Real property used for business may qualify for 2021 property tax deferral

Under a new state law just passed on April 16, businesses that have lost revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic may qualify for a deferral of their 2021 real property taxes. Businesses that apply for the program and establish a payment plan with the Grant County Treasurer will not have penalties and interest applied to their taxes due, as long as the business remains compliant with the terms of the payment plan but will be subject to the current payment plan fee of $5.00 per month charged on other payment plans

The Grant County Treasurer is now accepting applications from eligible business taxpayers. Applications may be submitted by emailing, mailing or delivering a completed Department of Revenue form to dpheasant@grantcountywa.gov. The link is under the Treasurer website http://www.grantcountywa.gov/Treasurer/. Requests for deferral must be made by April 30, 2021 to participate in the program.

To be eligible, the business must meet these criteria:

• The tax account must be for real property used primarily for business purposes. This program is not available for personal property or non­business-related real property accounts.

• The business must demonstrate a loss of at least 25 percent of revenue attributable to that real property for calendar year 2020 compared to calendar year 2019.

• Applicants that are granted a deferral of 2021 taxes must set up a payment plan with the Grant County Treasurer via the online form or emailed application.

The owner of real property receiving a deferral must pass on the entire benefit to a tenant or sublessee if the tenant or sublessee is required by the lease or other contract to pay the property tax expense of the owner.

Payment plan features include:

• Payments will be made monthly starting in May and go through November for the final payment.

• The final payment must be received by November 30, 2021. After November 30th, any unpaid 2021 taxes will be subject to all applicable interest and penalties.

• For more information, call Darryl Pheasant at 509-754-2011 x4253.