As the COVID-19 outbreak in Washington continues to evolve, the City of Burien recognizes the substantial impacts to our local business community. While the actions being taken by the county and state public health agencies are important to address the public health emergency, we know that Burien businesses are feeling the pain now, and we want to do what we can to help.
Burien B&O Tax Payments Deferred for 90 Days
Effective immediately, the City of Burien will defer quarterly business and occupation (B&O) tax payments for businesses for 90 days. This will allow small business owners increased flexibility during a period of financial duress caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. Please continue to file your quarterly B&O tax return statements with the City. Additional information will be provided when the next quarterly B&O tax notices are mailed in early April.
Temporary Suspension of Plastic Bag Ban
In order to protect the health and safety of grocery and retail workers, the City has temporarily suspended the plastic bag ban and paper bag fees. This will allow operational flexibility for businesses and reduce handling of customer's reusable bags by workers during the public health crisis.
Online Resources for Burien Businesses
The City has created a business and employee assistance webpage to provide updates on business resources as they become available, including SBA disaster relief loans, business grants, and state and federal assistance: burienwa.gov/covidbiz. It is important to document the impacts to your business due to the outbreak for potential future relief assistance or insurance purposes.
Take Survey to Help Advocate for More Resources
We are partnering with Greater Seattle Partners and other King County cities on a survey of local businesses regarding the regional economic impacts of the pandemic. The information gained from the survey will inform strategies for regional economic recovery and development, and maximize critically needed state and federal recovery aid. Please help us by completing the survey now.
COVID-19 Response Strategies for Businesses
We encourage businesses to continue to stay informed and prepared for COVID-19. Download handouts outlining COVID-19 response strategies for businesses during this difficult period.
Stay Informed
This is a quickly evolving situation and the King County website is the best source of current information, including new Public Health orders and recommendations.
Please follow City of Burien’s Economic Development social media at facebook.com/BurienEconDev for additional information and to connect with residents and the Burien business community.
If you have any questions about resources, or if we can be of assistance in any way, please reach out to us at [email protected].