City of Oakland – Business Tax Relief; Paid Sick Leave
Agency / Department: City of Oakland
Resource: Business Tax Relief; Paid Sick Leave
Details: In response to this crisis, the City’s Finance Department will waive late payment penalties for small businesses resulting from failure to file taxes due March 1, 2020 on time due to COVID-19. To apply for a payment plan or to seek waiver of penalties due to COVID-19, please call the customer service line at (510) 238-3704 or email [email protected]
Small businesses can receive direct help from the City’s Business Assistance Center by visiting visit oaklandbusinesscenter.com and completing the online assessment form. Staff in the Business Assistance Center will then work directly with the business to connect them with Oakland’s many business support organizations that offer financial products, technical assistance and other services to help local small businesses sturdy themselves in face of the pandemic. Please visit oaklandbusinesscenter.com for the latest information
The City is reminding all workers and employers of Oakland’s voter-approved sick leave benefits. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that workers have the ability to take paid time off when they are sick. Measure FF, voter-approved in November 2014, requires the accrual of paid sick leave for any individuals employed in Oakland. The minimum rate of accrual is one hour paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Employers with less than 10 employees must allow employees to accrue up to 40 hours of paid sick leave at a time and larger employers with 10 or more employees must allow employees to accrue at least 72 hours of paid sick leave. If an employee feels as if their paid sick leave accrual is not accurate, they should reach out to [email protected]
Through the Keep Oakland Housed program, services are available to all Oakland residents who are at risk of losing their housing. In addition to emergency financial assistance to help with rent, utility payments, and other housing-related costs, the program also offers supportive services and legal representation for tenants with an active eviction lawsuit.