New Federal Tax Relief related to COVID
The latest information related to COVID relief is in the form of two new Federal bills that provide extended financial relief.
The Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020:
This bill has several payroll provisions that include a second PPP loan through the SBA (Small Business Administration) based on limited eligibility. The qualifications of this loan are small businesses with less than 301 employees and with lost revenue of 30% or more during any 3-month period of 2020. The expenses covered in this bill extend safety operations and cover supplier costs, facility “modifications.” PPP loans of $150,000 or less are eligible for a much more streamlined forgiveness process.
Unemployment is included in this Act as well. It extends all unemployment insurance programs by 16 weeks, beginning January 1, 2021. Any Federal supplement to unemployment received is also extended expanded for the same period, by $300 per week.
The Bipartisan State and Local Support and Small Business Protection Act of 2020:
This bill provides $160 billion in governmental relief designated for State, municipal and tribes. Additionally, it pushes back the deadline to spend the CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funding to December 31, 2021.
There is guidance included in this bill to provide “liability protection” for businesses. Those businesses trying to follow current health standards, would not be responsible under federal unemployment law due to COVID-19 exposure and working environment changes.