COVID-19 UPDATES AND CHANGES
Updated 3/21/2020
Tax Deadline Delays
- The IRS has moved both the tax filing and payment deadline to 7/15/2020. No further action is needed.
- Most states are conforming to this new deadline. State-specific info here.
Resources for Small Businesses:
- Disaster assistance loans from the SBA: The SBA announced it would offer disaster assistance loans for up to $2 million for small businesses affected by the coronavirus. These loans can be used to pay off outstanding debts, payroll and any other bills they are unable to pay. However, small businesses that have access to credit are not eligible. Small businesses with no available credit qualify for an interest rate of 3.75%, and nonprofits will have an interest rate of 2.75%.
- Disaster loans from the State of California (if you’re not in CA, I will include a link below to various state resources): The state and various local cities are also offering disaster loans to small businesses
- (California) More time to pay payroll taxes: This is another item that is specific to California. “Employers experiencing a hardship as a result of COVID-19 may request up to a 60-day extension of time from the EDD to file their state payroll reports and/or deposit state payroll taxes without penalty or interest.”
- New Requirements for Paid Family Leave: Congress has passed several pieces of legislation adding new requirements for paid family leave. There are also tax credits to 100% offset the costs for employers. Companies under 50 employees can opt out if it creates financial hardship.
Resources for Individuals:
- (California) Benefits for Workers Impacted by COVID-19
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act was passed and signed into law on March 18. It includes several Paid Family Leave provisions for individuals of companies with under 500 work employees. Benefits include:
- 80 hours of sick leave
- Up to 12 weeks of family medical leave for employees who have been on the job for at least 30 days, and who are unable to work or telework because they have to care for a minor child if the child’s school or place of care has been closed, or if the child care provider of that child is unavailable due to a coronavirus emergency.
- Student loan interest and payments suspended