The U.S. Small Business Administration released a one-page form designed to make it easier for applicants to complete the process of applying for forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program loans, together with revised and updated forms to conform to the requirements of the latest stimulus legislation.
Congress approved the COVID-19 relief package in the month of March that provided $284 billion of funding for small-scale businesses who needed loans. The money was intended to mitigate the economic effects of the coronavirus epidemic. The law requires that the SBA release simplified forms within the first 24 hours after the bill’s passage into law. This is to make it easier to apply for forgiveness. Additionally, it included conditions to encourage community banks to make more loans specifically to minority-owned companies who had a difficult time getting loans last year.
“The Small Business Administration met the requirements to release the single-page form for loan forgiveness under the PPP by 24 days after the date of enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021,” wrote Ed Zollars who is a partner of Thomas, Zollars & Lynch CPAs, on his Current Federal Tax Developments blog for Kaplan Financial Education. “The agency also released the updated forms.”
Terms for forgiveness for the first draw of PPP loans
How Do I Qualify For Student Loan Forgiveness – First Draw PPP loans granted to borrowers who are eligible can be granted total loan forgiveness within the 8-to 24-week covered period following the disbursement of loan:
- It’s the same for compensation and employees.
- The proceeds from the loan may be used to pay for payroll costs or other expenses that are eligible.
- A minimum of 60% of proceeds are used for the cost of payroll
Second Draw PPP Conditions for loan forgiveness
Second Draw PPP loans made to borrowers who meet the criteria are eligible for complete loan forgiveness, if within the 8to 24-week covered period following loan disbursement:
- The levels of compensation and employee pay are kept in the same way as required for the First Draw PPP loan
- The loan proceeds are spent on payroll and other expenses that are eligible and
- At least 60% of profits go towards expenses for payroll
- How to request loan forgiveness and when
After all loan proceeds have been used the borrower is eligible for forgiveness. Borrowers may apply for forgiveness at any time until the date at which the loan matures. Borrowers who don’t request forgiveness within 10 month of the expiration date of the loan are able to receive the loan payment from their PPP lender.