An update from the Washington State Department of Revenue – June 2020
2020 Legislative summary
Learn about some of the tax-related bills passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Inslee during the 2020 legislative session. Our 2020 tax legislation summary is available atdor.wa.gov/2020LegislationSummary.
Please join us for an online usability study
It’s more important than ever for us to make our online services as simple as possible for businesses. We are working on some improvements, like more mobile-friendly access and self-service payment plans, to our online tax and licensing system, My DOR.
We need customers who use our system to join us remotely for a one-hour usability study. During your one-hour session, you will complete a series of tasks in My DOR and answer questions about your experience with a facilitator. Don’t worry, it’s a test of the system - not you. In exchange for your valuable time and participation, we will send you a $75 Amazon eGift card.
Dates: Tuesday, June 16 – Friday, June 19
Tuesday, June 23 – Friday, June 26
Time: One (1) hour -- please reply to the survey below to indicate your preferred appointment time
RSVP by: Monday, June 22
Requirements:
- Strong internet connection
- Laptop/desktop with Google Chrome browser, Android device, or iOS (iPhone/iPad) device with:
- Microphone and speakers
- Webcam or built-in camera
Recommendation:
- Headset to reduce background noise and improve voice quality
Select your appointment timeon our scheduling survey.
Questions? Email us atDORUsability@dor.wa.gov.
For updates on usability activities at DOR, visitdor.wa.gov/usability
Small Business Requirements and Resources – COVID-19 Impact webinar
Join the Departments of Revenue, Employment Security, Labor and Industries, Health, Enterprise Services and ORIA as they provide a quick overview of some of the state responses, resources, and other impacts affecting small businesses. You’ll also learn about:
- State agency responses to COVID-19.
- Getting unstuck - where to get further information and assistance to help you weather through this challenging period.
- Small business recovery conversations.
For dates, times, and to register go to dor.wa.gov/SBRR.
Taxability of federal assistance regarding COVID-19
Many businesses are receiving federal financial assistance to cope with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and wondering whether they owe business and occupation (B&O) tax on the amounts received (including small-business loan forgiveness). Visit Federal Financial Assistance Regarding COVID-19 to learn more.
Construction video now available
Looking for information on B&O, sales, and use tax liability for various construction related activities? Check out the new construction industry video series, as well as other videos atdor.wa.gov/Videos
Changes to gift certificates and gift cards
Starting July 1, 2020, there are additional limitations on when gift certificates and gift cards expire. For more information, see our Special Notice titled
New phishing scams target businesses
Beware of scams asking you to visit fraudulent sites and validate your email address and account credentials. Find out more atdor.wa.gov/PhishingScams.
DOR offices remain closed, staff are ready to help
Our offices are closed, but our team is working remotely and ready to serve you. Most in-person services provided at DOR offices are available online and we encourage businesses to take advantage of these services. Our call center agents are also ready to assist by phone or chat. Get contact information at dor.wa.gov/ContactUs.
New Special Notices published
The Department recently published the following new special notices:
Did you close your business? Let us know
If you are no longer doing business, you can close your account one of the following ways:
- Online using My DOR, the fastest way to close your account.
- By paper, using the Business Information Change Form.
Note: If you are dissolving a corporation registered to do business in Washington, you must contact the Secretary of State. You'll need to provide them with a Revenue Clearance Certificate issued by the Department of Revenue.