Small businesses across the United States have all been impacted in some way by coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Forced closures, reduced hours and layoffs have affected employees and employers everywhere. In an attempt to provide some relief and help for small businesses. The CARES Act was enacted to provide much needed help to individuals, business and others in response the economic distress. One of the programs, is called the Paycheck Protection Program. The loan program will allow businesses suffering due to the coronavirus outbreak to borrow money for a variety of qualified costs related to employee compensation and benefits. The CARES Act calls for a portion of the above-mentioned paycheck protection loans to be forgiven on a tax-free basis.

The initial round, in late March 2020 of funding, provided nearly $350 billion guaranteed paycheck protection loans for small businesses. However, these funds ran out extremely quickly. With a passage of the paycheck protection program and health care enhancement act which was recently signed provides additional relief by providing an additional $310 billion more in funding. Here’s additional information you need to know about the second funding of the coronavirus relief loans for small businesses.

Assistance for Smaller Businesses
Of the $310 billion, $60 billion will be specifically set aside for smaller banks and credit unions. The law also expands the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program by $60 billion: $10 billion for grants and $50 billion for loans. This is welcome news for businesses that desperately need funding to weather the economic uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation greatly expands the number of businesses, including individuals who operate as a sole proprietor, or independent contractor (including non-profits). Each business can qualify for a loan to pay employees and other payroll costs and cover other non-payroll expenses like mortgage interest, rent and lease payments as well as utilities. All loans granted will have a 1% fixed interest rate and will be 100% forgiven if the money is used appropriately and within the guidelines set by the SBA.

How Much Money Can I Receive?
The maximum amount you can receive is your businesses’ monthly average payroll cost in 2019, multiplied by 2.5 with a maximum of up to $10 million. If you are a newer business, existing after June 30th, 2019, the SBA lender will look at costs from January and February 2020. Seasonal employers’ costs will be calculated differently, using a 12-week period beginning in either February or March 2019 and ending June 30th, 2019.

In an effort to provide the necessary help for small businesses, the goal of these government issued loans is to keep people employed during the span of the pandemic. The loans will be seen as grants from the government as long as the requirements mentioned above are met. The forgivenesses will be reduced, and businesses will be expected to repay the loan if employee counts and employee salaries are reduced by more than 25% under the Protection Payment Program. If you rehire or restore decreased salaries before June 30th, 2020 you will not be penalized or expected to pay back the loan. Adequate record keeping to prove your expenses will be required and your business will need to have spent at a minimum 75% of your loan on payroll to qualify for forgiveness.

We understand that our environment is constantly changing due to COVID-19 and at SD Associates, P.C. in Elkins Park, PA, we want you to know that we are here for you. From questions about the Payment Protection Program for your small business to financial guidance and payroll assistance, our accountants are here to help you navigate these constantly changing waters. Contact us today for all your needs.