COVID – 19 Relief Status Update 04.06.20

The Biden Administration Corporate Tax Proposal

‘Phase 4’ stimulus wish lists floated

https://newsletters.usdbriefs.com/2020/Tax/TNV/200403_2.html?elqTrackId=6e9dc0831e234fbb852445add1ad3b21&elq=f288114b18834cf9b76e2880f0d7df36&elqaid=69563&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=13246

Two-year suspension of SALT deduction cap clears House
https://newsletters.usdbriefs.com/2019/Tax/TNV/191220_1.html

Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order Providing Relief to California Small Businesses https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/03/30/governor-newsom-signs-executive-order-providing-relief-to-california-small-businesses/

“Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA, the AICPA’s executive vice president of firm services, added, “Based upon statements from members of Congress, it appears that the intent of the PPP was to base the salary calculation on gross wages with no adjustment for federal taxes. This ensures that payroll tax expenses are not passed on to the small businesses in need. In a program of this magnitude, it’s expected that guidance will evolve and terms will be clarified.”
https://www.aicpa.org/content/aicpa/press/pressreleases/2020/aicpa-coalition-recommends-ppp-applicants-use-gross-payroll-approach-in-calculations.html?j=269729&sfmc_sub=124900764&l=2078_HTML&u=8847730&mid=7306387&jb=612&utm_medium=email&SubscriberID=124900764&utm_source=NewsUp_A20Mar225&Site=aicpa&LinkID=8847730&utm_campaign=Newsupdate&cid=email:NewsUp_A20Mar225:Newsupdate:o+discuss+the+appropriate+method+for+calculating+Average+Monthly+Salary:aicpa&SendID=269729&utm_content=Special

Dave Ramsey, well-known author and radio financial advisor https://www.daveramsey.com/ (whom I am not endorsing, but I like his “no debt” approach) had a very strong message to listeners:
Paraphrasing: “Don’t take these loans. Don’t believe the government. They will change the rules later.” That seems harsh, but I wanted to pass that thought along.

April 5, 2020: Excellent Forbes article about the confusion in computing the amount of PPP loans:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/anthonynitti/2020/04/05/paycheck-protection-program-loans-three-things-the-sba-and-banks-need-to-agree-on-now/

Identity Theft: Has your name been stolen?

Identity Theft: Has your name been stolen? Identity theft—the unauthorized use of an individual’s name or personal information to obtain money or credit—is the fastest-growing white-collar crime. Most probably, more than 700,000 Americans will be victims of it this year, with costs to them averaging over $800 and 175 hours of time spent trying to…

Q & A: IRAs for your Children

Q & A: IRAs for your Children

Q & A: IRAs for your Children Establishing a retirement plan for a child might, initially, sound a bit strange—or at least premature. Truly, it is not. Establishing an IRA for your children or grandchildren can help them achieve financial independence in retirement and, possibly, for the rest of their lives. That claim may raise…

Land Management: Conservation Easements

Land Management: Conservation Easements

Land Management: Conservation Easements Real property–land and the home or other structures on it–often has special significance to the family that owns it, to the surrounding community or to the ecology of the area. It may have played a role in an historical event; provide habitat for wildlife; command a magnificent view; or offer access…

Personal Finance 101

Personal Finance 101 The subject of personal finance is very broad, but as a beginning, I would like to discuss what I consider the foundations of personal finance: Security, Stability, Growth and Protection & Management. Security Security to me means that I am prepared for the “hit by a bus” scenario. I have life insurance…