As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to affect local communities and global economies, you may have concerns about your company’s financial well-being as well as the well-being of your employees. Or you may be wondering about how recently passed legislation impacts you and your enterprise. We’re providing a high-level summary of some of the key provisions impacting businesses and recommend discussing your particular circumstances with us in more detail.
Relief Available
There are several recently enacted tax changes and new or expanded benefits that might be helpful to you.
Income tax filing and payment deadlines
· The IRS has provided broad relief and extended the filing and payment deadlines to July 15, 2020.
· Estimated tax payments due on or after April 1, 2020 and before July 15, 2020 can wait until July 15 to make the payment without penalty.
Employee retention and payroll tax credits
· A refundable tax credit has been created to assist employers in retaining employees. The credit is computed at 50% of qualified wages paid by eligible employers for up to $10,000 paid to each employee between March 13, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2020.
· Subject to limitations and exceptions, employers of less than 500 employees are required to provide mandatory sick time and paid family leave but are eligible for payroll tax credits to offset the costs. Eligible self-employed individuals also qualify for the credits. Healthcare providers and emergency responders are excluded; employers with fewer than 50 employees can be exempted.
· Employers (including self-employed individuals) will be able to postpone the employer’s share of Social Security taxes through the end of this year. The delayed payments are due in two equal payments, one due Dec. 31, 2021 and the second due Dec. 31, 2022.
Small Business Administration (SBA) loans
· Small businesses are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan grant of up to $10,000. Funds should be made available within three days of a successful application, and this grant will not have to be repaid.
· Small businesses may also apply for a loan through the Payroll Protection Program. This program is designed to help provide capital to cover the cost of retaining employees. If certain criteria are met, the loan can be forgiven.
· Other SBA programs are also available. For more guidance, see SBA’s Coronavirus Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources.
Other business provisions
· Unfortunately, many businesses are facing losses due to the economic impacts from the pandemic. For losses arising in tax years 2018, 2019 and 2020, a five-year carryback is now allowed to help businesses recoup some of their prior taxes.
· Interest expense deduction limitations are more taxpayer favorable. Under prior legislation, net interest expense was limited to 30% of adjusted taxable income. This limitation has been increased to 50% for tax years 2019 and 2020.
· Depreciation modifications were made in connection with qualified improvement property to allow for a faster write-off of these assets. Under prior legislation, this type of property was required to be depreciated over 39 years. Under the recent legislation, this depreciation period has been reduced to 15 years, and these assets will now be eligible for bonus depreciation which will allow for an immediate deduction of the entire cost of the property.
Our Firm is Open to Serve You.
Our firm remains open and available to serve you.
Our Commitment to You.
Whether you have tax or financial planning questions or need advice on ways to navigate the expanded benefits outlined above, we’re here for you. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
During this unpredictable and challenging time, it’s more important than ever to stay connected. We’re in this together and our thoughts go out to all who have been impacted by this unprecedented situation.
Rest assured, we’re here to help with your questions.