the SBA and also discusses some tax provisions outside of the scope of the SBA,  including the Paycheck Protection Program and the emergency cash grants as part of the Emergency Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL)

Small Business Owners' Guide to Federal CARES Act (PDF)

Rapid Response Program Supports NOVA Employers

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Rapid Response provides funding to support NOVA employers to remain open during the coronavirus emergency. 

• Funds are to assist local employers to avert layoffs and support other operational needs, and prevent, or minimize the duration of unemployment resulting from layoffs due to the COVID-19 crisis. 
• Funds may also be used to clean facilities and support emergency needs. 

Employers with fewer than 250 employees can submit an application and budget; grant requests must not exceed $25,000. Decisions for funding approval will be made within two business days.

Prepare Your Workplace to Keep Your Employees Safe

Businesses should do their part to stop the spread of germs and protect employee health.

This flyer provides 6 simply ways you can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Additional resources:

• The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published info on preparing workplaces for COVID-19.
  • OSHA flyer with information on how to keep you and your employees safe.
• Webinar: Keeping Your Workforce and Business Healthy During (and After) the Coronavirus Outbreak: A Whole Community Approach

Employee/Employer Paid Leave, FMLA, and Other Wage Questions

U.S Department of Labor - Wage and Hour discusses common issues employers and employees face when responding to influenza, pandemics, or other public health emergencies, and their effects on wages and hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act and job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
 

For direct small business counseling opportunities, please contact the Community Business Partnership. The Community Business Partnership (CBP) is a non-profit organization working in collaboration with a number of local, regional and national organizations, educational and support services to small businesses in Fairfax County.

CBP staff are now pivoting to provide full time and virtual in-person counseling. Sign up for information and counseling sessions.

The George Mason University Small Business Development Center (Mason SBDC) is available to assist businesses with questions and information regarding preparing and understanding what is needed for the Economic Injury Disaster Loans now that Virginia is approved by the SBA.

SCORE, a non-profit resource funded by the U.S. Small Business Association, offers free confidential business counseling via phone, email and a variety of video and chat services. They also offer free, live and recorded webinars as well as interactive courses on demand.

The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and other organizations are hosting webinars focused on business continuity planning to the business community with the most up-to-date best practices and insights on managing your business through unexpected events.
 

Upcoming webinars:

• Thursday, April 2, 10 - 11 a.m.: The Effect of the Coronavirus Pandemic on the Washington Regions’ Economy. Presented by the Northern Virginia Economic Development Authority

• Friday, April 3, 1–2 p.m.: Financial Advice for Yourself, Your Business, and Details on SBA Loans

• Tuesday, April 7, 1–2 p.m.: How to Maintain Wellness (Physical, Mental and Nutritional) When it Matters Most
   

On-demand webinars:

• Growing Through Challenges When Remote

• Call with Fairfax County Chairman Jeff McKay and County Executive Bryan Hill Northern Virginia Chamber

• Understanding your Leases & Contracts in the COVID-19 Landscape

• Practical Tips for Prolonged Teleworking

• Employer Exposures and Protecting Your Business

For the latest food establishment owner/operator information and tips, visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus.

What’s ahead for the DMV Economy?

The Stephen S. Fuller Institute at George Mason University has released regional economic predictions.

The Commonwealth of Virginia has created a list of answers to frequently asked questions from workers regarding COVID-19.

Unemployment Compensation

If you have lost employment and seek compensation you may apply online at the Virginia Employment Commission website or call the VEC Customer Contact Center by calling 1-866-832-2363, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. You must continue to file for unemployment compensation each week you are unemployed.

Have Questions About Employment Law/Rules?

Virginia State Government has provided answers to frequently asked questions received from workers regarding employment impacted by COVID-19

Beginning with claims effective March 15, 2020, Governor Northam has directed the Virginia Employment Commission to change the requirements regarding the one week waiting period and the requirement to conduct a weekly job search both be suspended for those receiving unemployment insurance benefits.

Virginia Career Works Centers

Virginia Career Works Centers, a  comprehensive system of employment and training services and resources, are available to job seekers and employers in Northern Virginia.

Services listed below can be accessed via web-based and telephone options:

• Tools, resources and assistance for job searches, interview preparation and career advancement.
• Access to a bank of online employment resources and education and training options.
• Workforce information and local labor market information.
• Career coaching.
• Live job-seeker webinars.

Contact the centers below Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and Friday, 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.:

• Alexandria: 703-704-6286, DFSVCWAlexandria@fairfaxcounty.gov
• Annandale: 703-533-5400, DFSVCWAnnandale@fairfaxcounty.gov
• Reston: 703-787-4974, DFSVCWReston@fairfaxcounty.gov
• Fairfax: 703-324-7280, DFSVJC@fairfaxcounty.gov

For more information, visit our Department of Family Services webpage.

For Human Services support, the Fairfax County Human Services Resource Guide (HSRG) provides information regarding emergency food and other assistance.

• Additionally, call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880, TTY 711, for help, Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To apply for benefits like SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid, go to the Virginia Department of Social Services or call 855-635-4370; to renew your Medicaid by phone call 855-242-8282.

What Should I Know About Teleworking?

Virginia offers resources & recommendations regarding best practices for teleworking.

U.S. Department of Labor Sick Leave Guidance

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the second federal stimulus bill) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for COVID-19 related reasons. The Department of Labor has released guidance and FAQs to explain who is covered and for how long.

What is the Current Status of Child Care Facilities?

The State of Virginia Department of Social Services has detailed info on childcare, including policy updates and FAQs.