Deferral Caps Removed; State of MN First Quarter Estimates; and MN Emergency Loan Program
Below are the latest updates we want to share with you. We will continue to monitor this ever-changing situation and keep you apprised. We are all in this together and will provide updates as they arrive. Please also follow us on Facebook and Linked In where these updates will also be shared. If you have any questions, please reach out to your Bridge West professional for assistance and guidance.
Federal Updates
IRS Eliminates Payment Deferral Caps
It has been declared that the previously stated payment deferral caps of up to $1 million for individuals and non-corporate filers, and up to $10 million for corporate filers, have been eliminated. The deferment applies to all taxpayers, including individuals, trusts and estates, corporations and other non-corporate tax filers, as well as those who pay self-employment tax. Taxpayers do not need to file any additional forms or call the IRS to qualify for this automatic Federal tax filing and payment relief.
State Updates
State of Minnesota Does Not Extend First Quarter 2020 Estimated Payment Due Date
As we’ve previously shared, both the IRS and Minnesota Department of Revenue have extended the filing deadline for individual income tax returns (and certain other filings) to July 15, 2020 without assessing penalties or interest. In addition, the first quarter Federal estimated tax payment due April 15, 2020 is extended to July 15, 2020. However, Minnesota did not extend the first quarter estimated tax payments for 2020 tax year. These payments are due April 15, 2020. We continue to encourage clients to send us their tax documents now to determine if they are in a refund position.
Minnesota Creates Emergency Loan Program
Yesterday, it was announced that Minnesota Governor Walz signed Executive Order 20-15 to authorize the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to establish a Small Business Emergency Loan program for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Minnesota’s small businesses and independent contractors are amongst the worst hit by the pandemic. DEED’s emergency loan program will help Minnesota small business owners who need immediate assistance during COVID-19 closures, and bridge the gap until Federal funding comes in. Any small business that has been temporarily closed due to last week’s Executive Order is eligible. The program will draw on $30 million dollars from special revenue funds and the lender network will be statewide. Small business can apply for loans ranging from $2,500 up to $35,000 and will be 50% forgivable and offered at 0% interest rate. Small business owners are still recommended to also apply for the Federal government’s SBA Disaster Loan Program. The specifics of applying will be available later this week on DEED’s website https://mn.gov/deed/. More information can also be found in DEED’s press release available here https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/press-releases/?id=424384.