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It’s the morning of July 15, 2020 and as I post this the clock is ticking on the last day of “Tax Season 2020”.  With the  countdown to the end of Tax Season 2020 on the opportunity will pass for a few time sensitive actions on your part:

• Today is the last day you can timely pay your 2019 tax liability with either your tax return or extension and the last day to timely file that return or extension as well.
• Today is the last day you can  contribute to your 2019 ROTH or Traditional IRA. Please click through to read/watch my video blog on this from last week.
• If you filed your 2016 personal income tax return timely and that return included a Health Care: Individual Shared Responsibility payment, today is the last day to file a protective claim for refund should the United States Supreme Court, California, et al., Petitioners v. Texas, et al., No. 19-840 case overturn the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“ACA”)  provision.
• If you filed your 2016 personal income tax return timely and that return included of Additional Medicare Tax and/or Net Investment Income Tax liabilities as indicated on forms 8959 and/or 8960, today is the last day to file a protective claim for refund should the United States Supreme Court, California, et al., Petitioners v. Texas, et al., No. 19-840 case overturn the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“ACA”)  provision.

It seems that those Amazon, FreshDirect and other online shopping site deliveries have brought more that “goodies” to us, we now have a nationwide shortage of coins. Though some have blamed the coin shortage on conspiracy, the shortage is due to the pandemic. Because of the shutdown, people have been spending less overall, which has reduced the circulation of currency and coins through the economy. In addition, due to social distancing requirements, the U.S. Mint had to decrease production of coins during April and May. In June, the Federal Reserve began limiting the number of coins that banks could receive. Some stores, such as Wawa and Kroger, have stopped giving out coins as change.

Maybe it’s time to check the couch cushions, or empty that jar where you’ve been saving all your change? In the meantime, here are some resources to help you keep up with the rapid-fire changes we’re all experiencing.

CARES ACT UPDATES

Second Stimulus?

Although the House and Senate won’t return to work until July 20, there are plenty of rumors circulating about a possible second stimulus, which may be finalized this month. Payments may be less than the initial $1,200 per person, and recipients may be further limited by income, or those who have lost their jobs. To encourage workers to return to work, instead of the current $600 per week boost to unemployment, a return to work bonus is also under discussion.

Economic Impact Payments (aka Stimulus Checks)

The IRS continues to add new updates to its FAQs on economic impact payments. According to the latest updates, the IRS and the Bureau of Fiscal Services is in the process of cancelling the checks that were inadvertently sent to deceased persons. Also, many people who need to file a tax return used the Non-Filers tool to enter their banking information to receive a stimulus payment. However, using that tool means they cannot file a 2019 tax return electronically and will have to file by paper. See below, under Tax Issues for more details about what to do.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

On July 6, the SBA released data on the Paycheck Protection Program. This data release included names of recipients categorized by ranges of loan amounts. However, analysis of the data indicates that the data is full of errors. For example, the maximum loan amount for a one-person enterprise is $20,833, but according to the news release, more than 75,000 solo businesses report higher amounts, and 154 show receipt of more than $1 million. Some people who are listed as having received a PPP loan did not actually receive one.

As a reminder, this program was extended until August 8.

Navigating the constantly changing rules and guidance has been challenging. Alan Gassman put together a summary of the most-up-to-date guidance in this article on Forbes. His article also includes links to free videos that demonstrate how forgiveness works.

The Prioritized Paycheck Protection Program (P4)

We are still following the progress on another bill that is under discussion the Prioritized Paycheck Protection Program. This may become available for those businesses showing a significant reduction in income for the “covered period”. We will keep you updated as “talks” progress. Here are some key points:

• It extends the application deadline for initial PPP loans from June 30 to December 30, or longer.
• Includes stricter eligibility requirements than the PPP.
• Includes carve-outs for the companies hardest hit by the pandemic.
• Disqualifies publicly traded companies from participating.

Follow this link to a great INC Article which details the proposed program.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the SBA

Since June 15, the SBA’s EIDL loan and grant program has been accepting applications. Eligible small businesses with fewer than 500 employees can apply for an emergency grant of $1,000 per employee, up to $10,000. This is also available for freelancers, gig workers and the self-employed. Loans of up to $2 million are also available with interest rates of up to 3.75% for businesses and up to 2.75% for nonprofits. As of July 3, the SBA had approved more than $135 billion in loans and $16 billion in grants.

Over the past few weeks our office has been speaking with clients who have applies for, set up their portals and been approved for these much needed funds.  I urge you to consider this option and also call your attention to a recent video blog I posted with information about the SBA loans associated with your EIDL application. Please click through and please remember this, like the other programs out there may be a great resource for you, but there are specific guidelines for spending the funds.

Employee Retention Credit

The Employee Retention Credit provides a refundable tax credit of up to 50% of $10,000 in wages paid to an employee by businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic. More information can be found on the IRS FAQ page for this program.

TAX ISSUES AND IRS NEWS

As a reminder, the regular tax filing deadline of April 15 was extended to July 15. The IRS advises that even if taxpayers can’t pay their taxes in full, they should still file a return. A new Fact Sheet from the IRS has options for taxpayers to pay their taxes. Several options are available for electronic payment. Payments by check should include the year that the payment is intended for on the memo line. For taxpayers who can’t pay in full, the IRS has several options, including an Online Payment Agreement for individuals who owe less than $50,000 or businesses that owe less than $25,000 in payroll taxes.

Amended EIP Returns

In the rush to get banking information to the IRS for stimulus payments, many taxpayers entered their banking information in the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool. This tool was intended for use only by taxpayers who are not required to file a tax return. The information entered using that tool is considered an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) tax return and counts as an electronically filed 2019 tax return. To file an actual 2019 tax return, the EIP return will have to be amended. According to the IRS instructions for an Amended EIP Return, this will have to be filed on paper by July 15, and should have the words “Amended EIP Return” written at the top of the first page of Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR.

Plan ahead for 2020 taxes if you’re receiving unemployment
Many recipients of unemployment benefits do not realize that the IRS considers those benefits taxable income until they file their tax returns. Federal and state income tax withholding is generally done voluntarily, and state unemployment offices are inconsistent about offering that as an option when benefits start. Federal withholding can be set up using Form W-4V.

WORKING FROM HOME

Zoom meetings are rapidly becoming the new normal, so it’s time to treat these meetings the same way we would treat in-person meetings. Our office has been using video chat software for years and we find it is a great way to “show and tell” or explain a concept.  I wrote this blog back in January when these video-chat’s were NOT the New Normal, click through to read tips for using video chat software … which may feel more relevant to you now .

This article in the Wall Street Journal has seven tips for keeping them professional. In brief: Show up on time. Turn on your camera. Sit still. Don’t eat. Include everyone in the conversation. Shut your door. Don’t multitask.

Workplace stress – even before the pandemic – had been identified by OSHA as a workplace hazard. The worst stress triggers aren’t always the most easily identifiable, but as research reported in the Harvard Business Review shows, it can be the micro-stresses in our lives that are the most insidious. These are the small, typically relational stresses that we may not even acknowledge. Fortunately, the researchers have developed a diagnostic tool for identifying them and provide strategies for dealing with them.

You might also want to re-read my April 28th blog post with what I think are helpful tips about drawing the line between work and home.

LIVING WITH AND AFTER THE PANDEMIC

Going back to work

Some jobs can’t be done remotely, while others can be done from home. Deciding who needs to come back, and who can stay home may mean redefining the notion of workplace fairness. The traditional approach to fairness meant treating everyone the same. However, in the COVID-19 era, treating employees fairly means offering flexibility and options so that each person can do what’s best for their circumstances.

Returning to the office after several months of remote work gives organizations an opportunity to re-think work schedules by considering four key questions. By considering how scheduling impacts employees, employers can help ensure their long-term well-being while making sure the work of the enterprise must still get done.

1. How does my organization’s scheduling practices affect employee effectiveness and well-being?
2. Can we better align our work schedules with the needs, desires, and personalities of our employees?
3. What are the implications of creating customized schedules or giving employees more control over their schedules?
4. Can we effectively balance the needs and desires of both the organization and employees?

Coming back to work may mean coming in close contact with people whose approach to the pandemic may be quite different than your own. Some are ultra-cautious, others are not. A middle ground may be hard to achieve, but this article shares ways to take steps in that direction. Treating each other with respect, and understanding can go a long way.

GENERAL RESOURCES

• Our Covid-19 resource center
• Payroll, HR and benefits company Gusto has put together An Employer’s Guide to Navigating the Coronavirus
• Accounting Today has a special page for articles on COVID-19
• The best source for up-to-date and accurate health information is the Center for Disease Control (CDC)
• The CDC also has recommendations for businesses and employers
• The Red Cross has pointers to help young adults stay safe
• Entrepreneur put together a listing of free tech resources for remote work
• Kiplinger has a state-by-state guide to absentee ballot voting.
• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has warnings about COVID-related scams

We sincerely hope that you and your family are well and remain well. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are all in this together!