Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Transient Vacation Rental Unit market, as well as the vacation rental market in general, the Board of County Commissioners for Garrett County has authorized an Accommodation Tax deferral.

 

This decision is a result of the local impact of two separate government orders. First, the Order of the Governor of the State of Maryland, number 20.03.23.01, dated March 23, 2020 amended and restated the Order of March 19, 2020, "Prohibiting Large Gatherings and Events and Closing Senior Centers, and, additionally, Closing all Non-Essential Businesses and other Establishments", and, second, the Garrett County Health Officer declared that “all transient rentals be closed, and not further rented”, effective March 27, 2020, at 5:00 P.M.

 

All rentals must remain closed until the Governor’s orders are lifted.

 

Effective immediately, Garrett County accommodation tax payments may be deferred as follows:

 

Collection Date                       Normal Due Date                    Deferral Date
March 2020                              April 21, 2020                          June 30, 2020
April 2020                                 May 21, 2020                          July 31, 2020
May 2020                                 June 21, 2020                         August 31 ,2020

 

Those companies, groups, and individuals who opt for the deferred payment option will not be charged interest or penalties. Note, however, those opting for prompt payment will not be eligible for a discount.

 

“As a County, we need to help local businesses in this time of need. This is just one small measure we can take to help ease the cash flow burdens many in the hospitality industry are facing,” said Board of Garrett County Commissioners Chairman Paul Edwards.

 

For a copy of the official deferral letter, please visit: https://www.garrettcounty.org/resources/commissioners/pdf/Accommodation-Tax-Deferral.pdf

 

For the most current and accurate information about the COVID-19 situation, please refer to the Garrett County Government’s COVID-19 Page: garrettcounty.org/covid-19

 

Please call 911 only for medical emergencies, not for coronavirus information or questions.