Some Small Businesses Have Until Jan. 31 to Request Tax Filing Extension Due to Storm

At the request of Gov. Chris Gregoire, the Washington State Department of Revenue will consider tax return filing extensions for state businesses affected by the recent winter storm, a press release issued from Gregoire's office this week said.

Revenue Director Brad Flaherty said businesses that file quarterly or annually need to request the extension prior to the Jan. 31 due date. The Jan. 25 due date for monthly filers has already passed.

“We realize this is short notice for monthly filers. A business that is not able to request an extension prior to the due date may still request a penalty waiver for late filing penalties due to circumstances beyond their control,” Flaherty added.

Businesses should call the Department at 1-800-647-7706 to request an extension. Penalty waivers must be requested in writing and can be submitted in the department’s electronic filing system or emailed to communications@dor.wa.gov.

“The heavy snowfall and freezing rain resulted in road conditions and power outages that clearly affected the ability of some businesses to file their state excise tax returns on time,” Gregoire said. “I have asked DOR to grant filing extensions to these businesses, and to waive penalties for those unable to meet the deadline. This request won’t impact the state’s tax collections. It merely pushes it back a bit to give our business owners who need it a much needed break.”