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/

Will Fewer Audits Lead to More Cheating?

There’s an old saying that cheaters never prosper. Of course, there are probably many people who have gotten away with cheating that would beg to differ. When it comes to taxes, however, it’s always best to avoid cheating. Surely, some people do get away with it, but if you ever get caught it could cost…

Could a Trust Be a Good Way for the Wealthy to Save on Taxes?

When you think of trusts, what comes to mind? While many people think of a financial account that is set up as part of an estate plan, there are a couple of little-known trusts that taxpayers, especially the wealthy, can use to help them save on their tax bill. These trusts are perfectly legal and…

How to Avoid Tax Preparation Scams

With so much to do and so many other important things to worry about, many people will be looking for help over the coming weeks and months with their income tax returns. While some people might just choose the first name they see to file their taxes, whom you choose can actually make a big…

What Steps Lead to an Effective Estate Plan?

Do you have an estate plan? A lot of people don’t, for a lot of different reasons. Some people would rather not discuss their death under any circumstances, other people think they are too young to worry about an estate plan, while others just don’t know, or aren’t, sure where to begin. However, it’s a…