What is the “Paycheck Protection Program”?

The CARES Act created a Paycheck Protection Program administered by the US Small Business Administration (SBA) that provides low cost forgivable loans to small businesses in order that they can continue to fund employee payroll and benefits. The loans are forgiven as long as payroll costs are maintained equal to what they were before the Coronavirus impacted the business. Many financial experts are explaining that in essence, the loans become grants if the business maintains its payroll costs.

Funding amount. Payroll costs for up to 8 weeks plus an additional 25%, capped at $10 million.

Funds can be used for:

• Payroll.
• Employer health insurance premium contributions and other benefits costs.
• Rent, mortgages and utilities.

Fully Forgiven. Funds are provided in the form of loans that will be fully forgiven when used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities, provided the employer maintains their payroll at a level equal to what it was before the Coronavirus impacted the business.

Loan Payments/Interest. If the loan must be repaid, payments will be deferred for six months. The loan has a 0.50% fixed interest rate.

Collateral/ Fees. No collateral or personal guarantees are required. Neither the government nor lenders will charge small businesses any fees.

All Small Business Eligible. Small businesses with 500 or fewer employees—including: nonprofits, veterans organizations, tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, sole proprietorships, and independent contractors. Businesses with more than 500 employees are eligible in certain industries.

Resources

The US Chamber of Commerce has created a very helpful guide to help small businesses understand the Paycheck Protection Program and help them prepare to file for a loan.

The US Department of the Treasury has a Paycheck Protection Program web page that includes several helpful resources, including a Paycheck Protection Program Factsheet for Borrowers that provides even more detail.

The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has a Paycheck Protection Program web page that provides information on the program, who can apply, how to apply, loan details and forgiveness, and more.

Claremont Insurance Services and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.