By Amy Irvine, CFP®, EA, MPAS®, CCFC and Kate Welker, CFP®
With all of the closings that have been mandated as a result of COVID-19 along with requirements to stay in, many small business owners are worried about their operations. If you are a small business owner you are probably wondering how you are going to keep your business sustainable long term, provide for your employees, and provide for your own needs. Thankfully there has been a lot of legislation passed and the CARES act expanded and added benefits for small business owners. There is a lot of information out there so we wanted to summarize what these different benefits are, who qualifies, and what the effect is.
Unemployment
Who is eligible:
If you are self employed and have had to close your business due to the pandemic you will be able to file for unemployment benefits.
Self employed individuals who were generally not able to collect unemployment benefits are now eligible.
How to file:
You will file with your state’s unemployment division.
How much?
You will receive the payment you are eligible for under your state’s guideline, plus the $600 weekly benefit from the federal government.
More details:
You will need to login in weekly to provide an update on your status.
This is taxable income so keep that in mind as you keep your books throughout the year and prepare for filing the 2020 tax returns.
This topic will be further explored in Friday’s blog release.
Employee Retention Credit
What it is:
A credit against the employer’s portion of payroll taxes
Who is eligible:
A business that has had to close or suspend operations or has had a significant decrease in revenue and continues to pay employees. A significant decrease means your quarterly gross receipts are down 50%.
If there are over 100 employees the credit only applies if the business has been mandated to close.
How to file:
We are waiting on final details as to how this will be claimed.
How much?:
The credit is 50% of compensation paid up to $10,000 per employee. It will be a refundable credit against payroll taxes.
More details:
The credit will be determined on a quarter by quarter basis as long as the business remains closed or gross receipts continue to be down by 50%.
This also allows employers to defer payment of the employer’s portion of payroll taxes. Half would be due in 2021 and half would be due in 2022.
If you take the Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Loan you are NOT eligible for this credit.
SBA Paycheck Protection Loan
What it is:
A forgivable loan to cover payroll and basic operating expenses.
Who is eligible:
Employers with under 500 employees, including self-employed sole proprietors, IF you retain the same number of employees.
This includes the “gig economy” workers as well.
Sole proprietors and Independent Contractors - wages, commissions, income or net earnings from self-employment is included and capped at $100,000 on an annual basis
How to apply:
These loans will be done through local banks who are approved with the SBA.
Check with your normal bank and if they do not participate check with others in your area.
How much:
8 weeks of cash-flow
250% of average monthly wages and salary (calculated monthly average over the past 12 months).
Seasonal employers use the 12-week period beginning February 15, 2019 (or March 1st if elected) to June 30, 2019.
More Details:
The funds are to be used to pay for payroll expenses including healthcare benefits, rent, mortgage interest, and utilities, Rent/lease, and utilities.
All or a portion is forgivable if the business uses the loan funds to pay for the covered expenses in the 8 week period after the loan is taken.
Updated 04/01/2020 - Unforgiven amounts have a maximum term of 2 year term and 1 year deferment, but interest accrues during that time.
Updated 04/09/2020 - Interest rate may not exceed 1% on Non-Forgivable portion
The fees for this loan are being waived
The fees for this loan are being waived
Personal guarantee and collateral requirements are being waived
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan
What it is:
A small business loan to offer financial assistance due to COVID-19
Also known as EIDL
Immediate advance of $10,000 - provide advance within 3 days of request; never has to be repaid, even if you’re denied a SBA loan.
Update 04/09/2020 - this will be limited to $1,000 per employee, with a maximum of $10,000. Sole Proprietorship will be considered 1 employee.
Use of Funds - Overhead/Operating Expenses
Payroll (including owner payments)
Insurance
Rent
Utilities
Phone/Internet
Office Expenses
Repairs and Maintenance
Fixed Debts
Who is eligible:
Small business owners who have suffered economic injury as a result of the virus.
501c3 or 501c19 non-for-profit
Who is not eligible:
Agricultural Businesses (Farms)
Religious Organizations
Charitable Organizations
Gambling Concerns
Casinos and Racetracks
How to apply:
For the immediate advance, apply at https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/
Through the Small Business Administration. The application can be found at https://www.sba.gov/disaster/apply-for-disaster-loan/index.html. There was an online application but due to high demand it seems to be requiring a paper application be submitted.
How much:
Up to $2 million with a guaranteed rate of no more than 4%.
More Details:
6-months of working capital
Maximum Loan $2M
3.75% interest rate
Up to 30-Year Term
1-Year Deferment
Funds are to be used for payroll including paid sick leave, rent, mortgage, debt payment, accounts payable, and other bills.
You will need to prove economic injury
Funds come direct from the US Treasury
There is authorization to approve based off credit score alone
Apply directly to the SBA
Other Notable Small Business Provisions
Employers and self-employed individuals can defer payment of the employer share of the social security tax - half due by 12/31/2021 and the other half due by 12/31/2023
If you have a current SBA Loan - 6 months deferment principal and interest - talk to your lender.
You can’t take a loan under multiple programs for the same expenses.
Want more credible information - watch this webinar: https://www.uschamber.com/co/events/national-small-business-town-hall-inc-us-chamber
Sole Proprietorship Options
EIDL
PPP (for your income)
Unemployment
Can not receive Unemployment and Loans
Can apply for both loans, but can’t use the funds for the same expenses
January 23, 2020 the business must have been in operation
Active Payroll prior 2/15/2020