Coronavirus-Aid

In times like these, we know it is now more important than ever to have access to the most up to date information and relevant resources to support you and your business.

ThomasRoss Financial Group and Upward Capital Group are both here to help. We understand what it is like being a business owner during times of adversity. We also understand how complicated and confusing assistance programs can be to navigate. That is why we have teamed up to provide your business a hub with essential resources to help your business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Who qualifies for a Paycheck Protection Program loan?

Meet SBA size standards

Small businesses in certain industries that have over 500 employees but meet the Small Business Administration’s size standards

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, for which the government recently authorized an additional $310 billion (bringing the total to $659 billion) in government-backed loans to help small businesses continue paying payroll costs and certain operating expenses. Business owners can apply for a loan of 2.5 times their average qualified monthly payroll expenses, up to $10 million, to be used for eligible payroll costs, rent, mortgage interest, utilities, interest on certain other debt obligations, and refinancing an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) made between January 31, 2020 and April 3, 2020 (though at least 75% of the loan proceeds must be used for eligible payroll costs). PPP loans may be forgivable, in whole or in part, if certain requirements are met.

Visit the site to apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. Not sure if your business meets the updated PPP regulations? Click here to access the Treasury’s most updated PPP FAQs. Instructions on how to apply for the PPP 7(a) loan forgiveness as well as the application is now available.

SBA 7(b) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)

 For more information please visit their website

Any business (including sole proprietorships, independent contractors and self-employed persons) affected by COVID-19, has less than 500 employees (or meets the SBA’s size standards for their industry) and was in operation before February 1, 2020, is eligible to apply. Private non-profit organizations or 501(c)(19) veterans organizations affected by COVID-19 are also eligible to apply

Those interested in applying must apply before December 31, 2020

Instructions on how to apply for the PPP 7(a) loan forgiveness as well as the application is now available

For more information about SBA approved 7(a) lenders and the application process, click here https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans

A small business must submit the SBA Form 2483 (Paycheck Protection Program Application Form) and payroll documentation

Application: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Paycheck-Protection-Program-Application-3-30-2020-v3.pdf

Borrower FAQ

Instructions on how to apply for the PPP 7(a) loan forgiveness as well as the application is now available.

For more information, please visit https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/paycheck-protection-program-ppp

Disaster Financial Management Guide:

COVID-19 has been declared an emergency by the Federal Government, which may enable requests for federal aid. This financial management guide provides more information on what can be covered, as well as how jurisdictions can properly apply for aid. Learn more

Who is considered an essential employee?

It can be difficult to determine what positions qualify as "essential," and what workers are able to circumvent stay-at-home guidelines. This helpful guide from the Department of Homeland Security breaks down essential employees by industry.

Learn more about essential employees

SBA Paycheck Protection Program resources

The Coronavirus (the virus that causes COVID-19) is having an unprecedented effect on the economy. Through recently enacted federal legislation, there are opportunities for help through U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans.

One of the most impactful is the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), designed to provide access to cash so that businesses can keep paying their employees and other expenses such as health insurance premiums, rent or mortgage payments and utilities.

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 is what you should know about loan forgiveness under the PPP:

Covered Period

The loan covers eight weeks (56 days) of payroll, rent, mortgage interest and utility expenses. Employers must keep employees on their payroll through June 30. Generally, the first day of the covered period is the same day as the loan disbursement. For example, if the loan proceeds were received on Wednesday, April 22, that is the first day of the covered period. The last day of the covered period would then be Tuesday, June 16.

Alternate Payroll Covered Period. If you pay your employees weekly or bi-weekly, you may elect to have the eight-week (56-day) period begin on the first day of the first pay period following the PPP loan disbursement date. In this case, if the loan proceeds were received on Wednesday, April 22, and the first day of the first pay period following the loan disbursement is Monday, April 27, the first day of the Alternative Payroll Covered Period is April 27 and the last day of the Alternative Payroll Covered Period is Sunday, June 21.

Eligible Expenses

PPP loans cover both payroll costs and nonpayroll costs; however, to be eligible for loan forgiveness, 75 percent of the PPP loan proceeds must go toward payroll costs, with the remaining 25 percent toward nonpayroll costs. For example, a business owner that received loan proceeds of $250,000 must use $187,500 of that amount on payroll costs to be eligible for loan forgiveness. The remaining $62,500 can be used to pay nonpayroll costs as specified below.

If your business does not meet the 75 percent requirement, there will be a proportionate reduction in loan forgiveness - not a complete loss.

Eligible payroll costs. Payroll costs include costs for employee vacation, parental, family, medical, and sick leave. The total amount of cash compensation - payroll costs paid, and payroll costs incurred - for each individual employee may not exceed $15,385 for the covered period of eight weeks (56 days) based on an annualized salary of $100,000.

Bonuses can be included if this threshold amount is not exceeded. Self-employed individuals and owner employees can use PPP loan funds to cover owner compensation costs for a period of eight weeks only (8/52 of 2019 net profit from Form 1040 Schedule C).

To count toward eligible payroll expenses, employer contributions for retirement plans as well as health insurance must be paid during the covered period.

CARES Act: Information for Individual Taxpayers

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the stimulus bill that was signed into law on March 27, 2020, contains legislation to stabilize the economy during the coronavirus pandemic. These measures include economic recovery checks for taxpayers, as well as several other tax provisions affecting individuals.

Let us take a look at a few of the highlights:

Economic Impact Payments

Economic impact payments "recovery checks" will be sent to taxpayers in the next three weeks and will be available throughout the rest of 2020. For most people, they will be distributed automatically, and no action is required. Taxpayers might have questions about economic impact payments and answers to some of these questions are provided below.

1. Who is eligible?

Tax filers with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns will receive the full payment. For filers with income above those amounts, the payment amount is reduced by $5 for each $100 above the $75,000/$150,000 thresholds. Single filers with income exceeding $99,000 and $198,000 for joint filers with no children are not eligible.

Eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for either 2019 or 2018 will automatically receive an economic impact payment of up to $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for married couples. Parents also receive $500 for each qualifying child.

2. Where will the IRS send my payment?

Most people do not need to take any action. The IRS will calculate and automatically send the economic impact payment to those eligible.

For people who have already filed their 2019 tax returns, the IRS will use this information to calculate the payment amount. For those who have not yet filed their return for 2019, the IRS will use information from their 2018 tax filing to calculate the payment. The economic impact payment will be deposited directly into the same banking account reflected on the return filed.

If the IRS does not have direct deposit information. The Get My Payment tool on IRS.gov allows taxpayers to check the status of their recovery payment. It also allows them to provide banking information once their return has been processed so that individuals can receive payments immediately as opposed to checks in the mail. Please note, however, that the Get My Payment tool does not allow people to change bank account information already on file with the IRS.

3. What if I have not filed my 2018 or 2019 tax returns yet?

Anyone with a tax filing obligation who has not yet filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019 to file as soon as they can to receive an economic impact payment and include direct deposit banking information on the return.

If you typically are not required to file a tax return. The IRS will use the information on the Form SSA-1099 or Form RRB-1099 to generate Economic Impact Payments to recipients of benefits reflected in the Form SSA-1099 or Form RRB-1099 who are not required to file a tax return and did not file a return for 2018 or 2019. Each person would receive $1,200 per person, without the additional amount for any dependents at this time and includes senior citizens, Social Security recipients (including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients) and railroad retirees who are not otherwise required to file a tax return.

  • Social Security, Railroad retirees and SSDI who have qualifying children will need to take an additional step to receive $500 per qualifying child.
  • Other individuals such as low-income workers and certain veterans and individuals with disabilities who are not required to file a tax return are also eligible for an Economic Impact Payment, but in some cases, may need to file a tax return.

Early Withdrawals from Retirement Plans

Taxpayers affected by the coronavirus can withdraw up to $100,000 and will not be subject to the 10 percent penalty for early withdrawals. Distributions can be taken through December 31, 2020. The amount withdrawn is considered income, however, and taxpayers have three years to pay the tax on the additional income and replace the funds in-kind. If you need to withdraw funds from a retirement plan, please call a tax and accounting professional to discuss how it could impact your financial situation.

Eligible taxpayer. Anyone who has been diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 virus or COVID-19 disease or whose spouse or dependent has been diagnosed with the same. In addition, any taxpayer experiencing financial hardship from any of the following situations:

  • Quarantined
  • Furloughed
  • Laid off
  • Work hours reduced
  • Unable to work due to lack of childcare

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

Required minimum distributions are suspended for tax year 2020.

Charitable Deductions

For tax year 2020, there is now an above-the-line charitable deduction of up to $300. In addition, the limitation on adjusted gross income (AGI) for charitable contributions (2020 tax year only) increases to 100 percent of AGI for individuals. Food contribution limits also increase to a maximum of 25 percent.

Questions?

Do not hesitate to call and speak to a tax and accounting professional today.

Relief for Other Coronavirus-related Tax Issues

Relief for taxpayers facing the challenges of COVID-19-related tax issues is now available through the IRS People First initiative. The projected start date will be April 1 and the effort will initially run through July 15, 2020. During this period, to the maximum extent possible, in-person contact will be avoided; however, the IRS will continue to take steps where necessary to protect all applicable statutes of limitations.

Some of the highlights affecting taxpayers include:

Installment Agreements

Existing Installment Agreements. For taxpayers under an existing Installment Agreement, payments due between April 1 and July 15, 2020, are suspended. Taxpayers who are currently unable to comply with the terms of an Installment Payment Agreement, including a Direct Deposit Installment Agreement, may suspend payments during this period if they prefer. Furthermore, during this period, Installment Agreements will not be defaulted on. By law, interest will continue to accrue on any unpaid balances.

New Installment Agreements. Taxpayers unable to fully pay their federal taxes can resolve outstanding liabilities by entering into a monthly payment agreement with the IRS. Please contact the office if you need assistance with this.

Offers in Compromise (OIC)

Several steps are available to assist taxpayers in various stages of the OIC process:

  • Pending OIC applications – Taxpayers have until July 15, 2020 to provide requested additional information to support a pending OIC. In addition, any pending OIC request before July 15, 2020, will not be closed without the taxpayer's consent.
  • OIC Payments – Taxpayers have the option of suspending all payments on accepted OICs until July 15, 2020, although by law interest will continue to accrue on any unpaid balances.
  • Delinquent Return Filings - The IRS will not default an OIC for those taxpayers who are delinquent in filing their tax return for tax year 2018. However, taxpayers should file any delinquent 2018 return (and their 2019 return) on or before July 15, 2020.
  • New OIC Applications – Taxpayers facing a liability that exceeds their net worth can resolve outstanding tax liabilities through "Fresh Start." Do not hesitate to call if you have questions about this.

Non-Filers

If you have not filed a return for tax years before 2019, it is in your best interest to file any delinquent returns as you may be owed a refund. More than 1 million households that haven’t filed tax returns during the last three years are actually owed refunds and there is still time to claim these refunds. Once delinquent returns have been filed, anyone with a tax liability should consider taking the opportunity to resolve any outstanding liabilities by entering into an Installment Agreement or an Offer in Compromise with the IRS to obtain a "Fresh Start." Please call if you need help filing delinquent tax returns.

Field, Office, and Correspondence Audits

During this period, generally, no new field, office and correspondence examinations will be started, and the IRS will continue to work refunding claims where possible. New examinations may be started, however, where deemed necessary to protect the government’s interest in preserving the applicable statute of limitations.

In-Person Meetings. In-person meetings regarding current field, office, and correspondence examinations will be suspended. Even though IRS examiners will not hold in-person meetings, they will continue their examinations remotely, where possible. Taxpayers are encouraged to respond to any requests for information they already have received - or may receive - on all examination activity during this period if they can do so.

Unique Situations. There may be instances - particularly for some corporate and business taxpayers - where the taxpayers desire to begin an examination while people and records are available and respective staff are available.

General Requests for Information. In addition to compliance activities and examinations, taxpayers are encouraged to respond to any other IRS correspondence requesting additional information during this time if possible.

Help is Just a Phone Call Away

Specific information about the implementation of these provisions is forthcoming; however, if you have any questions or if any of these situations affect you, please call.

High-deductible Plans Cover Costs for Coronavirus

You can use high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) to pay for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)-related testing and treatment, without jeopardizing their status and you may continue to contribute to a health savings account (HSA), retroactive to January 1, 2020.

Health plans that otherwise qualify as HDHPs will not lose that status merely because they cover the cost of testing for or treatment of COVID-19 before plan deductibles have been met. Furthermore, as in the past, any vaccination costs continue to count as preventive care and can be paid for by an HDHP.

Finally, the CARES Act signed into law in late March of 2020, amended legislation to allow HDHPs to cover telehealth and other remote care services without charging a deductible.

Please note that this information relates only to HSA-eligible HDHPs. Employees and other taxpayers in any other type of health plan with specific questions about their plan and what it covers should contact their plan administrator.

Additional Tax Deadlines Extended

As a reminder, taxpayers now have until July 15, 2020, to file and pay federal income taxes originally due on April 15 and no late-filing penalty, late-payment penalty or interest will be due. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this relief has been expanded to include additional returns, tax payments and other actions:

  • All taxpayers that have a filing or payment deadline falling on or after April 1, 2020, and before July 15, 2020.
  • Individuals, trusts, estates, corporations and other non-corporate tax filers now qualify for the extra time.
  • Americans who live and work abroad, can now wait until July 15 to file their 2019 federal income tax return and pay any tax due.

Extension of time to file beyond July 15

  • Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the July 15 deadline can request an extension to October 15, 2020, by filing Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
  • Businesses who need additional time must file Form 7004, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns.

An extension to file is not an extension to pay any taxes owed. Taxpayers requesting additional time to file should estimate their tax liability and pay any taxes owed by the July 15, 2020, deadline to avoid additional interest and penalties.

Estimated Tax Payments

Relief is also extended to estimated tax payments due June 15, 2020. This means that any individual or corporation that has a quarterly estimated tax payment due on or after April 1, 2020, and before July 15, 2020, can wait until July 15 to make that payment, without penalty.

Unclaimed Refunds

There is a three-year window of opportunity to claim a refund from prior years' tax returns. If taxpayers do not file a return within three years, the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury. For 2016 tax returns, the normal April 15 deadline to claim a refund has also been extended to July 15, 2020.

If you have any questions regarding the coronavirus pandemic and your taxes, help is just a phone call away.

Read our latest blog about the PPP, forgiveness guidance, and more. We will continue to keep you updated on the latest information

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