news

I want to provide you with U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin’s latest update on creating financial breathing room for American families during the Coronavirus pandemic.

To ensure that American families remain financially secure, President Trump is allowing the Treasury Department to “defer tax payments, without interest or penalties, for certain individuals and businesses negatively impacted.” This means that:

• Families and small businesses can defer tax payments for 90 days.
• Penalties and interest that would otherwise apply during this nearly three-month period will be waived.
• Additionally, the Treasury Department will deploy $300 billion in targeted relief for those who need it. Taxpayers should continue to file their taxes by April 15 as normal. Many taxpayers will get refunds, providing additional funding to families that need it. However, if an eligible taxpayer owes a tax payment, they have the option to defer.

Lastly, I want to ensure you are equipped with the contact information for your local health officials. It is vital to remember that if you are experiencing symptoms of Coronavirus or have come into contact with a person with Coronavirus, please call your doctor or local public health officials before seeking medical attention.

For the Fresno County Department of Public Health’s Communicable Disease Investigation Program, please call: (559) 600-3332. To receive updates regarding Coronavirus transmission in Fresno County, click here.

For the Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency’s Communicable Disease Reporting, please call: 211 or (559) 685-5720. To receive updates regarding Coronavirus transmission in Tulare County, click here.

I will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available on this rapidly evolving situation. For continued updates and recommendations on how to stay safe and healthy, visit the CDC's website.