More relief coming to taxpayers during Coronavirus outbreak

Yesterday, the IRS announced its new People First Initiative to assist taxpayers facing uncertainty over their taxes due to the Coronavirus outbreak. This initiative will provide relief to taxpayers on a variety of issues ranging from easing payment guidelines to postponing compliance actions. To determine whether this relief applies to your specific situation, review the IRS guidance here.

Additionally, yesterday the Senate passed the CARES Act, phase three of Congress’ Coronavirus economic relief package. As soon as President Trump signs the bill into law, I will provide resources that explain the economic relief the bill makes available to American families and small businesses.

For helpful resources regarding Coronavirus, assistance available to American families and businesses, and the steps Congress is taking to keep Americans safe and financially secure, visit the Coronavirus Updates page on my website here.

For Americans abroad, READ THIS.

As the Coronavirus outbreak unfolds, my office is working to help Americans abroad return home. As more information becomes available to help Americans overseas, it is imperative that those looking to return home enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). By enrolling in STEP, you will receive communications from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to assist you in arranging for your travel home. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact my district office at (559) 733-3861 or send an e-mail through the contact form here.

In case you missed it, here is a story from The San Joaquin Valley Sun providing rolling updates on the number of Coronavirus cases in the Central Valley.

For helpful resources regarding Coronavirus, assistance available to American families and businesses, and the steps Congress is taking to keep Americans safe and financially secure, visit the Coronavirus Updates page on my website here.

An update on the number of Coronavirus cases in the Central Valley

I want to provide you an update on the number of Coronavirus cases in Fresno County and Tulare County. As of 3:30 PM today, Fresno County has conducted between 200 and 300 tests of Fresno County residents and confirmed 6 cases of Coronavirus. Tulare County has conducted 306 tests of Tulare County residents and confirmed 16 cases of Coronavirus. For rolling updates on the number of Coronavirus cases in the Central Valley, check out this story.

Separately, the IRS, Treasury Department, and Department of Labor late last week announced a plan to implement Coronavirus-related paid leave for workers and tax credits for small businesses provided under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Click here for a breakdown of how these provisions will be implemented.

For helpful resources regarding Coronavirus, assistance available to American families and businesses, and the steps Congress is taking to keep Americans safe and financially secure, visit the Coronavirus Updates page on my website here.

URGENT: Before laying off employees, managers should read about this new law.

I want to bring your attention to stipulations in a recently enacted law that provide tax incentives for businesses to retain their workers during the Coronavirus outbreak. Please click here to read these provisions.

UPDATE: 200+ Coronavirus tests done in Fresno County

I want to update you regarding the spread of Coronavirus in the Central Valley. As of 10:30 AM yesterday, Fresno County Public Health officials have processed between 200 and 300 laboratory tests, with only 6 confirmed cases of Coronavirus. Given this data and the nature of how each confirmed case was acquired, Fresno County Public Health advises that the virus has not engaged in community spread at this point. This is good news. Let’s continue to practice proper hygiene and effective social distancing methods, per the CDC’s recommendations.

To read more about this developing story, click here. For helpful resources regarding Coronavirus, assistance available to American families and businesses, and the steps Congress is taking to keep Americans safe and financially secure, visit the Coronavirus Updates page on my website here.

A one-stop shop for Coronavirus resources

I have updated my website to include a resource page dedicated to keeping you informed on the latest Coronavirus developments. The page, which can be found here, includes the contact information for your local health officials, updates from the CDC, guidelines from the White House Coronavirus task force, and links to resources for financial assistance, legislative updates, and travel assistance. I will continually update this page as more information becomes available.

Additionally, I want to share a story with you from The San Joaquin Valley Sun examining the legal enforceability of the City of Fresno’s recent controversial shelter in place recommendation.