IR-2020-62

On March 31, the IRS released multiple pieces of guidance regarding provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) and the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Stability (“CARES”) Act.  The FFCRA includes two employer social security tax credits for employers of 500 or fewer employees equal to the amount of paid leave that the employer is required to provide to employees related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  (See earlier coverage.)  The CARES Act provides a credit against employer social security tax equal to 50% of qualified wages paid to employees after March 12, 2020, and before December 31, 2020.

On March 20, the IRS issued a news release providing details of how the FFCRA credits will be administered.  (See earlier coverage.)   On March 31, the IRS released IR 2020-62 providing guidance on the availability of the employee retention credit in the CARES Act, Notice 2020-22 providing relief from late deposit penalties for employment tax deposits reduced in anticipation of one of the employer social security tax credits, and new IRS Form 7200 (and form instructions) for claiming a refund of excess social security tax credits.  Below, we discuss the employee retention credit and the guidance released yesterday.
Continue Reading IRS Releases Guidance on Coronavirus-Related Payroll Tax Credits