COVID-19 Archives - Walter Shuffain

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Build Back Better May Be Stuck, but How Could It Impact Business Owners?

Build Back Better is one of two pieces of legislation that form the centerpiece of President Biden’s domestic agenda. The first piece — the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act — was signed into law in November 2021. Build Back Better (BBB) focuses…

Two phones facing each other with a hand appearing out of one phone to "sign" something on the other phone.

IRS Temporarily Expands List of Tax Forms Eligible for E-signatures

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS expanded its electronic signatures program to include many more forms that historically needed a wet signature. The expansion is intended to make things easier for tax professionals and their clients, while in-person…

IRS releases W-2 reporting requirements for qualified leave in 2021

The IRS recently issued Notice 2021-53, providing guidance on reporting qualified leave and sick wages to employees. Qualified sick and leave wages are those that are defined by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which was amended by the…

A notepad with "Tax Credit" written in black ink and highlighted, sitting on top of a pile of American currency.

Don’t overlook the Employee Retention Credit

Note: We are closely monitoring H.R. 3684, known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The Senate has approved the infrastructure bill and now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration as of the publication. The infrastructure bill would…

A notepad with "Child Tax Credit" written in black ink and highlighted, sitting on top of a pile of American currency.

IRS releases website to manage child tax credit deposits

Earlier this year, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) was announced, including some temporary updates to the child tax credits available for many parents. Under the ARP, eligible parents of dependent children can take a tax deduction of up to $3,600…

A white disposable mask sitting on concrete with a roll of American $100 bills on top of it.

IRS provides guidance on tax credits for employers providing paid vaccine leave

The IRS and Treasury Department provided new information regarding the tax credits available through the American Rescue Plan (ARP). The ARP was created to help small businesses through the pandemic. This new guidance provides information on how eligible businesses can…

A clipboard holding an application for PPP Loan Forgiveness.

PPP extension passes House and Senate

A measure to extend the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application deadline from March 31, 2021, to May 31, 2021, has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. It now heads to President Biden’s desk for signature which he…

A portion of the CARES act shown with American Rescue Plan highlighted.

Key tax provisions in the American Rescue Plan Act

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) has been signed into law by President Biden and makes significant updates to several tax provisions to alleviate some of the pandemic’s financial burdens for individual taxpayers and businesses. Updates include expansions and extensions…

A pile of American currency (mostly $100s) and a note from the United States Treasury.

American Rescue Plan Act signed into law

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 passed Congress and President Biden signed the bill into law on March 12, 2021. The ARPA approves $1.9 trillion in spending for individuals, businesses, governments, and certain industries impacted by the COVID-19…

A pile of $100 bills with "Tax Credits" typed on a ripped sheet of paper.

IRS clarifies employee retention credit eligibility for PPP loans and 2020 claims

The IRS has released additional guidance in Notice 2021-20 on the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERC) with clarifications on the retroactive changes for expanded eligibility applicable to 2020. Employers who received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan have been waiting on guidance…

Category: COVID-19