Update: DSF’s Response to the Coronavirus Outbreak
Valued Friends and Clients,
We would like to provide you with an update on our commitment to maintaining all service and business operations during this challenging period. We want to assure you that the safety and wellbeing of our employees and clients and their families are of utmost importance. At Darnall, Sikes, & Frederick, careful planning has been the underpinning of our business since our inception. We have served clients and families in Louisiana and across the country since 1950. As we mark our 70th anniversary, we believe we are in a strong position to navigate all current challenges. First and foremost, we would like to assure you that our service to you remains a top priority.
Our business continuity plans were established specifically to address situations such as this, and we are prepared for employees to fulfill their roles while away from our brick and mortar locations. Our associates are equipped and ready to work effectively in a remote environment, and we are confident that all functions will remain in place and operational, whether at our existing locations or in remote work settings.
We have promoted preventative measures and stayed ahead of the curve on safety precautions. We are no longer holding in-person meetings, nonessential travel and will quarantine employees as necessary. Any “high risk” employees may work remotely. We have placed emphasis on social distancing, respiratory etiquette and appropriate disinfecting practices in our workplace.
Specific procedures for tax returns. IRS and Louisiana has extended tax filings and payments from April 15 (IRS) and May 15 (LA) to July 15 free of interest and penalties and other states have followed suit. IRS will continue to process refunds. In the meantime, we are committed to maintaining our workflow for the benefit of our clients as well as our employees. We encourage you to take advantage of all electronic means to communicate with us and transmit tax data. Contact a DSF team member for details if needed. We have modified our reception area drop off and pickup procedures for “social distancing”. We will be mailing completed tax returns to you unless directed otherwise, in which case we ask that you postpone pickup for the next few weeks or arrange parking lot/drive-by pickup with a DSF team member. We very much appreciate your cooperation and will keep you updated as to any developments regarding our procedures and all tax deadlines.
We know you depend on DSF to partner with you and help guide you through difficult times, and we value that trust and partnership. We are confident we have taken all requisite preventative measures, and that you will be able to depend on us through these trying times.
Sincerely,
Darnall, Sikes, & Frederick