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The V.I. Bureau of Internal Revenue has announced changes to its operations in response to the coronavirus pandemic and in line with Governor Albert Bryan's orders following the governor's state of emergency declaration to address the disease.
The bureau also said that with the tax filing deadline now pushed to July 15, it would not charge penalties for filings on the aforementioned date.
Below, the complete list of changes.
1. The Bureau’s annual Taxpayer Assistance Program, which provides free taxpayer assistance on Saturdays, will be postponed until further notice. The Bureau will inform the taxpaying community when this program will be reinstated.
2. All face to face appointments are cancelled for the next three weeks. Our staff will be reaching out to taxpayers to provide alternate methods of communication during the next three weeks.
3. Taxpayers who need to clear imported goods at our excise tax offices are urged to utilize the online system to clear shipments, or utilize the services of a broker to limit face to face contact. The excise tax online system can be accessed via https//:excise.bir.vi.gov.
4. Taxpayers who need to file any tax returns are asked to file by mail, with a certified receipt, if possible. Include a copy of the return along with a stamped self-addressed envelope in order for the Bureau to return your stamped copy. All local tax returns are due on the usual due dates. Penalties will be waived on a case by case basis.
5. The 2019 income tax returns are due July 15 . Returns filed and paid by July 15 will
have no interest or penalties assessed.
6. Effective immediately, the Bureau’s St. John office will be closed until further notice.
The St. Thomas and St. Croix office hours will be from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Cashiering
services will operate daily from 8:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m., until further notice.
7. Taxpayers are asked to call the Bureau for assistance, in place of face to face visits.
8. The Bureau’s staff stands ready to assist taxpayers via telephone, in order to satisfy their
outstanding tax obligations. Please call 340-773-1040 on St. Croix and (340) 715-1040 on St. Thomas, and use the following extensions and email addresses for direct assistance:
The Bureau said it will continue to review its processes and implement measures that will serve to keep the safety of its employees and taxpayers as its top priority.
