E-Newsletter

Coronavirus response updates: Fairfax County tax deadlines extended

Conducting business operations during the coronavirus pandemic situation and planning for the aftermath presents numerous challenges. The FCEDA is working to assist businesses with access to critical resources and information during this emergency. Visit the FCEDA’s Covid-19 Business Resource Hub for up-to-date information, resources and assistance for businesses.

The FCEDA, like other economic development organizations in the region, is working virtually until at least April 1, and our staff is working full-time with businesses of all kinds to offer assistance and direct them to resources. For direct assistance, email the FCEDA at info@fceda.org, or call 703-790-0600 to leave a voice message for our staff. Click here for resources available in the other nine jurisdictions that make up the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance.

In addition, keep current with the Fairfax County government’s coronavirus-related news, resources and information:

Here is a compilation of Covid-19 related news about local companies; the Fairfax County Government’s latest announcements; and local volunteer and job vacancy announcements.

Fairfax County extends tax deadlines

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a one-month extension for filing vehicle and business personal property taxes and paying the first installment of real estate taxes. The board took this action to assist taxpayers during the coronavirus emergency.

“I recognize the hardships that many in our community are now facing because of COVID-19,” said Fairfax County Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay. “Today actions to extend the deadline for personal property and real estate taxes are but some of the ways the Board is trying to help during this difficult time. We’ll keep working with our community on additional actions moving forward.”

Businesses now have until June 1 to file their personal property with the county. This includes vehicles, furniture and fixtures, machinery and tools, and computer equipment that are located in Fairfax County as of January 1.

New businesses still must file for a Business, Professional and Occupational License within 75 days of the date on which the business begin. Register for a BPOL license online or paper application.

The county extended the deadline to pay the first installment of real estate taxes until Friday, Aug. 28.

Normally, the first installment is due July 28.

The extension will help homeowners who pay their real estate taxes directly to the county. Many homeowners pay these taxes as part of a monthly mortgage payment. The mortgage company then sends the taxes directly to Fairfax County. Homeowners should contact their mortgage company if they have questions.

The county began mailing real estate tax assessments last month; however, the assessment notice is not a bill.

With the extensions approved this week, residents now have until Monday, June 1, to report any changes in vehicle ownership and location, among other changes.

Normally, residents must file these changes with the county by May 1 or face a 10 percent penalty.

However, the 60-day deadline to register any new vehicle with the county – whether newly purchased or moved into the county after Jun 1- remains the same. Vehicle owners can register online.

In addition to these measures, the deadline for seniors and people with disabilities to apply for county tax relief has been postponed to June 1, 2020.

Click here to read the county government announcement about the tax deadline changes. For more information about vehicle and business tax filings or real estate taxes, contact the Department of Tax Administration at 703-222-8234, TTY 711.

Fairfax County government buildings to close to the public 

To help limit the spread of the coronavirus, Fairfax County will close all government buildings and facilities to the public starting Friday, March 27, at 5 p.m., until further notice, according to a Fairfax County Government announcement. However, the county government remains open for business online and by phone and mail.

Closing government buildings will help protect the health and safety of residents and employees, and the move is intended to promote social distancing, a key action to help limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Some specific public services may continue to be provided in-person as determined necessary by county agencies and employees will continue to be able to access these facilities. Nonprofit organizations located in county facilities will receive operational guidance from their partner agencies.

A full list of online service can be found on the county’s Assistance from a Distance webpage. This online portal includes:

Online Payments

Online Complaint Reporting

Online Registrations or Applications

County buildings will be open for in-person meetings by the Board of Supervisors and other county boards, commissions and authorities as required by state law and will continue to be accessible to employees whose job functions cannot be completed remotely.

The Office of Elections will remain open for business during its regular office hours as required for voter registration and by mail absentee application and ballot processing. Voter registration applications and absentee ballot requests will continue to be processed by the county’s Office of Elections staff and in-person absentee voting is available, curbside only, and only at the Government Center.  Voters should call 703-222-0776 upon arriving and materials will be brought out.

In addition, the Park Authority closed all parks and amenities, with the exception of trails.

Fairfax County Public Schools first closed its buildings and offices starting March 13, and schools will now be closed for the rest of the academic year following Gov. Ralph Northam’s order on Monday.

Fairfax County is monitoring this evolving situation to determine when facilities can be re-opened to the public. Residents, and business owners and managers, are encouraged to sign up for coronavirus text alerts by texting FFXCOVID to 888777. The county will send a text alert when government buildings reopen, as well as provide other critical information during the pandemic.

Can your business contribute medical supplies?

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in dramatic increases in demand for critical medical supplies.  Due to this big increase in demand plus supply constraints of producers of those products, hospitals in Virginia are facing the prospect of shortages that could affect healthcare delivery. There is an urgent need for N95 respirators, surgical masks, disposable medical gowns, nitrile/latex gloves, face shields, goggles, and ventilators. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management is asking any company that can contribute supplies to review this information:

  • Register on the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Private Sector Portal to be added to the distribution list to receive future correspondence on the Commonwealth’s actions:   https://bit.ly/VaPrivateSector
  • There is a survey that the Virginia Department of Emergency Management has published to gather information from the private sector on issues they are experiencing and offers of assistance to Virginia (donation, in-kind contribution, discounted).  That can be accessed at https://arcg.is/1amrze.
  • Please email private.sector@vdem.virginia.gov with questions not answered through the portal or survey. Clinical questions about Coronavirus can be directed to 877-ASK-VDH3 or http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/

Local volunteer opportunities during COVID-19

Volunteer opportunities are presently available in Fairfax County, according to the Fairfax County Government Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery website. Organizations seeking volunteers include the Medical Reserve Corps, the official volunteer organization of the Fairfax County Health District (which serves Fairfax County, all towns located in the county, and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church.

Volunteer Fairfax serves as one clearinghouse of volunteer opportunities in the county. Click here to visit the Volunteer Fairfax website to see opportunities to volunteer in the community or donate money.

Volunteer Fairfax requests that if your organization has current virtual or in-person volunteer or donation needs due to the COVID-19 emergency that you fill out this short survey so the organization can promote them to the community. Opportunities submitted should follow CDC guidelines that support keeping the community safe and healthy. Opportunities also can be posted on the VolunteerNow portal, or contact the organization at covid19@volunteerfairfax.org.

Volunteer Fairfax also compiled a COVID-19 resource page with ways to support those in need in the community.