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Moore requests Department of Revenue clarify
tax filing procedures for businesses affected by the Bernat Mill Fire on
July 21st
July 24, 2007...Today, Senator Moore sent a letter to Department of Revenue Commissioner Henry Dormitzer to seek clarification regarding the continued filing of tax receipts by for businesses affected by the Bernat Mill Fire on July 21stas they normally would and reflect the appropriate amount, even if there have been no collections or withholdings. "It would be a shame to see these employers, displaced by such a devastating fire, penalized for not knowing to continue filing their appropriate receipts," Moore said in his letter. "It may be helpful if the Department released a statement to the employers, either via direct mail or through a release through the media, advising them to continue their routine filing despite the tragedy. Considering that many employers are coping with the loss of their livelihood, it is certainly understandable to assume their regular filings are not at the forefront of their concerns." The text of the Sen. Moore's letter is below:
July 24, 2007 Mr. Henry Dormitzer, Commissioner Dear Commissioner Dormitzer: As you may be aware, on Saturday, July 21st, a disastrous fire destroyed the Bernat Mill Complex in Uxbridge, MA. While there were no serious injuries or deaths, the fire displaced 65 businesses that would normally be filing their regular sales and withholding tax receipts. After discussing this issue with your General Counsel, Kevin Brown, it was suggested that those affected businesses, in order to avoid penalties, continue filing as they normally would and reflect the appropriate amount, even if there have been no collections or withholdings. My concern, however, is that the displaced business owners may not make the appropriate filings considering the situation they are in. It may be helpful if the Department released a statement to the employers, either via direct mail or through a release through the media, advising them to continue their routine filing despite the tragedy. Considering that many employers are coping with the loss of their livelihood, it is certainly understandable to assume their regular filings are not at the forefront of their concerns. My office can certainly be helpful in reaching the affected business owners to relay the Department’s concerns to the affected employers. I have established a special section on my website, www.senatormoore.com/uxbridge, for citizens to visit and obtain relevant information, and have released several updates to the appropriate media sources. In addition to my website, a notice can be placed on the Town of Uxbridge’s website, local cable access channels, and other relevant media sources. I am confident that if notice is sent to numerous local media sources the appropriate people can be notified of the need to continue filing. It would be a shame to see these employers, displaced by such a devastating fire, penalized for not knowing to continue filing their appropriate receipts. Please do not hesitate to contact my office if I can be of any assistance to the Department in informing these unfortunate residents. Sincerely, RICHARD T. MOORE |
