Dealership Sales to Shut Down - 8:00 pm Sunday
/Governor Calls Sales Operations Non-Essential
Governor Andrew Cuomo made a series of major announcements today, including ordering all non-essential businesses shut. The Governor has called this the “most dramatic action we can take”. Part of this Action is to shut down all non-essential business operations as of Sunday evening at 8:00pm.
Here are some highlights of the Governor Actions that affect New Car Dealers:
Dealership Sales Departments Must Close
The Governor has determined that Dealership sales departments are not ‘essential’ and has required all sales staff at dealership facilities to stay home starting Sunday evening until further notice. GNYADA is working with DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder to find a way to let dealers continue to work from home as showrooms must be closed. GNYADA will keep you updated on this and other efforts to accommodate dealers’ needs during this crisis.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The Governor promised strong enforcement of this measure. He indicated he would even order businesses closed if necessary.
Sales Tax Remittance & Interest Suspended
To help alleviate the strain on businesses, the State will not be imposing any penalties, fees or interest for late sales tax remittances. To be clear, the order is not waiving sales tax collection on consumers goods and services nor timely remittance of Sales Taxes to the state. It will simply waive penalties for late quarterly sales tax payment to the Department of Taxation & Finance.
Tax Day Moved to July 15
Earlier today, President Donald Trump announced that he is moving the tax filing deadline to July 15th. Since New York’s Tax Day follows the national deadline, the Cuomo Administration will move New York's annual tax deadline to July 15th as well.
Service Departments Remain Essential, Can Stay Open
Yesterday, the Governor determined that repair shops, auto parts/supply stores, and body shops were essential businesses. Nothing in today’s announcement changes that status. These businesses can remain open and fully staffed.
Essential Businesses Must Adopt Social Distancing Protocol
Mr. Cuomo is also ordering essential businesses to develop a protocol to ensure employees are practicing “social distancing” on the job. This includes making sure employees stay six feet away from one another on the job.
GNYADA Working to Keep Sales Units Open:
GNYADA recognizes that the latest order is not workable for dealers and consumers alike. Consumers nearing the end of a lease, or those just in need of a new car, will be put in a very challenging situation in search of safe transportation options. We will continue to advocate for changes that would allow remote and electronic sales transactions.
Dealership Sales Has Until March 22 at 8:00pm
Finally, dealers have until Sunday, March 22 at 8:00 pm to keep Sales department open working under the previous Executive Order.
GNYADA Is Here to Answer your Questions
GNYADA's Dealer Services staff will be available over the weekend to answer any questions you may have. Call 718.746.5900 ext. 236 for Mark Schienberg or ext. 250 for Susan Bieber.
