Survivors may get some tax assistance

By J.C. LEXOW Staff writer

Graniteville business-owners — and possibly some individual taxpayers — will have one less thing to worry about as tax season approaches.

Gov. Mark Sanford has requested, and received, from the S.C. Department of Revenue the right to offer additional time for those in the immediate vicinity of the accident to file their taxes.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., is seeking a similar action from the Internal Revenue Service, said spokesman Kevin Bishop.

The South Carolina Department of Revenue says taxpayers who own businesses in the area affected by the chlorine leak may be eligible for an assortment of tax relief measures. The relief would extend to those whose returns are prepared by tax professionals doing business in the affected area as well.

Danny Brazell, SCDOR spokesperson, said the relief is being offered mainly to address the problems of business-owners who can't file state sales tax returns on time because they aren't able to access their records. Those reports are due on the 20th of each month.

Extensions for filing returns and paying taxes may be granted, but those seeking relief need to contact the SCDOR as soon as possible.

"We will be very generous in that regard," Brazell said.

Other relief measures available to qualified taxpayers include:

n temporary suspension of enforced collection;

n waiver of penalties on extensions and suspensions;

n free replacement copies of tax returns destroyed by the chlorine leak.

Brazell said while the announced measures should benefit mostly business-owners, individuals who believe the effects of the leak will prevent them from filing any returns on time may also contact the SCDOR.

"Anybody who feels they have encumbered some hardship will certainly be considered for tax relief. We will evaluate each of these on a case by case basis," he said.

Those seeking relief should contact the SCDOR at (803) 898-5709.

Staff writer Philip Lord contributed to this story.

Contact J.C. Lexow at jlexow@aikenstandard.com.

Copyright © 2003, The Aiken Standard