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Comptroller’s Office Extends Franchise Tax Deadline

By
Aaron Ferguson
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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to provide Texas businesses relief, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced today that his agency is automatically extending the due date for 2020 franchise tax reports to July 15 to be consistent with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The due date extension applies to all franchise taxpayers. It is automatic, and taxpayers do not need to file any additional forms.

“We recognize that the information aggregated from taxpayers’ federal tax returns comprises the building blocks for their Texas franchise tax returns,” Hegar said. “In addition to coping with the unprecedented impacts of the growing pandemic, we understand the difficulty Texas businesses will face in filing franchise tax returns now that the federal deadline has moved, and so we thought it appropriate to align the state’s franchise tax deadline with the IRS deadline.”

The Texas franchise tax is a tax imposed on each taxable entity formed or organized in Texas or doing business in Texas. Unlike the sales and use tax, the franchise tax is not collected from the consumers of those taxable entities.

Franchise taxpayers who need an extension beyond the July 15 date have these options: 

  • Non-electronic funds transfer (non-EFT) taxpayers who cannot file by July 15 may file an extension request on or before July 15 and must pay 90 percent of the tax due for the current year, or 100 percent of the tax reported as due for the prior year with the extension request. Non-EFT taxpayers who request an extension have until Jan. 15 to file their report and pay the remainder of the tax due.
  • On or before July 15, taxpayers who are mandatory EFT payers may request an extension of time to file to Aug. 15 and must pay 90 percent of the tax due for the current year or 100 percent of the tax reported as due for the prior year with the extension request. On or before Aug. 15, EFT taxpayers may request a second extension of time to file their report and must pay the remainder of any tax due with their extension request. The Aug. 15 extension request extends the report due date to Jan. 15. Any payments made after Aug. 15 will be subject to penalty and interest.

For continuous updates on deadlines, business owners and the general public should view our COVID-19 Emergency Response page

Lufkin Issues “Stay at Home-Stay Safe” Order, Institutes Curfew

By
Aaron Ferguson
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The new city-wide issue will go into effect as of 11:59 am on Thursday, April 2nd.

As it would appear, the City of Lufkin has amended its civil policies regarding the COVID-19 outbreak in our region. The new “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order essentially outlines policies we have already become quite familiar with, such as social distancing requirements, outlines for which businesses have been deemed “essential,” and the necessity for limiting public exposure and working from home when at all possible.

However, the new issue by the city does bring a few additions to this order; primarily concerning a new curfew going into effect:

“SECTION 3. Citywide Curfew Established. That no person, without proper authority, may be upon the public streets or rights-of-way located within the City of Lufkin between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M. the next morning. The Chief of Police is hereby authorized to designate other areas and to restrict access, ingress and egress to those areas, as warranted by circumstances.”

This is an enforceable curfew which will come with fines and/or penalties by law if not adhered to.

The other notable addition to the cities’ COVID policies are an updated set of instructions regarding those who have been confirmed, or suspected of carrying the virus:

“SECTION 2. Household Isolation Required with COVID-19. That, regardless of any other provision of this Amended Order, if a person residing in the City of Lufkin is being tested or has tested positive for COVID-19 (“COVID -19 Patient”) or is a Person Under Investigation (“PUI”), that person plus all other individuals living at the same address of a COVID-19 Patient or PUI are ordered to isolate at home until testing shows the COVID-19 Patient or PUI has either (i) tested negative (ii) is released back to work by a medical doctor, or (iii) is no longer an active PUI according to written confirmation by the Angelina County & Cities Health District, whichever occurs first. Individuals identified in this paragraph shall not go to work, school, or any other community function. Nothing in this paragraph shall prevent any individual from seeking health care services or treatment for themselves or assisting any family member.”

You may view the full order here.

Please remember: These rules may not apply to you if you are not a resident of the City of Lufkin. If you are unsure of the policies set in place in your town/county, please contact your local government to stay appropriately informed.

Stay Home. Stay Safe.

Governor Abbott Releases Video Message To Texans As Latest Executive Order Goes Into Effect

By
Aaron Ferguson
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Gov. Abbott with Sunday's Proclamation
Courtesy of Governor Greg Abbott

Trent Ashby- Businesses Battling COVID-19

By
Rep. Trent Ashby
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As COVID-19 (coronavirus) continues to spread throughout our state, I want to take a break from our examination of interim charges so that I can provide you with as much information as possible about what we are doing at the state level to address this global pandemic. A complete list of the resources highlighted in this column will be provided at the bottom of the page, as well as on my public Facebook page and website: www.TrentAshby.com.

With that, here’s the latest information on our state’s fight against the coronavirus. . .

Coronavirus Update

As Texans across the state are urged to stay home, many businesses are faced with unforeseen financial challenges that have resulted in employee layoffs or even closure.  In an effort to provide assistance to local businesses and their employees, Governor Abbott requested and secured Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, which will provide long-term, low-interest loans to qualifying businesses across the state. Further, the Comptroller of Public Accounts has created a business tax assistance hotline where business owners can work with the Comptroller’s office to alleviate their sales tax burdens through short-term payment agreements or through waiving sales tax penalties and interest altogether.

Additionally, the Texas Workforce Commission has launched an online resource for employers, as well as dislocated workers who have been affected by the pandemic. Here you can sign up for updates on the latest employment support services and have access to resources aimed at helping businesses navigate these challenging times. The agency has also waived the application waiting period and taken other measures to provide temporary assistance. Whether you’re a business owner or an employee who has recently lost a job, I would encourage you to explore these resources that are designed to help.

In an effort to assist our state’s students, teachers and families, Governor Abbott recently issued an executive order stating that all of Texas’ schools are to be closed until April 3. In coordination with TEA Commissioner, Mike Morath, the Governor has also waived STAAR testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year. While I applaud this decision, it’s important to know that TEA is working diligently to develop tailored instruction to ensure that schools across the state have the resources needed so that students can succeed at the next grade level. As information becomes available, I would encourage you and your family to visit the TEA website for updates on what Texas is doing to provide our students with a quality education during these trying times.

I also want to encourage you to consider giving blood. As more people continue to practice social distancing, our blood supply has continued to decline. It is safe to give blood, and the coronavirus does not pose any risk to blood donors during the donation process. Supporting your local blood center is a great way to help support the lifesaving work our first responders and healthcare professionals are doing everyday.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact our office if we can help you in any way. Our District office may be reached at (936) 634-2762, or you can call my Capitol office at (512) 463-0508.

Online Resources

Small Business Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application: www.sba.gov/disaster

Comptroller Enforcement Hotline: 800-252-8800; https://comptroller.texas.gov/about/emergency/

Texas Workforce Commission for Employers: https://twc.texas.gov/news/covid-19-resources-employers

Texas Workforce Commission for Jobseekers: https://twc.texas.gov/news/covid-19-resources-job-seekers

Texas Education Agency: https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/health-safety-discipline/coronavirus-covid-19-support-and-guidance

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center: www.giveblood.org

Calling All Jakes: Texas Turkey Hunters Should See More Young Toms This Spring

By
Aaron Ferguson
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Talk about a master class in social distancing!

A great 2019 nesting season for wild turkeys means more young toms (or jakes) will be seen by hunters this spring. Jakes are typically more forgiving than older toms and create a prime opportunity for new turkey hunters to bag their first bird.

The spring season for Rio Grande turkey season got under way March 14-15 with a youth-only weekend in the South Zone, followed by a general season that runs March 21-May 3 and then culminates with a youth-only weekend May 9-10. In the North Zone, the youth-only weekend seasons are March 28-29 and May 23-24. The North Zone general season opens April 4 and runs through May 17. A special one-gobbler limit season runs April 1-30 in Bastrop, Caldwell, Colorado, Fayette, Jackson, Lavaca, Lee, Matagorda, Milam, and Wharton counties.

“If the current green conditions hold and weather does not turn hot too early, Texas can expect another year of turkey population growth,” said Jason Hardin, TPWD turkey program leader. “We currently have good soil moisture across much of Texas and just need a little more to keep us on track for another great year of recruitment.”

“With low harvest rates, most Rio Grande turkey hunters can expect to see some 4- and 5-year-old toms across most of the Rio Grande range. There are not going to be a lot of 2-3-year-old birds out there this spring,” said Hardin. “With the spring coming on strong, toms will pair with hens early in the season. But as those hens begin to initiate nesting activities around the middle of the season, the toms will turn on and readily come to calling.”

Eastern spring turkey hunting in the counties having an open season starts on April 22 and runs through May 14. Hunters are required to report harvest of eastern wild turkeys electronically to TPWD within 24 hours of harvest. Reports can be made through the TPWD My Texas Hunt Harvest App or online from the TPWD turkey page at www.tpwd.texas.gov/turkey . The app is available for free download from Google Play or the App Store. Hunters will be issued a confirmation number upon completion of the reporting process. Hunters still have to tag harvested birds.

The harvest reporting app can also be used as a tool for voluntarily reporting and tracking harvests of other resident game species, including Rio Grande turkey. With My Texas Hunt Harvest, hunters can log harvested game animals and view harvest history, including dates and locations of every hunt.

Please remember during this time to respect your county ordinances regarding social distancing and staying away from the public. While leaving the house to spend recreational time outside is still allowed, it is vitally important we continue to think about the health of our community!

My Five Cents…

By
Senator Robert Nichols
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A Monthly Column from Senator Robert Nichols (Senate District 3).

As we all settle into a new normal for the time being, it can often be unsettling. I know that Texas and Texans are strong, and we will continue on and come back as strong as we were before. I encourage everyone to do your part in helping to slow the spread of this virus and help those around you who may be struggling. Together, we will overcome this challenge as we have many times before.

If you need assistance please don’t hesitate to contact my office at (512) 463-0103, or by emailing Robert.Nichols@senate.texas.gov.

Here are five resources to help you during this time:

  • Where to Find Accurate COVID-19 Information

During this time, you may be hearing or seeing different reports on the number of cases in your area or in the state. To get up to date, accurate information you can visit the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) website which includes daily updated numbers they have received from local public health authorities. Their dashboard provides specific information from around the state. Please visit https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news/updates.shtm#coronavirus.

The 2-1-1 Texas Hotline, which is available 24/7, is also a good place to access information on COVID-19, and local community resources on health care, testing, utilities, food, housing and more.

  • Small Business Assistance

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting small businesses, even where there are no local cases of the virus.  These businesses are the lifeblood of local economies as they provide essential goods and services, and employment. It is important that we continue to support them during these hard times.

The Small Business Administration has announced the availability of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program.  This program provides small businesses with working capital loans up to $2 million, to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they may be experiencing. Businesses interested in pursuing the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program should visit www.disasterloan.sba.gov/ela for more information. 

  • DPS and DMV Office Closures

Governor Abbott has directed all Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offices to close to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. DPS has extended the expiration of Texas identification cards, drivers licenses, commercial drivers licenses, and election identification certificates. This suspension will be in effect until 60 days after DPS provides public notice that normal Drivers License operations have resumed.

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) have also closed their offices. A temporary waiver has been put in place for initial vehicle registration, renewal of registration, vehicle titling, and renewal of a permanent disabled parking placard. This also applies for those with an expired 30 day temporary permit. This waiver, which is for all Texas vehicle owners, will stay in effect until 60 days after TxDMV notifies the public that normal vehicle registration, vehicle titling and related services have resumed.

  • Texas Education Agency Meal Finder App

Many Texas children rely on their school district meal programs to ensure they receive a meal everyday. Due to the closures of school districts, this has created a challenge for many families. To assist families and students while school districts are closed, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) have launched the “Texas Students MealFinder Map”, which is available on TEA’s website. This map, which will be updated continuously, will include the address of each facility, and the days and times when meals will be served. To be included on this map, school districts must file with the Texas Department of Agriculture and that information will then be sent to TEA.

  •  Texas Workforce Commission

Many businesses have been forced to lay off their employees due to the spread of this virus, which has lead to an increase of Texans filing for unemployment. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has created pages on their website https://twc.texas.gov  to provide up to date information for employers, job seekers, as well as information on child care.

Due to the high volume of claims that are coming into TWC, they are working to be able to expand their capacity to accept claims through both their website and vie tele-centers. Governor Abbott has waived the waiting week period for unemployment insurance claims which will allow claimants to get paid for their first week of unemployment benefits. Previously applicants had to wait to receive their first week payment till after the first week. In addition to this, TWC has waived work search requirements for claimants.

COVID-19: Not a worry with livestock and pets

By
Cary Sims
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I’ve had some questions regarding coronavirus and animals, both livestock and pets; Below are some points from the Texas Animal Health Commission from a bulletin updated March 23, 2020.

We all now know that Coronavirus is a large family of viruses. Some strains affect animals, while others affect people. Most coronaviruses stick to their own species. While it was a novel (new) mutation, COVID-19 has not been proven to circulate between people and animals.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says there is no evidence at this time that animals can become ill with COVID-19 or that they can spread it to other animals or people. Furthermore, the CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States.

The Texas Animal Health Commission states, “There is a very specific molecular structure of coronaviruses to make each [strain] compatible with the specific species they infect. All species have different cellular structures and react differently to each virus. While one species can be infected, another could pass the virus through its body without any effects.”

You may be surprised to learn that there are livestock and companion animal coronavirus vaccines available, but animal owners should be aware these vaccines provide protection against other specific coronaviruses and not the virus causing COVID-19. The livestock and companion animal coronavirus vaccines are not approved for use in people. These vaccines are intended for use in animals only and do not protect against COVID-19.

Now if you are keeping socially distant, but your dog, or someone else’s dog isn’t, is that a problem? Not really. Fur is a very poor transmitter of this viral disease.

In researching this column, I learned a new word: Fomite. A fomite is an object or material which is likely to carry infection. 

A “good fomite” is a smooth, non-porous surface like a countertop or a doorknob. We know that we must clean these surfaces to prevent the spread of disease. Yet porous and fibrous materials, such as fur (or hair in general), would be a poor fomite as it absorbs and traps the virus, making it harder to contract through a simple touch.

The bottom line is that you can pet, scratch, and just love on your animals with no worries at all.

So, what should you do if you have questions about my livestock and pets recent change in health?  Call your veterinarian! We have several quality veterinarians in our area, and they can certainly set up an appointment for your pet.

Be assured that there are no movement restrictions on livestock in the U.S. related to COVID-19. Horses, cattle, hogs, chickens and more can be transported without any worries.

Are livestock markets open? Yes. Livestock markets are open and continue to operate across the U.S. and Texas. Please contact your local market if you have questions. Please remember, livestock auction barns are working with their state and local public health officials to implement appropriate measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to other people, but your trailer full of calves have nothing to worry about.

Governor Abbott Announces Expanded Health Care Capacities In Texas, Issues Executive Orders To Expand Quarantines And Protect Public Safety

By
Lee Allen Miller
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PHOTO: Office Of The Governor, 3/29/20)

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today held a press conference at the State Capitol where he provided new information on the state’s health care capacity and issued additional Executive Orders. The Governor announced that hospital beds available for COVID-19 patients have doubled over the past week. He also detailed the joint effort between the state, the Texas Military Department (TMD), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to identify and equip additional locations to serve as health care facilities in the event that hospital capacity is exhausted. The first of these sites will be the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas.

The Governor was joined for the press conference by Major General Tracy Norris of the Texas Army National Guard, USACE Southwest Division Commander and Chief Engineer Brigadier General Paul Owen, Texas Department of State Health Services Commissioner John Hellerstedt, MD, Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, and Supply Chain Strike Force member and former State Representative John Zerwas, MD.

“While hospitals will remain the primary location to treat and care for those in need, we are ensuring that Texas is prepared for any possible scenario in which current hospital capacity is exhausted,” said Governor Abbott. “This joint initiative with the Texas Military Department and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will expand the care capacity in communities across Texas.” 

During the press conference, the Governor issued two new Executive Orders to protect public safety and further combat the spread of COVID-19 in Texas. In the first Executive Order (GA-12) announced today, the Governor mandated a 14-day quarantine for road travelers arriving in Texas from any location in Louisiana. The self-quarantine procedure will mirror the process outlined in the Governor’s previous Executive Order requiring mandatory self-quarantine for air travelers from the New York Tri-State Area and New Orleans, Louisiana. This mandated quarantine will not apply to travel related to commercial activity, military service, emergency response, health response, or critical infrastructure functions.

In the second Executive Order (GA-13) announced today, the Governor prohibited the release of individuals in custody for or with a history of offenses involving physical violence or the threat of physical violence. This Executive Order comes in response to concerns of the release or anticipated release of individuals because of COVID-19 who are deemed a danger to society.

The Governor also issued a proclamation regarding his prior Executive Order mandating a self-quarantine for individuals arriving from the New York Tri-State Area and New Orleans, Louisiana. The Executive Order now includes air travelers arriving from the following states and cities:

  • California
  • Louisiana
  • Washington
  • Atlanta, Georgia
  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Detroit, Michigan
  • Miami, Florida

View the Governor’s Executive Orders: GA-12 and GA-13.

View the Governor’s proclamation.

Governor Restricts Louisiana Travelers With Roadway Checks

By
Lee Allen Miller
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Gov. Abbott with Sunday's Proclamation

Texas Governor Gregg Abbott has issued executive order, GA 12. The order adds roadway screening to the earlier declaration for 14 day self-quarantine for travelers during the COVID-19 disaster on a statewide basis effective at noon on March 30, 2020.

Below is the basis of travel orders as described in Executive Order GA-12.

Every person who enters the State of Texas through roadways from Louisiana, or from any other state as may be proclaimed hereafter, shall be subject to mandatory self-quarantine for a period of 14 days from the time of entry into Texas or the duration of the person’s presence in Texas, whichever is shorter. This order to self-quarantine shall not apply to people traveling in connection with commercial activity, military service, emergency response, health response, or critical-infrastructure functions, as may be determined by the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Each person covered by this order to self-quarantine shall be responsible for all associated costs, including transportation, lodging, food, and medical care.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) shall enforce this executive order along the Texas-Louisiana border. Using a form to be prescribed by DPS, each covered person shall designate a quarantine location in Texas, such as a residence or a hotel, and provide a full name, date of birth, home address, telephone number, and driver license or passport information. DPS Troopers, or other approved peace officers, will collect a completed form from a covered person and verify it against the person’s driver license or passport. Providing false information on this form is a criminal offense under Section 37.10 of the Texas Penal Code. Questions about this form should be directed to DPS by calling (800) 525-5555.

A covered person shall proceed directly to the designated quarantine location entered on the DPS form. Any covered person exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 shall be escorted to the designated quarantine location by a DPS Trooper.

A covered person shall remain in the designated quarantine location for a period of 14 days or the duration of the person’s presence in Texas, whichever is shorter, leaving only to seek medical care or to depart from Texas. During that period, a covered person shall not allow visitors into or out of the designated quarantine location, other than a health department employee, physician, or health care provider, and shall not visit any public spaces.

DPS Special Agents will conduct unannounced visits to designated quarantine locations to verify compliance by confirming the physical presence of covered persons. Any failure to comply with this order to self-quarantine shall be a criminal offense punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000, confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days, or both.

Read the Full Document HERE

Angelina County Issues “Stay at Home” Order

By
Lee Allen Miller
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Effective at 11:59 am on Monday 3/30/2020, Angelina County’s Stay at Home order goes in to effect. Here is a link to the ORDER.

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