The city of Kent will offer a free training workshop on the city’s new Business and Occupation Tax (B&O) from 9-11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19 in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 220 Fourth Ave. S.
Interested parties are asked to register online at KentWA.gov/CityTaxes.
City auditor Robert Goehring said the workshop is designed to help filers understand the city’s B&O tax reporting responsibilities.
“Participants will learn about B&O tax reporting classifications, exemptions, deductions, gross receipts and square footage tax and how to file online,” said Goehring in a city media release. “Besides filing online, we now offer taxpayers the ability to make payments online and set up taxpayer accounts.”
New for third-quarter filing, a B&O tax return system allows filers to submit tax returns electronically, pay B&O tax via eCheck or credit card, complete and submit previously saved returns and view past returns that were filed online.
Also new is the option of paying online via e-check – with no fee to taxpayer or VISA/Master Card – 2.6 percent convenience fee applies.
“We’ve made some excellent technology upgrades to make filing very simple for the taxpayer. We’re pleased to provide these new options in advance of the October 31 due date for third quarter taxes,” Goehring said. “In fact, we’re hearing the online system is so much simpler, we’re requiring all business taxes to be filed online.
“While electronic filing is required, online payment is an optional feature. The online system is safe, convenient, and assists the filer by automatically inserting information. It is much easier.”
Goehring said there are many good reasons for business to file and pay electronically.
“Over 200,000 Washington businesses file their taxes online using the state Department or Revenues’ E-file system,” he said. “Given the similarity of our system, we believe the benefits they experience at the state level will extend to Kent taxpayers, including 24/7 access to the tax return and payment system, instant delivery of the return, and automatic error checking.”
A computer kiosk is available for those taxpayers without Internet access in the city’s finance department, located on the fourth floor of the Centennial Building, 400 W. Gowe St. The kiosk is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday with staff on hand to provide assistance if needed.
For more information, call 253-856-6266 or email Finance@KentWA.gov.
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