Category: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)

  • Eligible Businesses: Claim the Employee Retention Tax Credit

    Eligible Businesses: Claim the Employee Retention Tax Credit

    The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) is a valuable tax break that was extended and modified by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), enacted in March of 2021. Background Back in March of 2020, Congress originally enacted the ERTC in the CARES Act to encourage employers to hire and retain employees during the pandemic. At…

  • New COVID-19 Relief Law Extends Employee Retention Credit

    New COVID-19 Relief Law Extends Employee Retention Credit

    Many businesses have retained employees during the COVID-19 pandemic and enjoyed tax relief with the help of the employee retention credit (ERC). The recent signing of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) brings good news: the ERC has been extended yet again. The original credit As originally introduced under last year’s CARES Act, the ERC…

  • Employers Have Questions and Concerns About Deferring Employees’ Social Security Taxes

    Employers Have Questions and Concerns About Deferring Employees’ Social Security Taxes

    The IRS has provided guidance to employers regarding the recent presidential action to allow employers to defer the withholding, deposit, and payment of certain payroll tax obligations. The three-page guidance in Notice 2020-65 was issued to implement President Trump’s executive memorandum signed on August 8. Private employers still have questions and concerns about whether, and…

  • Possible Tax Consequences of PPP Loans

    Possible Tax Consequences of PPP Loans

    If your business was fortunate enough to get a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan taken out in connection with the COVID-19 crisis, you should be aware of the potential tax implications. PPP basics The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was enacted on March 27, 2020, is designed to provide financial assistance…

  • What Qualifies as a “Coronavirus-Related Distribution” from a Retirement Plan?

    What Qualifies as a “Coronavirus-Related Distribution” from a Retirement Plan?

    As you may have heard, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act allows “qualified” people to take certain “coronavirus-related distributions” from their retirement plans without paying tax. So how do you qualify? In other words, what’s a coronavirus-related distribution? Early distribution basics In general, if you withdraw money from an IRA or eligible…

  • SBA Reopens EIDL Program to Small Businesses and Non-Profits

    SBA Reopens EIDL Program to Small Businesses and Non-Profits

    The Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced that it has reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance programs to eligible applicants still struggling with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The EIDL program offers long-term, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits. If your company hasn’t been able to procure financing…

  • Subchapter V: A Silver Lining for Small Businesses Mulling Bankruptcy

    Subchapter V: A Silver Lining for Small Businesses Mulling Bankruptcy

    Many small businesses continue to struggle in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Some have already closed their doors and are liquidating assets. Others, however, may have a relatively less onerous option: bankruptcy. Although bankruptcy obviously isn’t an optimal outcome for any small company, there may be a silver lining: A new bankruptcy law…

  • COVID-19: IRS Announces More Relief and Details

    COVID-19: IRS Announces More Relief and Details

    In the midst of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Americans are focusing on their health and financial well-being. To help with the impact facing many people, the government has provided a range of relief. Here are some new announcements made by the IRS. More deadlines extended As you probably know, the IRS postponed the due dates…

  • Just Launched: The SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program

    Just Launched: The SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program

    To stem the tide of joblessness caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has officially launched the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The program’s stated objective is “to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll.” What does the program offer? The PPP was authorized under…

  • CARES ACT Changes Retirement Plan and Charitable Contribution Rules

    CARES ACT Changes Retirement Plan and Charitable Contribution Rules

    As we all try to keep ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities safe from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, you may be wondering about some of the recent tax changes that were part of a tax law passed on March 27. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act contains a variety of relief,…