COVID-19 Update and Resources

The Thomas Howell Ferguson Blog

Q&A from the May 12th FREDA ARPA Webinar

As the Treasury recently announced their launch of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, we know that there’s going to be questions on how to prepare for them, how they can be used, and much more. FREDA previously hosted a Planning for the American Rescue Plan Act Funds: Lessons Learned from the CARES […]

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What Renters Should Know about the Emergency Rental Assistance Program

What should renters know about the Emergency Rental Assistance Program? The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 passed Congress with strong bipartisan support. President Trump signed it into law on December 27, 2020.  To sum up, this relief package provides critical support to the American people and will further strengthen our economic recovery. President Trump signed the […]

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CARES Act II – Emergency Rental Assistance Program Q&A

Recently, Municode hosted a webinar on the CARES Act II – Emergency Rental Assistance Program. THF’s Steve Stevens and Government Services Group (GSG)’s Dave Jahosky had the opportunity to be panelists on this virtual discussion. There were great questions about the new CARES Act funding being provided by the IRS Treasury during the session. Continue […]

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What Governments Should Know about the CARES Act Relief Package

What should governments know about the CARES Act and the Supplemental Appropriations Act relief package? The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 passed Congress with strong bipartisan support. President Trump signed it into law on December 27, 2020.  To sum up, this relief package provides critical support to the American people and will further strengthen our economic […]

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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Second Draw Q&A

In December, Congress passed a bill allotting $284 billion in new funding. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Second Draw will provide the hardest-hit businesses a chance at a second loan. The PPP 2.0 makes other changes too, including eligibility and limits for some loan sizes. Dennis Gallant answers some commonly asked questions on the Second […]

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Key Takeaways from the Second Round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

What are the key takeaways from the second round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)? The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) 2021 permits certain small businesses who received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan and experienced a 25% reduction in gross receipts to take a PPP Second Draw Loan of up to $2 million. Who is […]

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FEMA Public Assistance Guidance Release

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released its updated Public Assistance Guidance for COVID-19 reimbursable expenditures under the Public Assistance Program.  The guidance is meant to clarify these parameters, particularly in relation to emergency protective measures. As of September 15, FEMA may provide assistance only for the following emergency protective measures in response to […]

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Maximize the Use of Your CARES Act & Minimize Disallowance Webinar

Our very own Steve Stevens had the opportunity to speak on how the CARES Act funding can positively and quickly impact your community, local government responsibilities, federal regulations and guidelines, allowable costs, ineligible costs, and more! Check out the full webinar here. […]

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Modifications to the Main Street Lending Program Expands Eligibility to Not-For-Profits

On Friday, July 24th, the Federal Reserve Board released modifications to the Main Street Lending Program that will provide greater access to credit for not-for-profit organizations.  The Board approved two new loan options to provide support to a broad set of not-for-profit organizations that were in sound financial condition prior to the pandemic.  The Board […]

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CARES Act Funding Overview Webinar

Our very own Steve Stevens had the opportunity to speak on the overview of the CARES Act Funding.  Check out the full webinar here, or you can read some of the notes from the session below. CARES Act Local Government Program Process for counties to receive CARES funding Counties accessed disbursement using the DEM Grants Management […]

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The CARES Act’s Impact on Retirement Plans

Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic (CARES) Act on March 27, 2020.  The CARES Act includes provisions that impact retirement plans of all types.  Continue reading to learn more about the key CARES Act provisions passed. Coronavirus-Related Distribution This is a new distribution category that may be added to existing plans. Plans may […]

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FEMA Reimbursement for COVID-19 Expenses for Private Non-Profits Webinar

In case you missed the webinar today on FEMA Reimbursement for COVID-19 Expenses, we have included information below that was discussed.  In the webinar, we also spoke about the CARES Act and the Employee Retention Credit. You can access the FEMA Reimbursement for COVID-19 Expenses for Private Non-Profits presentation at the link below. FEMA Reimbursement […]

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How Does the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (PPPFA) Impact My Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan?

Recently, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (PPPFA), was signed into law.  This gives borrowers additional time and flexibility to use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan proceeds. The PPPFA is intended to serve as an additional boost for small businesses trying to muscle through this pandemic-induced economic crisis. Continue reading to see how your business […]

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FEMA Updates on Preparedness for Hurricane Season During COVID-19

We are officially in hurricane season, and we already have had three named storms. Organizations who don’t quickly adapt their emergency preparedness plans could face catastrophic losses during this season. But, what steps should you take and what could you do to adapt when there is a national emergency because of COVID-19? FEMA has released […]

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What Costs May Be Reimbursable By FEMA for COVID-19?

What Costs May Be Reimbursable By FEMA for COVID-19? All major disasters can lead to some form of political, social, and economic consequence. Normally these events are confined to a region of the country and regions within the respective states impacted. COVID-19 is not normal and has impacted all sectors of the economy including governments […]

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CARES Act Relief for Not-For-Profit Organizations – Employee Retention Credit

If your organization was not able to receive money through the Paycheck Protection Program, you may be able to claim an Employee Retention Tax Credit! The CARES Act supports certain employers that operate a business during 2020 and retain their employees with an employee retention tax credit, despite experiencing economic hardship related to COVID-19. Like other eligible employers, […]

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What Costs Are Eligible for Loan Forgiveness Through the Payroll Protection Program (PPP)?

Borrowers can be eligible for loan forgiveness for eligible payroll costs and eligible nonpayroll costs through the Payroll Protection Program (PPP). Borrowers are generally eligible for forgiveness for the payroll costs paid and payroll costs incurred during the eight week (56-day) covered period.  Payroll costs are considered paid on the day that paychecks are distributed, […]

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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – Payroll Costs Q&A

Additional answers have been posted by the SBA pertaining to the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) payroll costs.  Here is a sample of questions and answers that have been posted. Do PPP loans cover paid sick leave under payroll costs? What period of time should borrowers use to determine their number of employees and payroll costs […]

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Senator Marco Rubio Discusses PPP Loan Forgiveness with CPAs

Today, United States Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) held a town hall on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness process. The town hall was held with the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accounts’ (FICPA) leadership and board.  During the town hall, the Senator discussed specific federal responses to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The topic included details […]

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Private Nonprofits Eligible for FEMA Reimbursement

Are you wondering if your private nonprofit is eligible for FEMA reimbursement?  This chart will help you determine if seeking reimbursement from FEMA may be an option for your organization. Additional information can be found in our COVID-19 Resources Center.  For questions, please email our emergency management team leader Steve Stevens at sstevens@thf-cpa.com. […]

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Private Nonprofit Work Eligible for FEMA Reimbursement

Under the Stafford Act, eligible emergency protective measures taken by private nonprofits to respond to the COVID-19 emergency may be eligible for FEMA reimbursement. In this situation, reimbursement would fall under category B of FEMA’s Public Assistance program. Please remember that this is at the direction or guidance of public health officials. How does FEMA […]

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Do Private Nonprofit Organizations Qualify for FEMA Reimbursement?

During this pandemic, many nonprofit organizations are trying to understand if they qualify to receive reimbursement from FEMA.  Here are a few things to consider if you work for a nonprofit or sit on a board of a nonprofit. What is the criteria to be an eligible private nonprofit for FEMA reimbursement? To be an […]

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Payroll Protection Program (PPP) – Deductible Expenses – Loan Forgiveness

Business owners are wondering if their Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan will affect their deductions when they file their tax returns and what portions of the loan will be deductible.  Here is an update from our COVID-19 team leaders on this issue. Late yesterday evening, the IRS released guidance regarding the deductibility of certain expenses businesses […]

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How Does Gross Income Affect Expenses Forgiven Under the PPP?

How does gross income affect expenses that can be forgiven under the Payroll Protection Program (PPP)? Under the Cares Act, a recipient of a covered loan can receive forgiveness on the loan (covered loan forgiveness) in an amount equal to the sum of payments made for the following expenses during the 8-week “covered period” beginning […]

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What is the Status of My Stimulus Check from the IRS?

Are you trying to check the status of your stimulus check from the IRS?  Here is a way that you can check on the status of your Economic Impact Payment. This link will give you information about: Your payment status Your payment type Whether the IRS needs more information from you, including bank account information […]

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CARES Act – Employers Can Claim an Employee Retention Tax Credit

Were you able to receive relief from the small business loans offered through the CARES Act? If the answer is no, you may be able to claim an Employee Retention Tax Credit! The CARES Act supports certain employers that operate a business during 2020 and retain their employees with an employee retention tax credit, despite […]

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Will my business be audited if I take the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan?

Will there be an audit of my business if I take the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan? Business owners are wondering if their companies will be audited if they take the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. The Treasury Secretary, Steven Mnuchin, said that the government will perform a full audit on any company taking out […]

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What Should Veterans Do To Get Their Stimulus Money?

What should veterans do to get their stimulus money from the IRS? How do they get their money for their dependents? The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued a special alert for Supplemental Security Income and Department of Veterans Affairs beneficiaries. If they didn’t file a tax return in 2018 or 2019 and have dependents, they […]

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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – Payroll Costs

While there is a lot of speculation surrounding payroll costs as they pertain to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), below are answers to questions that we have at this time.  The most important thing to remember if you apply for this program is to document, document, document. What qualifies as “payroll costs” under the Payment […]

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Q&A on the CARES Act and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

In partnership with the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, THF CPAs, Canita Gunter Peterson and Andrea Medley, held a webinar to discuss relevant issues pertaining to the CARES Act and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and provided a Q&A session.  You can watch the video above or read the transcription below.   In late March, the […]

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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Q&A

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has released an additional Q&A update of Frequently Asked Questions surrounding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).  A few questions asked in the FAQ update include: Are small business concerns (as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 632) required to have 500 or fewer employees […]

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Senate Votes to Push Additional Money to Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

On Tuesday afternoon, the Senate agreed on a $484 billion Coronavirus relief package for small businesses, hospitals, and testing.  The House could approve the bill as early as Thursday. What does this deal include? $310 billion total for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), with $250 billion unrestricted and $60 billion set aside for smaller institutions. […]

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Senator Rick Scott Meets with CPAs to Focus on PPP Loans

United States Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) participated in a virtual town hall with the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ (FICPA) leadership and board members, including THF Shareholder and current FICPA Board member, Julian Dozier, on April 21, 2020. Also participating in the call was THF Director, Steve Stevens, former President of the FICPA’s Board. Topics included: […]

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Will there be additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)?

Will there be additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)? Members of the Senate began nearing a deal on Sunday that would bring an additional $370 billion into loan programs for small businesses.  Talks were sparked after the initial $349 billion ran out of money on Thursday. Of this amount, $310 billion will be […]

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How have the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds been spent so far?

Are you interested in learning more about how the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans have been spent so far?  You can check for updates on the SBA site here. How much of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans have been approved so far? As of April 16, 2020, the loan count was 1,661,367 with net […]

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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – Legal Gaming Eligible for PPP Loan?

A business that is otherwise eligible for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan is not rendered ineligible due to its receipt of legal gaming revenues if the existing standard in 13 CFR 120.110(g) is met or the following of two conditions are satisfied: The business’s legal gaming revenue (net of payouts but not other expenses) […]

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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Lender Allowed to Apply for a PPP Loan?

Unlike other SBA loan programs, the financial terms for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans are uniform for all borrowers.  The standard underwriting process does not apply because no creditworthiness assessment is required for PPP loans. Consequently, there is no meaningful risk of underwriting bias or below-market rates and terms.  It has also been recognized that […]

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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – Documentation for Loan Forgiveness

What documents do I need to provide for loan forgiveness for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)? If you have employees, you should submit Form 941 and state quarterly wage unemployment insurance tax reporting forms, or your equivalent payroll processor records that best correspond to the covered period.  This should also include evidence of any retirement […]

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How Much of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Will Be Eligible for Forgiveness?

How Much of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Will Be Eligible for Forgiveness? The amount of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness can be up to the full principle amount of the loan, plus any accrued interest.  The actual amount of loan forgiveness will depend, in part, on the total amount spent over […]

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