As small businesses recover from the hurricane many challenges must be overcome. There are agencies and institutions which can help small businesses meet these challenges. Below are several links where business owners can get answers as they rebuild. Residential customers can view available help as well.
- Tax Related
- State: Texas Comptroller, 1-800-252-5555
Certain tax exemptions are available for labor charges to repair damages for repairs to non-residential property. Certain extensions are being granted for the filing of certain tax forms and deadlines for related payments. The Comptroller's website provides information on Disaster Relief and FAQs and links visitors to applicable forms.
- Federal: IRS
The IRS has granted certain extensions for the filing of certain tax forms and deadlines for related payments. Some disaster related casualty losses may be claimed on business or individual federal income tax returns. The IRS website provides specific Disaster Related Information and FAQs and links visitors to applicable forms.
- Employee Related
- There are many questions that business owners may have about how to pay employees who have been unable to work and are not eligible to receive regular unemployment benefits. Such employees may be able to apply for Disaster Unemployment Insurance with the Texas Workforce Commission. If there are additional questions, locally the Texas Workforce Commission may be contacted at (281) 983-1100 or on their website.
- Employees may qualify for FEMA assistance. They can apply online or walk in to a FEMA location in Houston at:
- 11500 Chimney Rock, Home Depot, Houston, Texas 77035
- 14567 Sneider Street, Ellington Joint Reserve Base, Building 1383, Houston, Texas 77034
- 10707 North Freeway Home Depot, Houston, Texas 77037
- Financial Assistance for Property Damage and Economic Loss
- For qualifying businesses seeking loan assistance, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may be able to provide guidance and assistance including low interest loans. The SBA website contains a variety of information and links related to disaster relief for individuals and businesses.
- SBA representatives have been assigned to Houston and are located at three Disaster Recovery Centers set up by FEMA. These DRCs are located at the following addresses:
- 11500 Chimney Rock, Home Depot, Houston, Texas 77035
- 14567 Sneider Street, Ellington Joint Reserve Base, Building 1383, Houston, Texas 77034.
- 10707 North Freeway Home Depot, Houston, Texas 77037
- Legal Assistance for Businesses and Individuals
- The Houston Bar Association has a Legal Help Line available daily from 3-5 p.m. through October 1, 2008. The number is 713-759-1133 or 1-866-959-1133.
- The Texas Bar Association has also set up a Legal Line for questions related to property damage associated with Hurricane Ike. The number is 1-800-504-7030. The Texas Bar Association's website also provides many helpful links related to disaster relief.
- Several other organizations are assisting with legal issues related to the hurricane.