FOR BUSINESSES
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM
Title 1 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is the Keeping American Workers Paid and Employed Act, which provides relief for small businesses and their employees who are adversely affected by the outbreak of COVID-19. The cornerstone provision is the “Paycheck Protection Program,” an emergency lending facility, administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under its 7(a) lending program, to provide small business loans on favorable terms to borrowers impacted by the current state of economic uncertainty. At $349 billion in new lending capacity, it accounts for the vast majority of the small business assistance provided in the Phase III legislation. A complete overview of the Paycheck Protection Program, including eligible use and qualifications, can be found by clicking here.
ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOANS
The CARES Act made several changes to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program under Section 7(b) of the Small Business Act. As modified by the CARES Act:
-EIDL Loans are available to small businesses in a declared disaster area (all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and the North Mariana Islands have all been declared disaster areas for purposes of the EIDL Program effective January 31, 2020) to cover economic injury resulting from the disaster (e.g., loss of revenue).
-EIDL Loans are processed directly through the SBA, although the SBA may determine to enlist the assistance of lenders for the processing and making of loans.
-EIDL Loans are available in a maximum amount of $2 million, carry an interest rate of 3.75 percent and have a maximum term of 30 years.
-Loans over $200,000 must be guaranteed by any owner having a 20 percent or greater interest in the applicant (the CARES Act removed the requirement for personal guarantees on loans under $200,000).
-The CARES Act also removed standard EIDL Program requirements that the borrower not be able to secure credit elsewhere or that the borrower have been in business for at least one year, as long as it was in operation on January 31, 2020.
-Applicant may request an expedited disbursement that is to be paid within three days of the request. The advance may not exceed $10,000 and must be used for authorized costs but is otherwise not repayable if the EIDL Loan is not approved.
NOTE: An applicant may receive an EIDL Loan and loans under other programs (such as the Paycheck Protection Program described below) as long as the basis for the loans/costs being paid with each are different (no “double-dipping”).
CARES Act: Understanding SBA Loan Programs to Determine Eligibility and Best Fit for Your Company
SLIDESHOW: INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLYING
CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR SBA DISASTER LOANS
FOR CITIZENS
TAX DEADLINE CHANGED
The deadlines to FILE and PAY federal income taxes are extended to July 15, 2020.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STIMULUS CHECKS AND UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Congress has agreed on a $2 trillion economic rescue plan to offer assistance to tens of millions of American households affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Its components include stimulus payments to individuals, expanded unemployment coverage, student loan changes, different retirement account rules and more. Click here for a complete list of FAQs.
