Gov. Polis extends deadline for sales tax collection in November

DENVER (KRDO) -- Governor Jared Polis signed an Executive Order Wednesday that extends the deadline for small businesses to pay the state's sales tax.

The order gives restaurants and bars an additional 30 days to pay the sales tax they owe in November. Polis says the latest Executive Order gives struggling businesses a buffer until the General Assembly gathers again and passes legislation to help them.

Colorado lawmakers are expected to soon pass legislature allowing bars and restaurants to retain up to $2,000 per month in sales tax during the months of November through February.

“Colorado’s restaurants, bars, and food trucks are among the small businesses that have been hit the hardest by the pandemic," Polis said. "We all want to keep these businesses open as a vital part of our lives and culture, which is why I’m proud to be working with a group of bipartisan legislators to provide much needed tax relief."

As coronavirus cases rise steadily across Colorado, several small business owners fear they will not be able to handle tighter restrictions.

Colorado Republican Rep. Kevin Van Winkle says many restaurants and bars are also not able to offer outdoor seating during winter.

“We should provide tax relief and allow them to keep their state sales tax collections, in addition to providing other assistance, as a lifeline to help them get through winter," Winkle said.