To Our Valued Clients: Updates on Coronavirus

Posted by KerberRose on Mar 19, 2020 9:20:00 AM

COVID-19 Updates: Virtual Client Meetings, Specific “Drop-Off/Pick-Up” Days/Times, and Tax Deadline Extension

KerberRose has always taken great pride in our responsiveness and accessibility, and we know your safety is even more important – as is the safety of our team members and communities. KerberRose is committed to the health and well-being of our clients, team members, and communities so we are voluntarily taking measures to support mitigation efforts of COVID-19. Please be assured we will continue to process and complete your returns by the deadline.

Virtual Client Meetings
Effective 8 am on Friday, March 20, 2020, KerberRose will hold meetings virtually (phone or video) and have specific days/times to drop-off/pick-up materials at your local office. This will be in effect until such time we determine it is safe to change back to our current process. We recognize there may be some extenuating client circumstances, and regarding Audits, we understand there are different deadlines, and extensions are not an option at this time; therefore, the audit team may still be going to client sites when needed.

Fortunately, KerberRose has invested extensively in technology and we are able to provide the same excellent service you are accustomed regardless of a physical location. We are still available to serve you through a variety of methods, and meetings will be “virtual” during this time to ensure your service and communication needs are met. We have several options:

  • KerberRose Client Portal:This can be easily used for communications and exchange of materials. Access to the KerberRose Client Portal can be accomplished by:

    • Registered Clients: Go to www.kerberrose.com and look for the Client Portal link at the top of the page to enter your login information.
    • Unregistered Clients: If you do not currently have a Client Portal set up, please call your local office and ask for assistance setting this up; or email your KerberRose representative for assistance to set this up.
  • Phone: Call us anytime at the main local office number; or if you call your KerberRose representative and receive their voice mail, please leave a voice message and they will promptly return your call.
  • Video Conference: If you prefer video vs. phone, we are happy to do a video conference and can help you with this set-up. Email your KerberRose representative to help get this set-up.

Drop-off and Pick-Up Dates/Times
While we will practice social distancing by having limited employees in our offices, our lobbies will be closed to general traffic. Regarding drop-off and pick-up of materials, as a valued client and for your safety, we are requesting this be done in a limited manner on the following days/times through Monday, April 6 to practice social distancing as recommended by the CDC:

• Monday, March 23: 9 am – 2 pm
• Wednesday, March 25: 9 am – 2 pm
• Saturday, March 28: 9 am - Noon
• Monday, March 30: 9 am – 2 pm
• Wednesday, April 1: 9 am – 2 pm
• Saturday, April 4: 9 am - Noon

There will be a phone number posted on the front door to call, and someone will be available to answer. A KerberRose representative will ask you a few questions prior to coming to the door to pick-up your materials. Please look for future communications should we continue this after April 6. If you prefer, please let us know if you would like documents mailed to you as an option.

Tax Payment Deadline Extension
Additionally, we want to communicate new information on 2019 tax deadlines. The United States Treasury Department announced it is allowing a 90-day extension of the traditional April 15 tax payment deadline, giving most Americans three additional months to pay their 2019 income tax bills. Tax filers now have until July 15 to pay their 2019 tax bills.

The decision to delay payment requirements aims to give businesses and individuals the ability to lessen cash flow issues they may be faced with as a result of the Coronavirus. The extension applies to individuals who owe $1 million of tax liability or less, and corporations who owe $10 million or less. In addition, the IRS will also waive interest fees and penalties during this extension period.

To be clear, individuals and businesses will still need to file a six-month extension by April 15 if they are not planning to file by that date. KerberRose recommends taxpayers who are expecting a refund to still file by the April 15 deadline, if not earlier, to ensure you receive these funds sooner.

At this time, we have not received any guidance on payroll taxes or payments due by trusts. We also have not received communication if 2020 first quarter estimated taxes are expected to be paid by the normal April 15 deadline or deferred by 90 days.

If you are able to file on time, please file your taxes as normal with your KerberRose trusted business advisor.

KerberRose Commitment to Clients, Team Members & Communities 
We are committed to providing you the quality service you expect from KerberRose. As communicated earlier, please be assured we will continue to process and complete your returns by the deadline.

As you’re aware, this situation is rapidly changing, and we will continue to monitor and make changes as necessary to protect you, our team members and our communities. We also ask you to continue to closely monitor your email as we will communicate any further changes to you immediately.

Actress Lucille Ball said, “I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done.” This relates to two of KerberRose’s core values – respect and community oriented. Because we have such high respect for others and our communities, we are purposely taking proactive, preventive and precautionary measures to ensure the safety for you, our team members, and our communities by doing our part in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; rather than be reactive and risk the safety of our clients, team members and communities.

Thank you again for your continued business and trust in us, and please contact your KerberRose representative with questions. We wish you and your loved ones continued safety and prayers.

Respectfully,
KERBERROSE_CC_LOGO MASTER-1

 

Topics: KerberRose, TeamKR, Tax, State and Local Tax, Accounting Services, Audit & Assurance, Succession Planning