Governor signs Van Werven legislation to extend B&O tax return filing dates
Rep. Luanne Van Werven’s legislation to streamline business and occupation tax filing dates for annual filers was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee on Friday.
House Bill 1059 will extend the business and occupation tax filing deadline to April 15 for annual filers, to coincide with the federal tax filing date.
“The idea originated from a meeting I had with a mental health counselor in Whatcom County. After the meeting, I heard from other annual filers who were dealing with this issue. These taxpayers are often self-employed and rely on other businesses to send their 1099 forms in a timely manner,” said Van Werven, R-Lynden. “Unfortunately, due to federal deadlines, many taxpayers do not receive 1099s until February or March and these annual filers end up having to file extensions.”
The legislation applies to those who make $70,000 or less, and it is expected to help an estimated 126,000 taxpayers.
Van Werven said while the legislation streamlines the process for annual filers, there is also cost-savings with the measure.
“The Department of Revenue should have to spend less time following up with filers by phone or mail reminding them their taxes have not been mailed,” said Van Werven. “It should also cut down on the 50,000 amendments or other requests for extensions the department ends up processing because independent contractors have not received their 1099 forms.”
The bill passed both the House and Senate unanimously.
The bill takes effect 90 days after the regular session adjourns. However, the measure becomes null and void if it is not funded in the budget.
The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn the regular session on April 28.
