As a reminder, employers whose business has been financially impacted by COVID-19 can take advantage of the Employee Retention Credit, a refundable tax credit designed to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payroll. The credit is worth 50 percent of up to $10,000 in wages paid by an employer. Employers that are eligible for the credit for the first and second quarters of 2020, can apply for the credit when they file their second-quarter filing of Form 941, Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return which is due July 31.
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:
Closing Your Business: A Tax Checklist
More than 100,000 small businesses have closed due to COVID-19. If yours is one of them, you should be aware that there is more to closing a business than laying off employees, selling office furniture, and closing the doors – you must also take certain actions as required by the IRS to fulfill your tax obligations. For example, if you have employees, you must file final employment tax returns as well as make final federal tax deposits of these taxes.
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.
$100 Million in New York State Loans Available Now!
Many Small Businesses, Non-profits, and Landlords May Qualify for Up to $100,000
Pre-applications for the New York Forward Loan Fund are available now with priority going to industries and regions that have already reopened.
With over $100 million in NY State loans available, this is exciting news for qualifying landlords, not-for-profits, and small business entrepreneurs impacted by COVID-19 related financial issues.
Loan Forgiveness Under the Paycheck Protection Plan
As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law March 27, many small business owners were able to apply for – and receive – a loan of up to $10 million under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). If the loan proceeds are used as specified, business owners may apply to have the loan forgiven.
Here’s what you should know about loan forgiveness under the PPP:
PPP Loan Forgiveness Application Released — What is APCP?
As expected, the SBA released a copy of the PPP loan forgiveness application. While there are still many unanswered questions, some have been addressed, as well as providing several shortcuts and relief in other areas.
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.
COVID Job Loss Could Affect Your Tax Situation
If you’ve lost your job you may have questions about how it could affect your tax situation. Here are some answers:
Relief for Businesses with Net Operating Losses
Taxpayers with net operating losses (NOLs) form a business are provided tax relief under the CARES Act. Tax relief for partnerships filing amended returns is provided as well. Let’s take a look at three key points: