This week, the Mirror was approached to find out if local workers, lawn service, and construction/demolition guys would have to apply for a Cape Charles Business license and submit their latest tax returns for perusal, or they will not be permitted to work in town.
Treasurer Deborah Pocock told the Mirror that town code states that if the treasurer believes the accuracy of the application would be best preserved by asking for financial records, they have every right and responsibility to do so. Pocock told the Mirror that she does not ask for them from businesses generally, except for most vacation rentals and contractors, “This is because of the nature of those businesses where there is often haphazard bookkeeping which requires substantiation to complete a license application accurately” Treasurer Pocock said.
The issue is accuracy. People may not provide an accurate accounting of how much they actually made, and this metric is used to calculate the license fees. And if someone has purposely avoided getting a license for several years, the town may ask for records then as well.
The town only charges business license fees for the revenue earned within the town limits for contractors who have their home office elsewhere and those providing business services.
A business operating in town without a license is operating unlawfully, see town code below:
Regarding financial records, such as tax returns or financial statements:
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Another bureaucratic economic gouging
This state and towns are full of back door taxing
Contractors file for a permit
Permit at one cost to do business is issued
No further information about the money generated is any business of the town or any other individuals except the owner and his / her accountant for tax purposes