Philip Liberatore, Award Winning C.P.A, wins the Best of Los Angeles Award

LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, December 8, 2022 EINPresswire.com — Philip Liberatore, Award Winning C.P.A, wins the Best of Los Angeles Award- “100 MOST FASCINATING PEOPLE IN LOS ANGELES – 2022”, according to Aurora DeRose, award coordinator for the Best of Los Angeles Award community.

The “Best of Los Angeles Award” community was formed eight years ago and consists of over 7,800 professional members living and working in Southern California. It celebrates the best people, places, and things in Los Angeles with the slogan “No Ads. No B.S. Only the Best.”

“The mission of the community is to celebrate the best of Los Angeles, and allow its community members to connect with other members who share the highest standards of quality and integrity,” expresses DeRose. “We’re honored to include Philip Liberatore into our BoLAA family.” ~Aurora DeRose.

Keep reading here.

The President signed into law the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (PPPFA) which changes forgiveness terms for small businesses.

This new law includes the following changes:

1. Amount of loan needed for payroll changes to 60% 
The PPPFA reduces the percentage of the loan to be spent on payroll from 75% to 60%, thus increasing the amount of funds available for qualified business expenses from 25% to 40%.

2. Time period to use funds extends to 24 weeks 
Originally, businesses were required to spend loan proceeds in the 8 week period from the date funds were received. Now, businesses have been given 24 weeks but not to exceed December 31, 2020.

The PPPFA also does not require businesses to wait for the 24 weeks to apply for forgiveness. They can apply after eight weeks if preferred.

3. Deadline to rehire workers 
The new law extends the rehire date to December 31,2020, and adds additional exceptions for a reduced head count. A business can still receive forgiveness on payroll amounts if it:

– Is unable to rehire an individual who was an employee on or before February 15, 2020.
– Is able to demonstrate an inability to hire similarly qualified employees before December 31, 2020.
– Is able to demonstrate an inability to return to the same level of business activity as such business was operating at prior to February 15, 2020.

4. Allowing for a five-year rather than a two-year maturity date for any unforgiven funds.

Philip L. Liberatore, CPA remains committed to providing you with important information that pertains to your success.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), enacted on March 27, 2020, is designed to encourage Eligible Employers to keep employees on their payroll, despite experiencing economic hardship related to COVID-19, with an employee retention tax credit (Employee Retention Credit).

The IRS released a set of frequently asked questions regarding the Employee Retention Credit available as part of the newly released CARES Act.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/faqs-employee-retention-credit-under-the-cares-act

The Employee Retention Credit is a fully refundable tax credit for employers equal to 50 percent of qualified wages (including allocable qualified health plan expenses) that Eligible Employers pay their employees. This Employee Retention Credit applies to qualified wages paid after March 12, 2020, and before January 1, 2021. The maximum amount of qualified wages taken into account with respect to each employee for all calendar quarters is $10,000, so that the maximum credit for an Eligible Employer for qualified wages paid to any employee is $5,000.

Eligible Employers for the purposes of the Employee Retention Credit are those that carry on a trade or business during calendar year 2020, including a tax-exempt organization, that either:

1. Fully or partially suspends operation during any calendar quarter in 2020 due to orders from an appropriate governmental authority limiting commerce, travel, or group meetings (for commercial, social, religious, or other purposes) due to COVID-19; or
2. Experiences a significant decline in gross receipts during the calendar quarter.

Please note: Self-employed individuals are not eligible for this credit for their self-employment services or earnings.

The IRS has defined a significant decline in gross receipts begins with the first quarter in which an employer’s gross receipts for a calendar quarter in 2020 are less than 50 percent of its gross receipts for the same calendar quarter in 2019.  The significant decline in gross receipts ends with the first calendar quarter that follows the first calendar quarter for which the employer’s 2020 gross receipts for the quarter are greater than 80 percent of its gross receipts for the same calendar quarter during 2019.

Eligible Employers will report their total qualified wages and the related credits for each calendar quarter on their federal employment tax returns, usually Form 941, Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return.  Form 941 is used to report income and social security and Medicare taxes withheld by the employer from employee wages, as well as the employer’s portion of social security and Medicare tax. You will need to contact your payroll company for help with this.

An Eligible Employer may not receive the Employee Retention Credit if the Eligible Employer receives a Small Business Interruption Loan under the Paycheck Protection Program that is authorized under the CARES Act (“Paycheck Protection Loan”). An Eligible Employer that receives a paycheck protection loan should not claim Employee Retention Credits.

 

 

Yesterday, the Treasury Department released details about how small businesses can apply for the Paycheck Protection Program – which provides $349 billion in loans to businesses employing fewer than 500 people. To expedite the process, the loans will have same-day approval.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM 

Starting April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply. Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply. We encourage you to apply as quickly as you can because there is a funding cap.

HOW TO APPLY
You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. A list of participating lenders can be found at www.sba.gov. 

Have more questions about the Paycheck Protection Program? Click here for more information: PAYCHECK PROTECTION OVERVIEW

Options to help small businesses through the Covid-19 Shutdown

1. Small Business Assistance (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, there are two programs

• SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing
• Small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories can apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance of up to $10,000 in the SBA loan process.

Link to application https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/

OR

2. Employee Retention Tax Credit

If you receive the SBA loan you are not able to take advantage of the employee retention tax credit

• If you’ve had to close your business or have lost half of your year-over-year revenue, the employee retention tax credit is available to help you cover the cost of keeping your employees on payroll.
• It’s a refundable tax credit you can claim against your payroll taxes for half of any wages you are still paying to your employees, even if they’ve been furloughed or are working reduced hours.
• The tax credits are available to any employer who has been forced to close or partially close as a result of federal, state, local, or tribal orders to limit commerce, travel, or group gatherings as a result of COVID-19 and/or any employer who has experienced at least a 50 percent drop in quarterly revenues, as compared to the same quarter from 2019.
• The credit is provided for wages paid to furloughed or reduced-hour employees, up to $10,000 of wages per employee.
• Smaller employers, with 100 employees or less, can claim the credit for all employee wages, up to $10,000 per employee, regardless of whether or not the employee is furloughed. As the credit is worth 50 percent, this means the maximum credit will be $5,000 per employee

3. Deferring Federal Employer Payroll Taxes

• Employers can defer paying the employer portion of certain payroll taxes through the end of 2020.
• Deferred amounts will become due in two equal installments, one at the end of 2021, the other at the end of 2022.
• Payroll tax deferral is not provided to employers that avail themselves of SBA programs.
• Please discuss with your payroll service provider, as applicable.

Options to provide to your employees or gig workers like Uber drivers, self-employed people, freelancers and contract workers during the Covid-19 Shutdown

All employees gig workers like Uber drivers, self-employed people, freelancers and contract workers that have any of the following, can apply for unemployment benefits.

• Reduced hours
• Not working due to company closure by government mandate

Link to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (recommended to select online) https://www.edd.ca.gov/unemployment/disaster_unemployment_assistance.htm

4. Individuals can now take a “Corona-virus-related distribution” penalty free from a qualified retirement account. Early distribution escapes the 10% penalty but not income tax. Distribution must be paid within the 3-year period beginning in 2020 in order for funds to not be counted as taxable income.

On March 27, 2020, the United States Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), aimed at providing financial relief to the American people and American businesses in response to the economic fallout from the fast-developing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The measure provides direct financial aid to American families, payroll and operating expense support for small businesses, and loan assistance for distressed industries.

• The legislation will provide billions of dollars in credit for struggling industries, a significant boost to unemployment insurance and direct cash payments to Americans.
• The measure increases unemployment payments and extends the benefit to those who typically do not qualify, such as gig economy workers, furloughed employees and freelancers. The bill increases the maximum unemployment benefit that a state gives to a person by $600 per week for four months.
• The bill also provides for direct payments to Americans, giving individuals who make up to $75,000 a year checks for $1,200, couples making up to $150,000 payments of $2,400, and an additional $500 per child. The payments decrease for those making more than $75,000, with an income cap of $99,000 per individual or $198,000 for couples.
• Your payment will be reduced by $5 for every $100 of income that exceeds the limits. So if you made $80,000 in 2019, you will receive $950. The payment decreases to $0 for an individual making $99,000 or more or a couple making $198,000 or more.
• Calculate how much you will receive here: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/03/26/stimulus-checks-how-much-money-get-government/2921123001/
• According to the treasury Secretary, the payments should be sent out within 3 weeks to whom the IRS has information. You don’t need to sign up or fill out a form to receive a payment if you’ve been working and paying taxes since 2018. If you have not filed taxes, you must have received a SSA 1099 form for 2019. If your address has changed since 2018 and you have not filed a return for 2019, you must file 2019 ASAP to get the refund.
• If you’ve received a refund the last two years by direct deposit, that is where the money will be sent. If not, the IRS will mail a check to the “last known address”
• The amount you will receive is based on the adjusted gross income for 2019 or if you haven’t filed, then the AGI for 2018. Line 7 on form 1040 tax return for 2018 or line 8B on your 2019 return.
• Payment is not taxable and will not be included in wages for 2020.
• Payroll Tax relief – Business that continue to employ workers through the coronavirus would be eligible to delay paying payroll taxes for 2020, then pay 50% in 2021 and the other 50% in 2022.
• SBA interruption loan – Business with 500 or fewer employees that continue to employ and pay workers through the coronavirus crisis.
• The government would provide loans to small and mid-size businesses to prevent layoffs and to continue to pay employees.
• Individual loans could cover six weeks of payroll, capped at $1,540 per week, per employee.
• Applicants must verify the previous six weeks of payroll and later verify that they have paid employees for eight weeks after receiving loan.
• For businesses with existing SBA loans, principal and interest would be waived for six months.
• The legislation also provides $100 billion to hospitals $500 billion to corporations, including airline companies and cruise lines; and about $150 billion for state and local stimulus funds.
• Under the CARES Act, the loans can be for as much as 2.5 times payroll or $10 million, whichever is less. Payments can be deferred by up to a year, and businesses will be able to apply for forgiveness of the loan (or a portion of it), based on the amount used during the eight weeks following loan approval. Any amount not forgiven would have a maximum interest rate of 4%.The legislation also waives typical SBA loan requirements that credit must be unavailable elsewhere and that the borrower must personally guarantee the amount or provide collateral.

 

Tax Credits for small and mid size businesses:

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/treasury-irs-and-labor-announce-plan-to-implement-coronavirus-related-paid-leave-for-workers-and-tax-credits-for-small-and-midsize-businesses-to-swiftly-recover-the-cost-of-providing-coronavirus

SBA Loan Information: 

https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources#section-header-0

https://www.sba.gov/disaster/apply-for-disaster-loan/index.html

CARES ACT Bill: 

https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/3548/text#toc-id40c30dd4a08343e7b83eefd391b45c4e

As we continue to navigate through the impact of COVID-19, we want you to know that you and your family are our top priority. We pray that you continue to stay safe and healthy.

As the situation surrounding COVID‑19 rapidly evolves, we want to keep you informed of all the latest news updates and resources available to you.

Yesterday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that several major banks have agreed to delay foreclosures and offer mortgage relief to homeowners impacted by the coronavirus.

Wells Fargo, US Bank, Citi and JP Morgan Chase have all agreed to a 90-day waiver of payments for those that have been impacted by COVID-19. Bank of America has agreed to waive payments for 30 days. Many other credit unions and smaller banks have also agreed to the 90-day waiver as well.

The agreement does not eliminate debt for California Homeowners. Instead,  it gives them a 90-day grace period in which to make each month’s payment. Homeowners who want to use the grace period should contact their lender to make arrangements.

1. Last night, the Senate passed a 2 Trillion Dollar Coronavirus relief package, the largest economic rescue bill in US history. The House is expected to vote on the rescue bill tomorrow.

Key terms include:

A. Direct payments of $1,200 per adult and $500 per child for Americans earning up to $75,000 for single tax payers and $150,000 for married tax payers

B. Enhanced unemployment benefits (including gig-economy workers for the first time).

C. $367B of support for small businesses.

D. $500B of loans for larger companies and industries.

E. $150B of grants to state and local governments.

F. $130B for hospitals and healthcare systems.

Read more about these points here: nwppr.co/s185

G. Companies will have through the end of 2022 to pay their 2020 payroll taxes.
Read more here: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/26/coronavirus-stimulus-bill-includes-payroll-tax-delay-for-employers.html

2. Leaders from the G20 (a group of 20 major economies including the US) will meet today on the current state of the outbreak. Over 470k people have now been infected globally (up from 330k on Monday)
Read more here: nwppr.co/s286 .

3. Dow posts best 3-day gain since 1931 even as jobless claims surge to record 3.3 million. U.S. stocks rose Thursday even as data revealed a record 3.3 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits.
Read in USA TODAY: https://apple.news/Abh5iBfnzRTm4CPLsB4U0Ng

Philip L. Liberatore, CPA remains committed to providing you with the greatest sense of security and personalized care. Please contact us with any questions or concerns.

As our country continues to fight this pandemic, we want to encourage you with a message from Phil & Dana Liberatore.

We truly appreciate you and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Thank you for being the best part of Philip L. Liberatore, CPA.

Blessings,

Philip L. Liberatore, CPA
(562) 404-7996 | (714) 522-3337
Facsimile (562) 404-3126
[email protected]