Rules committee forwards vacancy‑tax filing‑penalty waiver to full board

The Rules Committee voted July 11 to send an ordinance to the full Board that would permit the tax collector to make certain vacancy tax information public and waive penalties for failure to timely file vacancy tax returns for tax years 2022 and 2023.

Clerk Victor Young read the ordinance. Chair Aaron Peskin said the Treasurer–Tax Collector’s office proposed amendments to waive filing penalties during the start‑up period and to provide outreach to landlords and small businesses. Treasurer‑office representative Amanda Khan Fried explained that the vacancy tax is a new regime that may require multiple parties associated with a single property to file (owners, tenants, subtenants) and that early outreach and a temporary waiver would prevent unfair penalties on businesses that do not owe tax but might be confused by initial notices.

Chair Peskin moved the item to the full Board with a positive recommendation. The clerk conducted a roll call and Supervisors Chan and Peskin voted Aye; the motion passed without objection.

Next steps: item to appear before the full Board for final action.