Sidewalk on Division Ave. N in Grand Rapids. /Tiffany Szakal
Grand Rapids’ city income tax deadline extended to June 1
The due date for Grand Rapids taxpayers to file city income tax returns has been delayed until June 1, the City of Grand Rapids announced Thursday.
Extension of the deadline marks the second time in as many years the city has moved its filing deadline beyond its usual April 30 date. Like last year, the city has done so in alignment with the IRS’ pandemic-related extension of the federal income tax filing deadline past April 15.
All city taxpayers can defer income tax payments to June 1 without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This applies to individuals, trusts and estates, corporations and other non-corporate tax filers, and those who pay self-employment tax.
“Taxpayers do not need to file any additional forms or call the Grand Rapids Income Tax Office to qualify for this automatic tax filing and payment relief,” the City of Grand Rapids said in a statement. “Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the new June 1 deadline, can request a filing extension by completing and submitting the extension form available on the city’s website.”
As of Friday, no announcement from the State of Michigan has come regarding a delay in the state tax deadline. The federal tax filing deadline is now May 17.
Kent County Health Department releases new community health needs assessment
The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) has released its latest Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), it announced Tuesday – identifying Kent County residents’ most pressing health concerns based on resident feedback.
Conducted every three years, the KCHD’s latest assessment found the top health concerns in Kent County to be access to health care, discrimination and racial inequity, economic security, and mental health.
The information was collected throughout 2020, with more than 3,000 residents and 50 community-based organizations participating in the assessment, according to the KCHD. The assessment included the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a community survey, and community-led focus groups. Funding support came through the KCHD and local health care system partners such as Spectrum Health and Pine Rest.
“The CHNA provides a detailed profile of multiple factors that influence population health,” said Maris Brummel, the KCHD’s Public Health Epidemiologist. “Now that this information has been compiled, we will begin the process of sharing the data and using this information in our work to promote a healthy community for all.”
The KCHD and its partners will utilize information from the CHNA to develop a detailed Community Health Improvement Plan to address the top health concerns, by supporting or expanding existing community initiatives and developing new strategies.
Kent County residents are able to join the improvement planning process, with details available on the KCHD’s website. The full 2020 CHNA is also available on its website.
Circle Theatre adds in-theatre, outdoor performances to its 2021 season
After a year of no indoor performances, Circle Theatre announced last week the addition of several in-theatre productions it will be hosting this summer, along with several outdoor productions on its front lawn throughout 2021.
Circle Theatre’s 2021 season marks the theatre’s 69th year of producing plays and musicals for the West Michigan community. It kicks off May 6, with outdoor Circle on the Lawn productions that include the play The Gin Game and musical Always… Patsy Cline.
Indoor productions will then start in July, featuring musical Cabaret, play Noises Off, and musical Hair.
Among other series the theatre is hosting this year is its Movies on the Lawn, in partnership with Wealthy Theatre. The two organizations teamed up last Oct. for screenings of Halloween-themed movies on Circle Theatre’s lawn, and will do so again this year. Screenings will include The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Hocus Pocus.
“Health and safety will be a top priority at Circle Theatre and all state and local regulations will be followed,” Circle Theatre said of its new season in a statement. “Patrons will be contacted prior to productions with any changes regarding the delivery of a production.”
A full list of Circle Theatre’s 2021 events, which also feature outdoor music concerts and virtual events, is available on its website.
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