Category: Coronavirus/COVID-19
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Weighing Risks vs. Rewards of a Mezzanine Loan
To say that most small to mid-size businesses have at least considered taking out a loan this year would probably be an understatement. The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has lowered many companies’ revenue, but it may have also opened opportunities for others to expand or pivot into more profitable areas. If your company…
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Now More than Ever, Carefully Track Payroll Records
The subject of payroll has been top-of-mind for business owners this year. The COVID-19 pandemic triggered economic changes that caused considerable fluctuations in the size of many companies’ workforces. Employees have been laid off, furloughed, and, in some cases, rehired. There has also been crisis relief for eligible businesses in the form of the Paycheck…
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Employers Have Questions and Concerns About Deferring Employees’ Social Security Taxes
The IRS has provided guidance to employers regarding the recent presidential action to allow employers to defer the withholding, deposit, and payment of certain payroll tax obligations. The three-page guidance in Notice 2020-65 was issued to implement President Trump’s executive memorandum signed on August 8. Private employers still have questions and concerns about whether, and…
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Take a Fresh Look at Your Company’s Brand
A strong, discernible brand is important for every business. Even a company that never undertakes a formal branding effort will, over time, establish a brand through its communications with customers and interactions with the public. For this reason, it’s a good idea to regularly take a fresh look at your brand and determine whether tweaks…
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Possible Tax Consequences of PPP Loans
If your business was fortunate enough to get a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan taken out in connection with the COVID-19 crisis, you should be aware of the potential tax implications. PPP basics The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was enacted on March 27, 2020, is designed to provide financial assistance…
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Strengthen Your Supply Chain with Constant Risk Awareness
When the COVID-19 crisis exploded in March, among the many concerns was the state of the nation’s supply chains. Business owners are no strangers to such worry. It’s long been known that, if too much of a company’s supply chain is concentrated (that is, dependent) on one thing, that business is in danger. The pandemic…
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Three Issues to Consider After You File Your Tax Return
The tax filing deadline for 2019 tax returns has been extended until July 15 this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After your 2019 tax return has been successfully filed with the IRS, there may still be some issues to bear in mind. Here are three considerations. 1. Some tax records can now be thrown…
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What Qualifies as a “Coronavirus-Related Distribution” from a Retirement Plan?
As you may have heard, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act allows “qualified” people to take certain “coronavirus-related distributions” from their retirement plans without paying tax. So how do you qualify? In other words, what’s a coronavirus-related distribution? Early distribution basics In general, if you withdraw money from an IRA or eligible…
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SBA Reopens EIDL Program to Small Businesses and Non-Profits
The Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced that it has reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance programs to eligible applicants still struggling with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The EIDL program offers long-term, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits. If your company hasn’t been able to procure financing…
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Re-evaluate Your Company’s Competitiveness in a Changed Economy
Just about every business owner’s strategic plans for 2020 look far different now compared to how they looked heading into the year. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the economy in profound ways, forcing many companies to recalibrate suddenly and severely. As your business moves forward in this uncertain environment, it’s important to re-evaluate competitiveness. You…