Offers help to those who can’t pay by the deadline
WorkSafeBC issued a reminder to employers that the deferral period for Q1 and Q2 assessment premiums will end on Oct. 20, 2020.
Employers will have to pay their premiums for Q1, Q2, and Q3 in full by this date, and return to their regular reporting and payment schedule going forward.
Employers must log in to their online services account, or refer to their most recent Statement of Account to identify the amount deferred from Q1 and Q2. They would then have to determine the premiums for Q3 by reporting their quarterly payroll – online or by completing a Payroll and Payment Form before paying premiums for all three quarters.
For health and safety reasons, WorkSafeBC is asking employers not to drop off payments at their offices. They are encouraged to use online payment options or mail instead.
WorkSafeBC also reminded employers who receive a CEWS subsidy that they do not have to include the wages of any furloughed workers (i.e., those on paid leave and not working) in their calculation of assessable payroll.
WorkSafeBC said that those who can’t make their payment by Oct. 20 can call 604-244-6375 to discuss an option to pay premiums in monthly installments of a quarter of their outstanding balance.
In June, WorkSafeBC extended the deferral period for quarterly premium payments for an additional three months, without penalty or interest.
The deferral applies to employers who are required to report payroll and pay premiums on a quarterly basis. Employers who report annually are not impacted.
WorkSafeBC’s Policy, Regulation and Research Division (PRRD) previously sought feedback from stakeholders on a discussion paper they released to aid in the process of adding COVID-19 and other diseases caused by communicable viral pathogens to the list of occupational diseases.
