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The Thomas Howell Ferguson Blog

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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How to Avoid Post-Disaster Scams

Criminals and scammers often try to take advantage of the generous donors who want to help disaster victims. These scams often pop up after a hurricane, wildfire, or other disaster. This year, with the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone should be vigilant. So, how do these scams start? Disaster scams normally start with unsolicited contact. The scammer […]

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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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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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Effective Dates Delayed for Some Accounting Standards Updates

In response to uncertainties surrounding COVID-19, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) voted on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, to extend the effective date for certain Accounting Standards Updates (ASU). Following is a summary of the FASB’s actions from that meeting. Revenue Recognition ASU The effective date of the FASB revenue recognition ASU has been extended […]

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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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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) 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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How Can PPP Loans Be Used By Individuals With Income From Self-Employment Who File a 2019 Form 1040, Schedule C?

The proceeds of a PPP loan are to be used for the following. Owner compensation replacement, calculated based on 2019 net profit. Employee payroll costs (as defined in the First PPP Interim Final Rule) for employees whose principal place of residence is in the United States, if you have employees. Mortgage interest payments (but not […]

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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – How do I calculate the maximum amount I can borrow?

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – How do I calculate the maximum amount I can borrow? How you calculate your maximum loan amount depends upon whether or not you employ other individuals.  If you have no employees, the following methodology should be used to calculate your maximum loan amount: Step 1: Find your 2019 IRS Form […]

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Am I Eligible for the PPP If I Have Income From Self-Employment and File a Form 1040, Schedule C?

Am I eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan if I have income from self-employment and file a Form 1040, Schedule C? You are eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan if: You were in operation on February 15, 2020; You are an individual with self-employment income (such as an independent contractor or […]

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Is There An Extension for 990 Forms?

Is there an extension for 990 Forms?   The IRS and the Department of Treasury released Notice 2020-18 on March 20th in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. At first glance, this notice had little impact on tax-exempt organizations and not-for-profits. The Notice 2020-18 applied exclusively to income tax returns and payments due on April 15, 2020, postponing […]

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Tax Deadline Extension to Cover Individuals, Trusts, Estates, and Corporations

Has the tax deadline been extended to cover individuals, trusts, estates, and corporations? To help taxpayers, the Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service announced that Notice 2020-23 extends additional key tax deadlines for individuals and businesses. Last month, the IRS announced that taxpayers generally have until July 15, 2020, to file and pay […]

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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Q&A

Information about the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is changing rapidly.  Because it is changing so quickly, we want to remind you of the importance of checking your sources.  For this reason, we are providing the link to a great resource from the Small Business Administration (SBA), their FAQ page.  You can find their Paycheck Protection […]

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What is the Main Street Lending Program from the Federal Reserve?

What is the Main Street Lending Program from the Federal Reserve? The Federal Reserve has taken additional actions to provide up to $2.3 trillion in loans to support the economy. This funding will assist households and employers of all sizes and bolster the ability of state and local governments to deliver critical services during the […]

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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Can the Loan Be Forgiven?

Can my Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan be forgiven in whole or in part? Can my Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan be forgiven? Yes. The amount of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness can be up to the full principal amount of the loan and any accrued interest. That is, the borrower will not […]

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Recommendations for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Application Documents

AICPA Recommendations for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Application Documents The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is the world’s largest member association representing the accounting profession.  As members, we closely follow their guidance. The AICPA-led Coalition, and other key stakeholders – collectively representing 44K CPA firms, 2.5M small businesses and 30M employees – have […]

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CARES Act – Things You Need To Know – Get The Facts

Payment Protection Program (PPP) – This is a program that was included in the CARES Act and was enacted into law on March 27, 2020.  This is an 800+ page bill.  Here are a few fast facts to highlight things you need to know now, especially if you decide it makes the most sense for […]

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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – Loan Details

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan can help many businesses, but what are the loan details? Check out the specifics below. What is the interest rate on a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan? The interest rate will be 100 basis points or one percent. The Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary, determined that a one […]

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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – How much can I borrow?

I have determined that I am eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). How much can I borrow? Under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the maximum loan amount is the lesser of $10 million or an amount that you will calculate using a payroll-based formula specified in the CARES Act, as explained below. How do […]

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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – Can I be ineligible even if I meet the requirements?

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Eligibility Requirements You are eligible if you are: A small business with fewer than 500 employees A small business that otherwise meets the SBA’s size standard A 501(c)(3) with fewer than 500 employees An individual who operates as a sole proprietor An individual who operates as an independent contractor An individual […]

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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – Impact on Business

In this time of rapidly changing information, we are here to provide answers to some of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) questions businesses have. What is the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)? The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is intended to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll.  Loans guaranteed under […]

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SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)

In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) advance of up to $10,000. This advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available […]

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