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VIEWpoint Issue 1 | 2023
2023 Compliance Trends: Staying Ahead in an Evolving Regulatory E...
2023 Tax Calendar
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has released an easier-to-complete EZ forgiveness application form for certain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) borrowers to apply for its desirable loan forgiveness opportunity. Although the new form may be enticing to many due to its simplicity, it is important for borrowers to understand when this form applies and when it doesn’t. Gain more insight on the EZ application below to determine whether you qualify for this option.
The new EZ form was designed to simplify the forgiveness filing process for borrowers who have not reduced their headcount or payroll during their covered periods by only requiring them to certify this has been the case in lieu of submitting detailed calculations for reductions of employees or wages. It is important to note, this does not change how employee headcounts and forgiveness expenses are calculated or the need to keep documentation.
Certification Alternative
Eligible borrowers looking to take advantage of this simpler format will need an authorized company representative to make a certification on its application that one of the following is true:
The borrower and the authorized representative will also need to certify the company did not reduce salaries or hourly wages by more than 25% for any employee during the covered period or alternative payroll covered period compared to the period between Jan. 1, 2020 and March 31, 2020. For purposes of this certification, the term “employee” includes only those employees who did not receive, during any single period during 2019, wages or salary at an annualized rate of pay in an amount more than $100,000.
If you are unable to make these certifications, your business is likely not eligible to leverage this simplified loan forgiveness form. This can be verified by completing the checklist on the form’s instructions. Instead, borrowers must use the revised forgiveness application.
Borrowers should also consider how their calculations and chosen covered period will impact their forgiveness amount. For many borrowers, leveraging an eight-week covered period could provide the highest level of forgiveness. Doeren Mayhew further explores borrower options when it comes to the loan’s covered period for forgiveness in this article.
The PPP loan forgiveness application continues to evolve, and Doeren Mayhew stands ready to guide you through the process. For assistance with evaluating which application is most suitable for your business to obtain full loan forgiveness, contact us today.
This publication is distributed for informational purposes only, with the understanding that Doeren Mayhew is not rendering legal, accounting, or other professional opinions on specific facts for matters, and, accordingly, assumes no liability whatsoever in connection with its use. Should the reader have any questions regarding any of the news articles, it is recommended that a Doeren Mayhew representative be contacted.
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