Cares Act

COVID-19 Federal CARES Act: Unemployment Benefits and more

April 3, 2020 | Structure Law Group, LLP

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020. It includes provisions that are helpful to individuals who find themselves laid off by their employers during this unprecedented time.

The law adds an additional $600 in weekly unemployment benefits from the federal government on top of whatever benefits one would be entitled under state law. In California, that means individuals could receive up to $1,050 per week, from the date the CARES Act was signed up until July 31, 2020.

The CARES Act also provides for one-time payments to individuals and families. Individuals making $75,000 per year or less can expect a payment of $1,200. Married couples filing jointly earning less than $150,000 can expect $2,400, in addition to a $500 payment for each child. The amounts paid out decrease depending on how much one earns and completely phase-out for individuals earning more than $99,000 and married couples earning more than $198,000.

Getting Urgent Access to Capital for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

April 3, 2020 | Structure Law Group, LLP

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. federal government passed the CARES Act, a $2 trillion stimulus package aimed at softening the economic distress suffered by American businesses and individuals. The massive stimulus package authorizes up to $349 billion in forgivable loans through the Paycheck Protection Program to help small businesses pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis.

When can you apply?

Starting Friday, April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other specified expenses through Small Business Administration (SBA) lenders. Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply for and receive similar loans.

COVID-19 CARES Act Provides Payroll Tax Break to Employers

April 3, 2020 | Structure Law Group, LLP

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many non-essential businesses have been shut down, resulting in an unprecedented economic downfall for many employers. In efforts to provide relief for employers, the government has passed the CARES Act, which will allow employers to save costs by deferring their Social Security payroll tax (6.2%) payments. This deferral period applies to employee wages accrued between March 27, 2020 and December 31, 2020. Once the deferral period has passed, the employer will be obligated to pay the “deferred amounts” to the U.S. Treasury in two installments. The first half of the deferred amount of payroll taxes will be due on December 31, 2021, while the remaining half will be due on December 31, 2022. The CARES Act also applies to all employers regardless of their sizes, including individuals who are self-employed. The only exception is employers who have already received Small Business Act loans that are forgiven under the Cares Act. These employers do not qualify for the payroll tax deferral.

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