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pay debt the smart way

Paying off Debt the Smart Way

With a potential economic downturn in the wings due to COVID-19, being debt-free is a worthwhile goal. Unfortunately, between mortgages, car loans, credit cards, and student loans, this is unrealistic for most people – especially those of pre-retirement age. Instead, it’s better to start by focusing on managing debt. When you handle debt wisely, you won’t have to shell out every cent of your hard-earned money to your lender or feel like you’re always on the verge of bankruptcy.

These tips will help you get started paying off debt the smart way and help you save extra money to pay down those debts even faster:

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returning economic impact payment

Q & A: Returning an Economic Impact Payment

According to the Treasury Department, more than 159 million individuals have already received their Economic Impact Payments; however, a recent audit found that the IRS sent $1.4 billion in stimulus checks to deceased individuals. As such, many people may have received a payment for a deceased family member or another taxpayer who is not eligible to receive a payment and may have questions about what to do. Here are some answers:

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PPP Forgiveness Guide

PPP Loan Forgiveness — A Step-by-Step Guide

On 6/22/20 the SBA issue a new set of Interim Finals Rules (one of many) that helped to clarify some issues but not all. Here is what you need to know:

As of now, you have 8 weeks (56 days) from date money hits your bank account to spend the funds (Covered Period). But you can elect to start the 8 weeks for the payroll costs from the first payroll period date after you receive the funds (Alternative Payroll Covered Period (APCP)) instead. For those that receive funds after 6/5, you automatically have 24 weeks to spend the funds. Those that received the funds pre 6/5 can elect to use the 24 weeks also.

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preparing an effective business plan

How to Prepare an Effective Business Plan

A business plan is a valuable tool whether you’re seeking additional financing for an existing business, starting a new company, or analyzing a new market. Think of it as your blueprint for success. Not only will it clarify your business vision and goals, but it will also force you to gain a thorough understanding of how resources (financial and human) will be used to carry out that vision and goals.

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COVID-19 Tax News

Self-Employment COVID-19 Relief and Tax Benefits

If you are in business for yourself—say, as a corporation or self-employed—payroll taxes and self-employment taxes are likely two of your biggest tax burdens.

Here’s some possible good news: Congress decided to give you significant relief from these taxes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ll tell you what relief options are available and whether or not you qualify.

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Tax Breaks Help Small and Medium-sized Employers

Small and medium-sized employers can begin taking advantage of two new refundable payroll tax credits, designed to immediately and fully reimburse them, dollar-for-dollar, for the cost of providing coronavirus-related leave to their employees. This relief to employees and small and midsize businesses is provided under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Act), signed into law on March 18, 2020.

Subsequent legislation, the CARES Act, includes a provision that delays payment of employer payroll taxes due in 2020 with half due December 31, 2021 and the rest due December 31, 2022.These same dates and amounts apply to tax owed by self-employed individuals as well with 50 percent due December 31, 2021 and the remaining amount not due until December 31, 2022.

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