For the most up-to-date information from the state of Connecticut on COVID-19, including guidance and other resources, visit the state’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 site.
Governor’s Executive Orders (Updated 3.16.20)
- Effective 3.16.20: The governor revised the prohibition on social gatherings of more than 250 people down to 50 people.
- Effective 3.16.20: The Lamont administration reached an agreement for a two week voluntary shutdown of both Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods casinos.
- Effective 3.16.20 at 8 pm: Restaurants and bars that serve food will be required to only offer take out and delivery services. Bars that do not serve will be required to temporarily close, as well movie theaters, gyms and fitness centers and studios, and physical off-track betting facilities.
Department of Economic and Community Development (Updated 3.16.20)
DECD is working with small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Specifically, the agency will defer loan payments for all Small Business Express loans for three months.
Additional details include:
- The Small Business Express program has approximately 800 outstanding loans with an aggregate loan balance of approximately $110 million.
- The average loan has a five-year remaining term.
- Approximately $5 million in loan payments will be deferred.
In addition, the agency is making efforts to accommodate other affected businesses with DECD loans.
Connecticut Public Utility Regulatory Authority (Updated 3.16.20)
- The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has ordered the gas, electric, and water public service companies it regulates to implement a shut-off moratorium and refrain from terminating utility service to residential customers, except for reasons of public safety, for a 30-day period subject to renewal to ensure all residents may safely remain home during the epidemic.
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (Updated 3.16.20)
- DEEP is closing all visitor centers and facilities associated with state parks that are open to the public and receive significant visitor traffic throughout the day. Examples include the visitor center at Dinosaur State Park and the Meigs Point Nature Center at Hammonasset State Park. The closures are effective immediately.
- DEEP is also immediately suspending large gatherings at all of their facilities and parks. These include, for example, weddings that are held at Harkness Memorial State Park. The agency is typically required to provide custodial and other facilities support for these kinds of events. DEEP is sending cancellation notices to the groups that made reservations for these large gatherings through at least the end of April.
Department of Labor (Updated 3.16.20)
Agency guidance for employers and employees across a range of issues, including unemployment compensation, wage and hour, paid sick leave and other absences, family and medical leave, and more.
Suspension of DOL’s RESEA Program: The state Department of Labor is suspending the federal Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment work-search program effective immediately.
This program involves a more intensive process that mandates recipients of unemployment insurance go to the American Job Centers in person and receive one-on-one help.
The agency anticipated serving 9,030 people this year. Suspending this program will reduce traffic in the centers and help limit in-person contact with the public.
The agency still anticipates reaching its goal of serving 9,030 people this year.
Department of Revenue Services (Updated 3.16.20)
Effective immediately, the filing deadlines for certain annual tax returns due on or after March 15, 2020, and before June 1, 2020, are extended by at least 30 days.
In addition, the payments associated with these returns are also extended to the corresponding due date in June.
The impacted returns and the associated filing dates and payment deadlines are set forth below:
- 2019 Form CT-1065/CT-1120 SI Connecticut Pass-Though Entity Tax Return: Filing date extended to April 15, 2020; payment deadline extended to June 15, 2020
- 2019 Form CT-990T Connecticut Unrelated Business Income Tax Return: Filing date extended to June 15, 2020; payment deadline extended to June 15, 2020
- 2019 Form CT-1120 and CT-1120CU Connecticut Corporation Business Return: Filing date extended to June 15, 2020; payment deadline extended to June 15, 2020
Individuals in the process of preparing their Connecticut income tax (Form CT-1040) returns due April 15, should be advised that DRS will adjust due dates for filing and payment of state income taxes to align with any specific, actionable announcement from the Internal Revenue Service regarding due dates for the filing and payment of federal income taxes.
Taxpayers are encouraged to visit the DRS website for updates.
Those who need to contact DRS regarding their specific situation may email the agency or call:
- 860.297.5962 (from anywhere)
- 800.382.9463 (within Connecticut, outside Greater Hartford area only)
- 860.297.4911 (hearing impaired, TDD/TT users only)
