The $2 trillion Phase III Stimulus package couldn’t come soon enough for many small businesses affected by the coronavirus economic shutdown. Scouring multiple news sources, here is the information we have gleaned from the law that could apply to your business. (And of course, companies should consult with their own financial advisors and tax consultants on the law.)
What’s in the stimulus package for small businesses?
The bipartisan legislation signed into law by President Trump today sets aside hundreds of billions of dollars in available funds specifically for small businesses to obtain loans from the federal government. The program has $350 billion in loans that will be specifically administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA). This $350 billion “Paycheck Protection Program” is separate from the $50 billion in SBA loans that was put into law several weeks ago as part of the Phase II Stimulus package. Moreover, there is another $454 billion that will be administered by a new lending agency managed by Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin. Other major industries, including the airlines and companies linked to national security, will have separate funds available.
Who qualifies and how do you get a loan?
Any small non-profit business with fewer than 500 employees is eligible for a loan. To obtain a loan, qualifying small businesses are asked to simply go to their local FDIC-insured bank. Indeed, speaking to reporters yesterday, Mnuchin said small businesses in many cases will be able to walk out of the bank with the money in hand in one day. In an effort to eliminate red tape, there is no hefty government website application. The loans are not like previous SBA loans that were linked to natural disasters. Businesses that are facing the prospect of bankruptcy from the coronavirus outbreak will have a separate program in which they can participate.
How much of a loan can you get?
Small businesses can obtain a loan that covers two months of payroll, not exceeding $10 million. Payroll for employees who earn more than $100,000 per year is not covered. Portions of the loans can also be used for debt obligations, mortgage or rent payments, utility payments, and payroll support.
The loans themselves must be secured for a term of no longer than five years. Businesses will be eligible for the loans through December 31st, 2020.
Is the loan forgiven?
While the loan is in place, employers must maintain the same employment level within their company as they had on March 13th, 2020. In addition, there are limits on the amount of compensation that can go to the owner of the company up until March 1st, 2022.
The law takes its one step further by declaring that small businesses that either maintain their employees during this crisis or rehire those employees will have their loans fully forgiven by the federal government.
What can individuals get?
The stimulus package also includes relief for individuals, including expanded unemployment benefits for workers and direct payments by the government. Specifically, individuals earning less than $75,000 (adjusted gross income) will receive a one-time check for $1,200. Families with children will receive $500 per child. Married couples earning less than $150,000 jointly with no children will receive $2,400. The payouts scale with diminishing amounts up to $99,000 for individuals and $198,000 for married couples. Payouts are expected to be out within three weeks, according to Mnuchin.
Individuals who are on unemployment insurance will get a $600 boost in their unemployment disbursement per week. Also, self-employed people and independent contractors are now newly eligible for these unemployment benefits. People who are diagnosed with the virus and unable to work, or self quarantining to possible exposure, are also eligible.
Canadian benefits
Canada has also proposed a program for its citizens during this turbulent time. It includes a doubling of the payroll exemption for businesses from $490,000 up to $1 million in payroll; a suspension of any penalties related to non-payment of sales taxes for alcohol, tobacco, fuel, and other items until August 31st; a special tax credit for business investment; and suspension of property tax reassessments.
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