The massive storms and flash floods that occurred over the weekend in Ellicott City were devasting, leaving a significant trail of damage. This, many citizens of the area, business owners, and fellow Marylanders know all too well. To make matters worse, the flood prior to this past weekend was less than two years ago and still fresh in everyone’s minds. Occurring on July 30, 2016, and causing millions in damages, that experience was barely in the rearview mirror. Sadly, the tragic weather events also claimed the life of 39-year-old National Guardsman and Air Force veteran Sgt. Eddison “Eddie” A. Hermond.
To assist Ellicott City-area businesses affected by Memorial Day weekend’s damaging storm and large-scale flooding after the nearly ten inches of rain, Comptroller Peter Franchot has announced a six-month extension for Howard County business tax returns due and has also established a special flood assistance email address.
“During this time of terrible loss, this is one thing we can do to ease the burden on business owners who are just beginning to assess the damage and consider next steps,” stated Comptroller Franchot.
The extension includes Sales & Use Tax, Withholding Tax and Admissions & Amusement Tax. Taxpayers who file and pay by the extended due date will receive a waiver of interest and penalties. The Sales and Use Tax vendor discount will apply as long as the returns are filed and the taxes are remitted by December 31, 2018.
The agency has set up a special flood assistance email address –floodsupport@comp.state.md.us – to more quickly assist local businesses. For businesses in Catonsville and Oella affected by storm damage or flooding, owners should call the Comptroller’s Ombudsman Karen Scheerer or her assistant Sergio Hernandez at 410-260-4020 or email ombudsman@comp.state.md.us.
For other inquiries, businesses may call 410-260-7980 (from Central Maryland) or 1-800-638-2937 or email the Comptroller’s Office at taxhelp@comp.state.md.us.
For more on how you can help and how you can get help, click here.
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“There’s no such thing as a 100-year flood.”–Andrew Cuomo