Tag: Paycheck Protection Program

Expanded Opportunities for PPP and the Employee Retention Credit

by Greater Mankato Growth, posted in Business Development, Business Insights & Inspirations, Public Affairs

The following blog post was contributed by Abdo, Eick & Meyers, LLP to assist businesses in understanding how recent federal legislation has changed criteria related to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Employee Retention Credit (ERC).

The COVID Tax Relief Act (COVIDTRA) that was passed late December made drastic changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) for both 2020 and 2021. The most critical changes for eligible employers include:

  • Qualifying expenses paid with PPP funds are now deductible for federal income tax purposes, however, we are still waiting on guidance from most state legislatures regarding state deductibility. This change officially means that PPP loans and their forgiveness will not be subject to federal income tax.
  • Employers may now be eligible for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). Previously, organizations which received a PPP loan were ineligible to claim the ERC. That requirement has been removed and the credit has been extended through the first six months of 2021. To employers that are eligible, the ERC may provide up to a $7,000 per employee tax credit per quarter.
  •  The SBA announced they will begin accepting applications for new PPP loans from limited borrowers beginning January 15, 2021. Minority and women-owned businesses will be able to borrow first-time PPP loans initially, followed by minority and women-owned businesses requesting a second-time loan.  

The COVIDTRA legislation is good news for many employers. There are several critical planning considerations to discuss with your tax advisor to maximize your credit eligibility and avoid missing out on significant funding.  Key decisions that should be discussed include:

  • Applying for a first-time or second-time PPP loan.
  • Applying for 1st round PPP loan forgiveness if your organization experienced a partial or complete operational shutdown or a significant reduction in 2020 gross receipts.
  • Electing to take the Employee Retention Credit for 2020 or 2021.

There are still many unanswered questions about the PPP and ERC that we expect to receive further guidance on from the IRS in the coming weeks.  Additionally, are a few strategies to consider when determining if PPP, ERC or both are right for your specific situation. Be sure to contact your tax advisor to discuss your organization’s relief options and ensure that you don’t miss significant tax credits and funding opportunities.

About Abdo, Eick & Meyers, LLP 

Abdo, Eick & Meyers is a progressive CPA firm that leverages its “People + Process” by partnering with businesses to increase value, helping government audit clients operate more efficiently, and providing the very best in tax planning and preparation services. Established in 1963 in Mankato, Minnesota, the firm has evolved into a mid-sized leader in the regional accounting industry through a combination of steady organic growth and key mergers and acquisitions. Since its earliest days, the firm has carefully listened to its clients and then developed new areas of expertise and service lines to meet their needs. Learn more at www.aemcpas.com. 

Congress Passes Bill Providing Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility

by Patrick Baker, posted in Public Affairs

FromTheDomeThe US House and Senate have passed the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act. This bill grants more time for PPP loan recipients to spend the funds and reduces the amount of funds that must be spent on payroll and still qualify for forgiveness of the loans. President Trump is expected to sign the bill. Continue reading “Congress Passes Bill Providing Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility” →

Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Guide

by Patrick Baker, posted in Public Affairs

uscoc-logoUnder the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) created by the CARES Act, loans may be forgiven if borrowers use the proceeds to maintain their payrolls and pay other specified expenses.

The Treasury Department and Small Business Administration recently released the application form and instructions for loan forgiveness. The forgiveness forms, instructions, and worksheets can be downloaded here.

PPP borrowers must apply for loan forgiveness with the lender that processed the loan.

The US Chamber of Commerce has produced a step by step guide to help borrowers understand the process by which their loan forgiveness amount will be calculated and the overall approach of the loan forgiveness process.

Paycheck Protection Program Forgiveness Application

by Patrick Baker, posted in Public Affairs

FromTheDomeThe Small Business Administration (SBA) has released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application and detailed instructions for the application.

The form and instructions inform borrowers how to apply for forgiveness of their PPP loans, consistent with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).  SBA will also soon issue regulations and guidance to further assist borrowers as they complete their applications, and to provide lenders with guidance on their responsibilities.

The form and instructions include several measures to reduce compliance burdens and simplify the process for borrowers, including: Continue reading “Paycheck Protection Program Forgiveness Application” →

COVID-19 Business Loan/Grant Resources

by Patrick Baker, posted in Business Development, Public Affairs

With COVID-19 hitting businesses tremendously hard, all levels of government and other organizations have made a number of financial resources for businesses available. Below is a comprehensive list of those resources with links to where you can learn more. Continue reading “COVID-19 Business Loan/Grant Resources” →

U.S. Senate Passes Bill Providing Additional Funds for Small Business

by Patrick Baker, posted in Public Affairs
FromTheDomeThe U.S. Senate today passed an additional stimulus bill that will provide $480 billion to COVID-19 related programs, including an additional $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program. The U.S. House is expected to consider the bill tomorrow and President Trump has indicated he will sign.
The bill also includes:
  • $60 billion for smaller lending facilities, including minority depository institutions, certified development companies and credit unions;
  • $10 billion for grants under the SBA’s Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Loan program;
  • $50 billion for SBA disaster recovery loans;
  • $2.1 billion for additional salaries and expenses for the Small Business Administration;
  • $75 billion for hospitals and health care providers to support for Covid-19 expenses and lost revenue from canceled elective surgeries and other procedures;
  • $25 billion for research to develop, validate, manufacture, purchase and administer Covid-19 tests, including $11 billion for states to expand lab capacity.

UPDATED: Paycheck Protection Program

by Patrick Baker, posted in Business Development, Public Affairs

FromTheDomeOn March 27, President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This bill will provides significant support to businesses. The signature piece of the new law is the “Paycheck Protection Program” which will provide $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid COVID-19 and economic downturn. This new program provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses who maintain their payroll during this emergency.  Importantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward.

UPDATED: Businesses will be able to apply for these forgivable loans starting April 3rd through most all local banks. The U.S. Treasury Department has issued preliminary guidance that you can view HERE. You can view the fully Treasury website on the program here.

In addition, our friends at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have prepared an easy-to-understand checklist to guide businesses and self-employed individuals through this new program as they prepare to file for a loan.