COVID-19 Resource Guide: Taxpayers & Small Businesses
During the coronavirus pandemic, it’s our goal to continue supporting the health, safety, and prosperity of our clients in any way we can. In this post, we’ve compiled some key resources for taxpayers and small business owners trying to stay up to date on the latest accurate information from trusted news sources. If you have any questions, please let us know.
Helpful Features for Clients During COVID-19
If you’re a current client of ours, we are prepared to continue helping you even in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. Below are some of the most helpful features we have to continue our secure, virtual engagements with you:
- Client portal
- TeleAccountant™ browser-based video meetings (NEW!)
- Secure file sharing
- E-Sign
- Expert-written COVID-19 content to keep you updated on our blog
- SBA emergency loan information
- Tax Organizers & Digital Workflows
Blogs
See all content and resources relating to coronavirus on our blog. Here’s the full list:
- Interaction between PPP Loans and the Employee Retention Credit cross
- Video: Biden's COVID Relief & Tax Plan
- Video: COVID Tax Relief Act Updates
- 4 Questions Business Owners Should Consider During the 2020 Tax Season
- How Biden's Rescue Plan Might Impact Your Taxes
- Video: Second Round of PPP Loans Is Here
- Congress Has Authorized a Second Round of PPP Loans
- Charitable Contributions Deduction Liberalized for 2021
- Video: How to Address Rising Tax Problems During COVID-19
- Finally, The COVID Relief Package Is Law
- How to Address Rising Tax Problems During COVID-19
- Video: COVID Tax Relief Act Is Coming
- Help Is on the Way - Emergency Coronavirus Relief Agreement Reached
- Didn't Get Your Economic Impact Payment? You Can Claim It on Your 2020 Return.
- Video: SBA Questioning PPP Borrowers with Loans Over $2 Million
- SBA Questioning PPP Borrowers with Loans Over $2 Million
- Beware of New Text Scam Related to Stimulus Payments
- The SBA Issues a Simplified PPP Loan-Forgiveness Application
- Still Waiting for the IRS to Cash Your Check?
- October’s Extended Due Date Is Fast Approaching
- Do You Know Unemployment Benefits Are Taxable?
- If You Are Facing Foreclosure, Here Are Tax Issues You Will Confront
- Is the Temporary Deferral of Employee Payroll Tax Worth It?
- How States Are Reshaping Nexus Laws for Remote Employees Due to COVID-19
- Individuals Have a New Opportunity to Receive $500 Economic Impact Payments for Their Children
- Wealth Transition and Succession Planning: Best Practices for Businesses During COVID-19
- What President Trump's Executive Order Means for You
- IRS Cancels Stimulus Checks Issued to Decedents
- Video: IRS Extended the Deadline to Return Your 2020 RMD
- How to Protect Yourself Against Coronavirus-Related Fraud
- Video: How to Make Your PPP Loan Forgivable
- Charity Volunteer Tax Breaks
- Big Tax Breaks for Hiring Your Children in the Family Business
- What Led to Congress Extending the Paycheck Protection Program?
- Loan Application Period for the Paycheck Protection Program Extended
- 7 Tips To Keep Your Business Afloat During Covid-19
- IRS Provides Additional 2020 RMD Rollover Relief
- Don't Throw Away That Notice 1444
- Video: Watch Out: The Treasury is Sending Some Stimulus Payments by Debit Card
- The July 15th Deadline Is Fast Approaching, and It Isn’t Just for the 2019 Individual Tax Return
- Post-Pandemic Trends Shifting the Economy for Small Businesses Everywhere
- A Novel Way to Make COVID-19 Relief Donations
- The IRS Is Issuing Some Stimulus Payments by Debit Card; Some Are Being Mistaken as Junk Mail and Thrown Out
- Congress Liberalizes PPP Loan Forgiveness
- IRS and Treasury Release the Latest State-By-State Economic Impact Payment Figures
- Tips to Keep Your Business Afloat During COVID-19
- New $3 Trillion Coronavirus Relief Bill Proposed by House Democrats
- Unraveling the Economic Impact Payment Confusion
- Delaying Payment of Old Tax Bills Is A Big Mistake
- Video: The Latest on Missing IRS Rebate Checks
- Forced to Return to U.S. From a Foreign Job? IRS Has Provided Time Waivers for Exclusion
- Not All PPP "Forgivable" Loans Will be Forgiving
- IRS Guidance: PPP Loan Expenses Not Tax-Deductible
- Video - What the Employee Retention Credit Means to You
- When Will I Get My Stimulus Check?
- Unemployed by COVID-19? Special Benefits May Apply to You
- Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act: What’s in It?
- Coronavirus-Related Tax Relief for U.S. Families and Individuals
- Retirees that Don’t File a Tax Return and Have Dependent Children May Need to Take Action Before Noon April 22
- Did You Take Your 2020 RMD Too Soon?
- Rebates Are Finally Flowing - Did You Get Yours; Was It Correct?
- Congress Makes Charitable Giving Easier During the COVID-19 Crisis
- Employer Alert: Families First Coronavirus Response Act Provisions are Mandatory
- Businesses Score Big Tax Benefits with the CARES Act
- Video: A Paycheck Protection Loan Might be a Good COVID-19 Emergency Funding Option
- The IRS Provides Online Tools for Recovery Rebates
- Full Breakdown: IRS Filing, Payment, and Action Deadlines
- IRS Extends Over 300 Tax Filing, Payment and Admin Deadlines
- “Main Street” Loan Program to Support Small to Medium-Sized Businesses
- Track Your Economic Impact Payment in the New IRS Portal
- The IRS Starts Issuing Coronavirus Payments April 9th: When Will You Get Your Funds?
- Employers Can Defer Payroll Taxes
- Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Information Sheet: Borrowers
- Video: Self-Employed Individuals Now Qualify for Unemployment
- Side-By-Side Comparison of the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans
- Live Updates: The Latest COVID-19 News for Taxpayers and Small Business Owners
- Tax Credit Pays for Keeping Employees on Payroll
- Self-Employed and Independent Contractors Now Qualify for Unemployment Benefits
- How Can I File for Unemployment in the United States?
- Stimulus Legislation Includes SBA Loan Forgiveness
- Running Low on Money? Congress Has Made it Easier for You to Tap Your Retirement Savings
- Working from Home During the COVID-19 Outbreak? It Probably Won’t Save You Much on Your Taxes
- What Does the $2 Trillion Stimulus Package Mean for You?
- VLOG: IRS Delays Tax Season Filing and Payment Due Dates to July 15
- Congress Provides Sick Leave and Child Care Leave Benefits for Employees
- Q&A: Understanding SBA Disaster Loans and What They Mean for You
- Can't Pay Your Taxes? Payment Due Date Extended Because of COVID-19
- What the April 15 Tax Filing Deadline Extension Means to You
- The SBA Is Providing Small Business Disaster Loans for Relief During the Coronavirus Outbreak
- Tax Filing Deadline Delayed to July 15
- Beware of Scammers During the COVID-19 Crisis
- Coronavirus and Taxes: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act: What Employers Need to Know
- Treasury and IRS Announce 90-Day Delay for Tax Payment Deadline
- Why You Need a Financial Advisor Even More in Uncertain Times
For Taxes
In order to best serve our tax clients during these unprecedented times, we want to make sure you’re staying up to date on the latest info from the IRS and other sources.
In addition to watching the sources below, we’ll be posting to our blog as legislation passes or anything else changes. We recommend checking on updates from these sources frequently.
IRS
- Get My Payment portal for stimulus payments
Note: A Spanish version of Get My Payment is available here. - Taxpayer Bill of Rights
- IRS Newsroom
- IRS Coronavirus Relief
- Key news releases:
- February 8, 2021: New IRS form available for self-employed individuals to claim COVID-19 sick and family leave tax credits under FFCRA
- February 4, 2021: Educators can now deduct out-of-pocket expenses for COVID-19 protective items
- January 29, 2021: IRS updates FAQs on paid sick leave credit and family leave credit
- January 28, 2021: IRS offers guidance to taxpayers on identity theft involving unemployment benefits
- January 27, 2021: Important reminders before filing 2020 tax returns
- January 26, 2021: New law extends COVID tax credit for employers who keep workers on payroll
- January 19, 2021:Employers can withhold, make payments of deferred Social Security taxes from 2020
- January 15, 2021: 2021 tax filing season begins Feb. 12; IRS outlines steps to speed refunds during pandemic
- January 15, 2021: IRS Free File available today; claim Recovery Rebate Credit and other tax credits
- January 12, 2021: IRS ready for the upcoming tax season; last-minute changes to tax laws included in IRS forms and instructions
- January 7, 2021: Treasury issues millions of second Economic Impact Payments by debit card
- January 6, 2021: Eligible Paycheck Protection Program expenses now deductible
- January 4, 2021: Economic Impact Payments on their way, visit IRS.gov instead of calling
- December 29, 2020: Treasury and IRS begin delivering second round of Economic Impact Payments to millions of Americans
- November 9, 2020: IRS reminder to non-filers: Nov. 10 is ‘National EIP Registration Day;’ Community partners can help people sign up for Economic Impact Payment
- November 5, 2020: Many college students may still qualify for an Economic Impact Payment; review the guidelines and register by Nov. 21 at IRS.gov
- November 4, 2020: Security Summit partners warn taxpayers of new COVID-related text scam
- November 2, 2020: IRS makes it easier to set up payment agreements; offers other relief to taxpayers struggling with tax debts
- October 26, 2020: IRS provides tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2021
- October 7, 2020: October 15 deadline nears for taxpayers who requested tax filing extensions
- October 5, 2020: IRS extends Economic Impact Payment deadline to Nov. 21 to help non-filers
- September 24, 2020: IRS highlights employer credits for businesses during Small Business Week
- September 23, 2020: IRS reminds taxpayers of the home office deduction rules during Small Business Week
- September 17, 2020: IRS releases state-by-state breakdown of nearly 9 million non-filers who will be mailed letters about Economic Impact Payments
- September 16, 2020: IRS reminds taxpayers who filed an extension that the Oct. 15 due date approaches
- September 16, 2020: IRS reminds taxpayers and practitioners of expedited letter ruling procedures
- September 8, 2020: IRS to mail special letter to estimated 9 million non-filers, urging them to claim Economic Impact Payment by Oct. 15 at IRS.gov
- August 28, 2020: Guidance issued to implement Presidential Memorandum deferring certain employee Social Security tax withholding
- August 28, 2020: IRS approves temporary use of e-signatures for certain forms
- August 25, 2020: IRS: 50,000 spouses to get catch-up Economic Impact Payments
- August 24, 2020: IRS: Deadline to return distributions to retirement accounts is Aug. 31
- August 18, 2020: IRS: Unemployment compensation is taxable; have tax withheld now and avoid a tax-time surprise
- August 18, 2020: 13.9 million Americans to receive IRS tax refund interest; taxable payments to average $18
- August 14, 2020: IRS takes new steps to ensure people with children receive $500 Economic Impact Payments
- July 30, 2020: IRS grants additional relief for rehabilitation credit deadlines
- July 29, 2020: IRS: New law provides relief for eligible taxpayers who need funds from IRAs and other retirement plans
- July 28, 2020: IRS issues final regulations and other guidance on business interest expense deduction limitation
- July 27, 2020: IRS provides guidance on recapturing excess employment tax credits
- July 20, 2020: IRS advice for those who missed the July 15 deadline, file now to avoid bigger bill
- July 16, 2020: IRS debunks tax refund myths
- July 16, 2020: IRS unveils "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams for 2020; Americans urged to be vigilant to these threats during the pandemic and its aftermath
- July 15, 2020: IRS is sending letters to those experiencing a delay with advance payment of employer credits
- July 15, 2020: Where’s My Refund? tool on IRS.gov takes guesswork out of when to expect refunds
- July 14, 2020: IRS provides additional relief for tax-exempt hospitals: Deadline for completing certain needs assessment requirements moved to Dec. 31
- July 14, 2020: IRS reminder: File and pay 2019 business taxes by July 15; 2020 estimated tax also due
- July 9, 2020: IRA contributions made by July 15 count as 2019 tax deduction
- July 9, 2020: IRS.gov has answers about filing, paying and July 15 due date
- July 8, 2020: Treasury, IRS issue guidance on reporting qualified sick and family leave wages paid
- July 8, 2020: Taxpayers need to resume payments by July 15
- July 1, 2020: IRS provides tax relief for the low-income housing credit and bonds for qualified residential rental projects
- July 1, 2020: IRS unclaimed refunds of $1.5 billion waiting for tax year 2016; taxpayers face July 15 deadline
- June 29, 2020: Taxpayers should file by July 15 tax deadline; automatic extension to Oct. 15 available
- June 26, 2020: IRS: July 15 tax payment deadline approaching; plan on scheduling multiple payments now
- June 23, 2020: IRS announces rollover relief for required minimum distributions from retirement accounts that were waived under the CARES Act
- June 19, 2020: Relief for taxpayers affected by COVID-19 who take distributions or loans from retirement plans
- June 17, 2020: IRS outlines changes to health care spending available under CARES Act
- June 16, 2020: IRS alert: Economic Impact Payments belong to recipient, not nursing homes or care facilities
- June 12, 2020: Treasury, IRS provide tax relief to investors and businesses affected by COVID-19 in new markets tax credit transactions
- June 11, 2020: IRS provides guidance on employer leave-based donation programs that aid victims of the COVID-19 pandemic
- June 8, 2020: IRS warns against COVID-19 fraud; other financial schemes
- June 4, 2020: IRS provides answers about Coronavirus related tax relief for Qualified Opportunity Funds and investors
- June 4, 2020: Interest rates decrease for the third quarter of 2020
- June 4, 2020: IRS Chief Counsel goes virtual with national Settlement Days; Helps dozens of taxpayers settle their Tax Court cases
- June 3, 2020: 159 million Economic Impact Payments processed; Low-income people and others who aren’t required to file tax returns can quickly register for payment with IRS Non-Filers tool
- June 3, 2020: IRS provides relief to retirement plan participants to sign elections remotely
- June 2, 2020: IRS reminder: June 15 tax deadline postponed to July 15 for taxpayers who live and work abroad
- May 28, 2020: IRS announces Form 1040-X electronic filing options coming this summer; major milestone reached for electronic returns
- May 27, 2020: Economic Impact Payments being sent by prepaid debit cards, arrive in plain envelope; IRS.gov answers frequently asked questions
- May 22, 2020: Treasury, IRS release latest state-by-state Economic Impact Payment figures for May 22, 2020
- May 18, 2020: IRS adds phone operators to answer Economic Impact Payment questions
- May 15, 2020: IRS expands partner materials for Economic Impact Payments; continues sweeping effort to share details in multiple languages
- May 12, 2020: IRS provides tax relief through increased flexibility for taxpayers in section 125 cafeteria plans
- May 11, 2020: Why the Economic Impact Payment amount could be different than anticipated
- May 8, 2020: Act by Wednesday for chance to get quicker Economic Impact Payment; timeline for payments continues to accelerate
- May 8, 2020: Treasury, IRS release latest state-by-state Economic Impact Payment figures
- May 7, 2020: IRS: Three new credits are available to many businesses hit by COVID-19
- May 5, 2020: IRS retools Settlement Days program in response to COVID-19 pandemic; allows unrepresented taxpayers to settle their cases virtually and reach finality
- April 28, 2020: Use IRS Non-Filers: Enter Payment Here tool to get Economic Impact Payment; many low-income, homeless qualify
- April 26, 2020: IRS enhances Get My Payment online application to help taxpayers
- April 24, 2020: VA, SSI recipients with eligible children need to act by May 5 to quickly add money to their automatic Economic Impact Payment; ‘Plus $500 Push’ continues
- April 24, 2020: Treasury, IRS deliver 88 million Economic Impact Payments in first three weeks, release state-by-state Economic Impact Payment figures
- April 21, 2020: Treasury, IRS announce cross-border tax guidance related to travel disruptions arising from the COVID-19 emergency
- April 20, 2020: SSA, RRB recipients with eligible children need to act by Wednesday to quickly add money to their automatic Economic Impact Payment; IRS asks for help in the "Plus $500 Push"
- April 17, 2020: Veterans Affairs recipients will receive automatic Economic Impact Payments
- April 15, 2020: Supplemental Security Income recipients will receive automatic Economic Impact Payments
- April 15, 2020: Treasury, IRS unveil online application to help with Economic Impact Payments; Get My Payment allows people to provide direct deposit information and gives payment date
- April 13, 2020: REMINDER: Schedule and pay federal taxes electronically due by July 15
- April 10, 2020: Treasury, IRS launch new tool to help non-filers register for Economic Impact Payments
- April 9, 2020: IRS urges taxpayers to use electronic options; outlines online assistance
- April 9, 2020: IRS extends more tax deadlines to cover individuals, trusts, estates corporations and others
- April 2, 2020: IRS issues warning about Coronavirus-related scams; watch out for schemes tied to economic impact payments
- March 31, 2020: Employee Retention Credit available for many businesses financially impacted by COVID-19
- March 30, 2020: Economic impact payments: What you need to know
- March 21, 2020: Tax Day now July 15 – Treasury, IRS extend filing deadline and federal tax payments regardless of amount owed
Tax Foundation
For Small Businesses
Whether you use these resources for your own small business or to send to SMB owners you know, this list showcases some of the resources and assistance available to help SMBs in this time of economic hardship. For any questions about these offerings and how we can help, reach out to our team.
In addition to watching the sources below, we’ll be posting to our blog as legislation passes or anything else changes. We recommend checking on updates from these sources frequently.
U.S. Treasury Department
- Small Business Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
- Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Information Sheet: Borrowers
- Final PPP Borrower Application Form
- Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease
- Coronavirus Relief Options
- SBA Disaster Assistance for COVID-19
- Capital Access Resources
- SBA Local Assistance Directory
U.S. Federal Reserve
- COVID-19 Supervisory and Regulatory FAQs
- Main Street Lending Program for small to medium-sized businesses
Department of Labor
- Coronavirus Resource Center
- State by state list of workforce agencies
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) COVID-19 guidance
- FREE Guide – Applying for PPP Loan Forgiveness
- Stand for Small: COVID-19 Help for Small Businesses
- Small Business Development Center: COVID-19 Small Business Resources
- ADP: Good resource for businesses managing absences, paid and unpaid leave
- Forbes: List Of Coronavirus Small Business Relief Programs (updated continually, state and local included)
- Support Local (USA Today): Buy gift cards to support local businesses struggling during this time – and encourage others to do the same!
- Mazars USA offers Paycheck Protection Program analysis tool for small biz
- How To Get $1,000 If You Are A Freelancer, Gig Worker, Or Independent Contractor
- For freelancers: The Freelancers Union has started a Freelancers Relief Fund where you can apply for grants to make up for lost income
- Faire: Financial planner for retailers – Use this calculator to understand the potential impact of COVID-19 on your business, and see immediate next steps you can take
- Loom: Free COVID-19 Cash Runway Scenario Planning Tool – Gauge the impact COVID-19 could have on your company
- Facebook: Small Business Grants Program (offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits)
- Finder.com: Where to find free or low-interest loans for small businesses affected by the coronavirus
- Kiva: The crowdsourcing/microfinance company is offering 0% loans up to $15,000 with no payments for six months.
- GoFundMe has partnered with Yelp to launch the Small Business Relief Initiative, offering grants and resources to small business owners.
Keep checking these pages for the latest news and guidelines straight from the source – government and public health officials.
Centers For Disease Control
- Coronavirus Resources Page
- About Coronavirus Disease
- Situation Summary
- Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
Department of Homeland Security Pandemic Guide
U.S. State Department
USA.gov
- Total Government Response to Coronavirus
- Total Government Response to Coronavirus (Spanish)
- Government Response by State
Social Media
If you aren’t following us on social media already, click the icons on our website to visit our social media profiles. Additionally, be sure to follow the accounts for crucial authorities during this time: