Dear Clients:
As news of the COVID-19 virus has engulfed headlines over the last few weeks we have been preparing for the eventuality that we suspected may come. Fortunately we moved the majority of our critical infrastructure to the Cloud a few years ago and we can confidently say that we are ready. So ready in fact, beginning March 17, 2020 we have closed our offices to all but a small crew. Though we are an “Essential Business” under Santa Clara and Santa Cruz County’s Shelter In Place directives, we are closing our doors to implement safe and sound best practices and systems to serve you to meet mandated deadlines.
We appreciate that for some, this is a big departure from how you typically interact with us, especially at this time of year. For those of you who are accustomed to coming into our offices, we ask that you work with your Wheeler Accountants team members to enroll in our Client Portal where documents can be transmitted electronically; or to make alternate arrangements if needed. We’re here to help. And we look forward to a day, hopefully sooner than later, when we can again shake hands and catch-up in person. In the meantime we are conducting tax appointments via phone or video call and look forward to advising you as always.
On March 17, 2020, the Secretary of the Treasury announced guidance that the IRS will not assess penalties or interest for individuals owing less than $1,000,000 and small businesses owing less than $10,000,000 if payments are made by July 15th. No official guidance from the Treasury Department or IRS has been issued and it is still unclear whether this means the filing deadline is also extended. California announced last week that individuals and businesses have received an extension of time to both file and pay to June 15th for filings and payments due between March 15th and June 15th, 2020. As we received more detailed information we will send out additional updates.
Thank you for placing your trust in us for all of these years. We are resilient and we know that you are too. As always, we’re here if you need us. Please don’t hesitate to let us know how we can help.