In a news release issued Monday, the V.I. Bureau of Internal Revenue announced the following changes to its operations in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic:
– The 2019 income tax returns are due July 15. Returns filed and paid by July 15 will have no interest or penalties assessed.
– Effective immediately, the bureau’s office hours will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cashiering services will operate daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., until further notice.
– The bureau’s annual Taxpayer Assistance Program, which provides free taxpayer assistance on Saturdays, will be postponed until further notice. The bureau will inform the taxpaying community when this program will be reinstated.
– All face-to-face appointments are cancelled for the next three weeks. The BIR staff will reach out to taxpayers to provide alternate methods of communication during the next three weeks.
– Taxpayers who need to clear imported goods at excise tax offices are urged to utilize the online system to clear shipments or utilize the services of a broker to limit face-to-face contact.
– Taxpayers who need to file any tax returns are asked to file by mail, with a certified receipt, if possible. Include a copy of the return along with a stamped self-addressed envelope in order for the bureau to return your stamped copy. All local tax returns are due on the usual due dates. Penalties will be waived on a case by case basis.
– Taxpayers are asked to call the bureau for assistance, in place of face-to-face visits.
The bureau’s news release said the staff stands ready to assist taxpayers via telephone in order to satisfy their outstanding tax obligations. Call 340-773-1040 on St. Croix and 340-715-1040 on St. Thomas.