Joyce Krawiec is a conservative activist, former North Carolina Republican Party Vice-Chair, and retiring North Carolina Senator. Christian, wife, mother, small business owner, and conservative. She has endorsed Dana Caudill-Jones for North Carolina Senate.
This has been a scary and challenging time for us all. It is not just the fear of getting sick or losing a loved one – the economic challenges also come into play. As your senator, I can assure you that we have been working closely with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and with our nation’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The North Carolina General Assembly has put together a task force of members to work on challenges that are happening now and for what lies ahead. Below you will find sources with links that may be of assistance to you, your family, and your finances. Please share this information with your friends and co-workers.
I encourage you to seek the facts from reliable sources and take the STRONGLY SUGGESTED precautions.
Remember, people are recovering! The numbers are going up. However, keep in mind, they do not reflect the people who are recovering or who have recovered.Americans have proven to be resilient, and North Carolinians set the bar!
What COVID-19 Resources Are Available?
Individuals, Businesses and Self-Employed
Visit the NCDHHS website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronoavirus for the latest information on COVID-19. You may also visit the CDC website for the latest information at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus. For NC COVID-19 information dial 2-1-1 or call 888-892-1162. Sign up for updates by texting COVIDNC to 898211.
Small Business Administration
The federal government has appropriated $20 million in emergency funding to the Small Business Administration (SBA) to carry out the Disaster Loan Program and deems the coronavirus a “disaster” under this program. The Small Business Administration has published guidance for businesses, and is offering low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) businesses and non-profits impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19).
SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Applicants are encouraged to apply online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ or call the SBA at 1‐800‐659‐2955.
New Federal Tax Provisions
The federal government has provided for an employer to get a federal tax credit for paid sick leave for 100% of qualified sick leave wages paid by the employer and allowed for a credit for certain health plan expenses. Provided for a credit against self-employment tax for an amount equal to the qualified sick leave equivalent amount for certain self-employed individuals. Allowed for a payroll credit for employers for paid family leave for 100% of qualified family leave wages paid by the employer. Provided for a credit against self-employment tax for an amount equal to the qualified family leave equivalent amount for certain self-employed individuals.
Future Resources for Small Businesses
Businesses that want to be made aware of future resources available for small businesses may call Business Link North Carolina (BLNC) to register their interest at 800-228-8443. BLNC staff are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 am 4:00 pm.
Federal and State Tax Filing Information
IRS Information: As of March 18, 2020 the following guidance has been issued by the IRS related to federal filing deadlines:
The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service are providing special payment relief to individuals and businesses in response to the COVID-19 Outbreak. The filing deadline for tax returns remains April 15, 2020. The IRS urges taxpayers who are owed a refund to file as quickly as possible. For those who can’t file by the April 15, 2020 deadline, the IRS reminds individual taxpayers that everyone is eligible to request a six-month extension to file their return. This payment relief includes: Individuals: Income tax payment deadlines for individual returns, with a due date of April 15, 2020, are being automatically extended until July 15, 2020, for up to $1 million of their 2019 tax due. This payment relief applies to all individual returns, including self-employed individuals, and all entities other than C-Corporations, such as trusts or estates. IRS will automatically provide this relief to taxpayers. Taxpayers do not need to file any additional forms or call the IRS to qualify for this relief. Corporations: For C Corporations, income tax payment deadlines are being automatically extended until July 15, 2020, for up to $10 million of their 2019 tax due. This relief also includes estimated tax payments for tax year 2020 that are due on April 15, 2020. Penalties and interest will begin to accrue on any remaining unpaid balances as of July 16, 2020. If you file your tax return or request an extension of time to file by April 15, 2020, you will automatically avoid interest and penalties on the taxes paid by July 15.
NC Department of Revenue’s response to taxpayers and business regarding the filing deadline follows:
N.C. Secretary of Revenue Ronald G. Penny has announced that the North Carolina Department of Revenue (NCDOR) is offering individuals and businesses relief as part of the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The NCDOR will not impose the late payment penalty for income tax due on April 15, 2020 if the tax is paid by July 15, 2020.
The full letter can be found online here:
Unemployment Benefits
North Carolina’s Unemployment Insurance benefit changes due to COVID-19 and information for individuals that wish to file for benefits can be found online at
https://des.nc.gov/need-help/covid-19-information
Businesses that have questions about how to navigate the new changes to the unemployment insurance system can access the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) at:
https://des.nc.gov/need-help/covid-19-information or the call center at 888-737-0259.
Utility Companies
Many utilities have posted information about how they are helping service customers with bill payments, and connection and service. If businesses or individual customers are concerned with services or paying bills, they should reach out to their service provider and see what options are available. Here are links to a few NC utilities with COVID-19 information online:
Duke Energy (Progress and Carolinas) https://www.duke-energy.com/home
Dominion Energy (PSNC): https://www.dominionenergy.com/company/coronavirus
Piedmont Natural Gas: https://www.piedmontng.com/customer-service/covid-19
Frontier Natural Gas Company: http://www.frontiernaturalgas.com/
AT&T: https://about.att.com/pages/COVID-19.html
Other telecommunication companies: contact your local carrier.
Water/Wastewater: contact your local provider or municipality.
UNC System
Information on campus closures and classes can be found online here – https://www.northcarolina.edu/coronavirus
NC Community Colleges
The State Board of Community Colleges approved five relief measures aimed at helping colleges manage expenses and instructional changes during the COVID-19 emergency. The latest information on relief efforts for students can be found here – https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/news-center/news/state-board-approves-relief-measures-community-colleges-during-covid-19-crisis
Public K-12 Schools
The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has a website with information on the department’s response and resources for COVID-19 which can be found here – https://sites.google.com/dpi.nc.gov/covid-19/home. Parents and students may also contact their local school district for more information. Information on NC Remote Learning opportunities for K-12 students and parents can be found here – https://sites.google.com/dpi.nc.gov/remote-learning-resources/home DPI has also published resources for parents to support learning for children birth to grade 2 which are available online here – https://sites.google.com/dpi.nc.gov/nck-3fap/remote-learning?authuser=0
Child Care
NC has set up a toll free number (1-888-600-1685) to connect families in need of child care options with available care.
Internet Access During School Closures
An interactive map has been launched for citizens to find internet service providers who are offering free and affordable options for high-speed internet while schools are closed. The website to view the map can be found here – https://www.ncbroadband.gov/covid19broadband/
Contact Information for All Local Health Departments
Visit the following webpage for contact information for all local health departments in North Carolina – https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/county-health-departments
Scams and Robocalls
The Attorney General has put together guidance for North Carolinians to watch out for scams over the phone or email that falsely claim to be from companies you do business with or charitable organizations. That guidance can be found here – https://ncdoj.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/AttorneyGeneralStein_CoronavirusScamsGuide.pdf
North Carolina State Government Guidance
All guidance and health information for businesses, industries, schools and citizens published by NC’s state government can be found online at https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina/covid-19-guidance
Federal Government Guidance
The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has a website that is updated daily to include all COVID-19 daily announcements from federal agencies in one running feed since March 13. https://www.ncsl.org/ncsl-in-dc/publications-and-resources/covid-19-daily-announcements-from-federal-agencies.aspx
Joyce Krawiec is a conservative activist, former North Carolina Republican Party Vice-Chair, and retiring North Carolina Senator. Christian, wife, mother, small business owner, and conservative. She has endorsed Dana Caudill-Jones for North Carolina Senate.