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/

Hello? Is This Really the IRS, or Just a Scam?

No one enjoys getting a call from the IRS, but getting a call from someone who claims to be from the IRS, but who is really just a scammer, is even worse. However, according to the country’s top tax agency, that is exactly the kind of sophisticated and elaborate scam that has been going on…

United States and Singapore Buddy Up on Tax Evasion

For those who are still not convinced that the United States is serious about tracking down tax dodgers who are trying to hide money in offshore accounts, here’s one more piece of evidence that might change your mind. In a deal announced last week, the country of Singapore says it has come to terms with…

IRS Overpaid by $6 Billion in Child Tax Credits in 2013

Although no one will probably ever shed a tear to hear that the IRS paid taxpayers too much money, this latest report does nothing to breed confidence in how things are run in the nation’s tax collecting agency. According to reports, the IRS paid about $6 billion in child tax credits last year to people…

Small Business Stock Gain Exclusion Receives 2014 Extension

It’s not like the government to bring everyone some well-needed Christmas cheer, but the new tax bill that lawmakers were finally able to pass brought some good news for many investors before the year ends. It’s unfortunate that it took the entire year to get it done, but at least the tax provisions that did…