Online Assistance for Indiana Unemployment Benefits

If your company is planning a mass layoff of approximately 50 or more, it would assist the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) if you could provide employee specific information.  This will assist DWD in processing unemployment insurance (UI) claims more quickly for your impacted staff.

The information requested is:

  • Full Name of Employee (last, first, middle – in alphabetical order),
  • Employee Social Security Number (last 4 only),
  • Last Day Worked,
  • Amount of deductible income paid to claimant upon layoff (vacation, sick, PTO, etc).

A spreadsheet is located below to assist but DWD will take the information in another format if easier.  Also note that you will receive many notices from DWD about those employee separations; please respond to those notices that you deem necessary. A DWD claims investigator will contact you directly if they have any questions.

Please return the completed DWD spreadsheet to: Employverification@dwd.IN.gov

For more information please contact Jamie Fairchild at jfairchild@hsccpa.com.

How Does the IRS Tax Return Filing and Payment Delay Impact Exempt Organizations?

On March 20th, the IRS issued Notice 2020-18 which extended the filed date and payment date for all federal income taxes and income tax returns to July 15th. However, the filing due dates for exempt organizations required to file 990 series information returns have not changed. The original due date for Forms 990, 990-EZ, and 990-PF for calendar year taxpayers remains May 15, 2020.

Exempt organizations needing more time to complete their returns must file an extension to avoid penalties.
Calendar year exempt organizations with unrelated business taxable income (UBIT) must continue to adhere to the May 15, 2020 due date for filing Form 990-T. Taxpayers with estimated income tax payment requirements for UBIT originally due on April 15 do have an extension of time to make their payment until July 15, 2020.

For more information, please click click here or contact John Rittichier at jrittichier@hsccpa.com.

Retirement Plan Considerations During COVID-19

Some common retirement plan questions and concerns that we are receiving:

  • Can we stop contributions?
  • Can we delay funding our plans?
  • Are furloughed employees considered terminated?
Quick answers include:
  • Discretionary contributions can stop;
  • Safe harbor contributions may be delayed or amended to stop if you follow certain procedures;
  • Loans, hardship distributions, in-service payments may be expanded;
  • Furloughed employees are not terminated; only terminated employees can receive their vested balances;
  • Pension due dates have not yet changed:
    • 7/31/20 for 5500s and extensions to 10/15/20 for calendar year plan;
    • 9/15/20 for funding benefits and 2019 deduction;
    • 12/31/20 finishing all outstanding issues for 2020
Keep in mind:
  • If a plan moves out of safe harbor, it may have to deal with top heavy issues and other compliance testing failures;
  • Participants can stop their deferrals at any time, even if starting and modifying elections is according to a schedule;
  • Terminating more than 20% of the workforce could be a “partial plan termination” with affected employees advancing to 100% vesting;
  • Don’t do anything without checking the plan document;
  • Remember, employees asking for money are going to be hurt more as the stock market continues to drop;
Patience is a virtue:
  • How many times do you want to do a plan amendment to give or take away a feature;
  • Lowering cash balance formulas is a more extreme move when the IRS only wants to see formula changes not more than every 3 years, or so;
  • Fiduciary considerations overshadow everything;
  • In a few years, we don’t want to be in DOL lawsuits for taking action now when no action is taken when everything gets back to normal
Adapted from article by:

Michael S. Miller, CEBS
Apex Pension Strategies, Inc.
Atlanta, GA 30356

Nonessential Retailers Closed in Kentucky

Gov. Andy Beshear issued an Executive Order that all in-person retailers that are not life sustaining should be closed as of Monday, March 23rd at 8:00 p.m.

Life-sustaining retail businesses that will stay open include grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, hardware stores, gas stations and other businesses that provide staple goods. A full list of categories of life-sustaining, in-person retail businesses is attached to the order.

Click here to read the Executive Order.

Kentucky has opened a COVID-19 hotline lines are open from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

1-833-597-2337.

IRS is Giving You a Free 3 Month Loan in Order to Keep More Cash in the Economy

Updated March 24, 2020 

The IRS issued Notice 2020-18 on March 20th, extending the due date and payment date for all federal income taxes and income tax returns to July 15th.  The notice specifies that this includes self-employment taxes, but does not apply to excise taxes, estate tax, etc. Notice 2020-18.

Various states are adopting this extension of time to file and pay, but with varying details.  The AICPA is continuously updating a chart showing each state’s conformity to the federal law along with extensions of other state and local taxes. Click here to read the chart.

Please contact Kathy Ettensohn at kettensohn@hsccpa.com or Mike Vogel at mvogel@hsccpa.com if you have questions about how these evolving provisions apply to you.

Original March 20, 2020

At least for your federal balance due. The Treasury department announced today that the filing deadline for federal taxes has been moved to 7/15. Previously, only the due date for payments was moved to 7/15, as opposed to the actual filing of returns. We are waiting for official guidance from Treasury that will provide more details around this new announcement. There are still open questions regarding state filing requirements as well as quarterly estimates that are due June 15th. We will send an update as information becomes available.

Stay At Home Order for State of Indiana

Gov. Eric Holcomb has issued a “Stay at Home” order for the state of Indiana. The order will be effective from Wednesday, March 25, to April 7, 2020.

This Stay at Home order is mandatory for nearly all IN residents across the state-unless working for an essential business or are doing an essential activity. The essential businesses and activities are listed in the Executive Order below

Click here to read the Executive Order.

Indiana will open a call center to field industry questions about Governor Eric J. Holcomb’s Executive Order 20-08, which provides for essential and non-essential business operations, infrastructure and government functions while the state observes a stay-at-home order from March 25-April 7.

The Critical Industries Hotline will open Tuesday at 9 a.m. to help guide businesses and industries with the executive order.

This center, reachable by calling 877-820-0890 or by emailing covidresponse@iedc.in.gov, is for business and industry questions only.

High Deductible Health Plans Can Cover Medical Costs for Coronavirus

On March 11, 2020, the IRS issued Notice 2020-15 that allows high deductible health plans (HDHPs) to pay for testing and treatment of the coronavirus (COVID-19) without jeopardizing their tax status. Consequently, an individual enrolled in an HDHP that covers these costs continues to be eligible to contribute to a health savings account (HSA).

For more information, read the full article or contact Matt Folz, CPA at mfolz@hsccpa.com.

Originally published by Jill Harris, Senior Director, RSM US on March 12, 2020, and originally appeared in the Coronavirus Resource Center.

Indiana DOR Announces Payment Extensions

INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Governor Eric Holcomb announced the Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) is extending certain filing and payment deadlines to align with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and support Hoosiers during the COVID-19 health crisis.

“Last night, the IRS announced tax payment extensions for individual and corporate returns. We understand that Hoosiers need that same relief and our teams are swiftly taking steps to make that happen,” commented DOR Commissioner Bob Grennes.

“Since COVID-19 is impacting so many, in addition to the payment extensions announcement by the IRS, we are also extending the associated Indiana tax return filing deadlines.”

Individual tax returns and payments, along with estimated payments originally due by April 15, 2020 are now due on or before July 15, 2020. Returns included are the IT-40, IT-40PNR, IT-40RNR, IT-40ES, ES-40 and SC-40.

Corporate tax returns and payments, along with estimated payments originally due by April 15 or April 20 are now due on or before July 15, 2020. Those originally due on May 15, 2020, are now due on August 17, 2020. Returns included are the IT-20, IT-41, IT-65, IT-20S, FIT-20, URT-1, IT-6, FT-QP and URT-Q.

All other tax return filings and payment due dates remain unchanged.

If Hoosiers need additional time to file, they can request an extension. Instructions for those extensions can be found on DOR’s website. If an individual requests a federal extension, Indiana automatically extends the state deadline and there is no need to file anything additional.

“DOR is working hard to ensure that customers are getting the assistance they need. Our team can still be contacted through phone and email, and we encourage customers to take advantage of those options.”

DOR team members are continuing to provide customer service by phone and email, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., local time. Customers have the following service options:

  • Call DOR’s individual customer service line at 317-232-2240.
  • Call a specific District Office—contact information can be found on DOR’s website at dor.in.gov/3390.htm.
  • Call DOR’s Motor Carrier Services at 317-615-7200.
  • Contact a specific DOR business unit using a list of phone numbers and email addresses available at dor.in.gov/3325.htm.
  • Email DOR using the online form at dor.in.gov/3392.htm.

This article was published on March 19, 2020, by the Indiana Department of Revenue. To read the full article, click here. 

SBA Announces Disaster Assistance Loan Program

US Small Business Administration Logo

Updated March 23, 2020

All US States are now eligible for SBA disaster loans.

Updated March 20, 2020:

States currently eligible for SBA disaster loans

Arizona, California Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia

In Addition, the Following Kentucky Counties are also listed as eligible:

KENTUCKY Contiguous Counties due to Illinois
Ballard, Crittenden, Livingston, Mccracken, Union

KENTUCKY Contiguous Counties due to Indiana
Boone, Breckinridge, Carroll, Daviess, Gallatin, Hancock, Hardin, Henderson, Jefferson, Meade, Oldham, Trimble, Union

KENTUCKY Contiguous Counties due to Ohio
Boone, Boyd, Bracken, Campbell, Greenup, Kenton, Lewis, Mason, Pendleton

KENTUCKY Contiguous Counties due to Virginia
Boyd, Lawrence, Martin, Pike

KENTUCKY Contiguous Counties due to West Virginia
Boyd, Lawrence, Martin, Pike

Original post:

On March 12th the U.S. Small Business Administration announced that it will provide disaster assistance loans for small businesses affected by the coronavirus outbreak in designated states and territories. Jovita Carranza, SBA Administrator, stated in a press release that the SBA “will work directly with state governors to provide targeted, low-interest disaster recovery loans to small businesses that have been severely impacted by the situation.” The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans would offer up to $2 million in assistance through low-interest loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

According to the SBA statement: “These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.”

For more information, read the full article or contact Kyle Wininger, CPA, CICA, CVA, CFE at kwininger@hsccpa.com.

IRS Guidance on Extension of Time to Pay Taxes

IRS Defers Tax Payments, Filing Deadline Remains 4/15
In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Internal Revenue Service announced that taxpayers affected by the pandemic may defer federal tax payments until July 15, 2020. This will include first-quarter estimates. Official guidance has been given that the due date for filing income tax returns remains April 15, 2020.

Relief for Taxpayers Affected by Ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

Notice 2020-17

I. PURPOSE

On March 13, 2020, the President of the United States issued an emergency declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act in response to the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (Emergency Declaration). The Emergency Declaration instructed the Secretary of the Treasury “to provide relief from tax deadlines to Americans who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 emergency, as appropriate, pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 7508A(a).” Pursuant to the Emergency Declaration, this notice provides relief under section 7508A(a) of the Internal Revenue Code for the persons described in section III of this notice that the Secretary of the Treasury has determined to be affected by the COVID-19 emergency.

 II. BACKGROUND

Section 7508A provides the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate (Secretary) with authority to postpone the time for performing certain acts under the internal revenue laws for a taxpayer determined by the Secretary to be affected by a Federally declared disaster as defined in section 165(i)(5)(A). Pursuant to section 7508A(a), a period of up to one year may be disregarded in determining whether the performance of certain acts is timely under the internal revenue laws.

III. GRANT OF RELIEF

The Secretary has determined that any person with a Federal income tax payment due April 15, 2020, is affected by the COVID-19 emergency for purposes of the relief described in this section III (Affected Taxpayer).

For an Affected Taxpayer, the due date for making Federal income tax payments due April 15, 2020, in an aggregate amount up to the Applicable Postponed Payment Amount, is postponed to July 15, 2020. The Applicable Postponed Payment Amount is up to $10,000,000 for each consolidated group (as defined in §1.1502-1) or for each C corporation that does not join in filing a consolidated return. For all other Affected Taxpayers, the Applicable Postponed Payment Amount is up to $1,000,000 regardless of filing status. For example, the Applicable Postponed Payment Amount is the same for a single individual and for married individuals filing a joint return. In both instances, the Applicable Postponed Payment Amount is up to $1,000,000.

The relief provided in this section III is available solely with respect to Federal income tax payments (including payments of tax on self-employment income) due on April 15, 2020, in respect of an Affected Taxpayer’s 2019 taxable year, and Federal estimated income tax payments (including payments of tax on self-employment income) due on April 15, 2020, for an Affected Taxpayer’s 2020 taxable year. The Applicable Postponed Payment Amounts described in this section III include, in the aggregate, all payments described in the preceding sentence due on April 15, 2020 for such Affected Taxpayers.

No extension is provided in this notice for the payment or deposit of any other type of Federal tax, or for the filing of any tax return or information return.

As a result of the postponement of the due date for making Federal income tax payments up to the Applicable Postponed Payment Amount from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020, the period beginning on April 15, 2020, and ending on July 15, 2020, will be disregarded in the calculation of any interest, penalty, or addition to tax for failure to pay the Federal income taxes postponed by this notice. Interest, penalties, and additions to tax with respect to such postponed Federal income tax payments will begin to accrue on July 16, 2020. In addition, interest, penalties, and additions to tax will accrue, without any suspension or deferral, on the amount of any

Federal income tax payments in excess of the Applicable Postponed Payment Amount due but not paid by an Affected Taxpayer on April 15, 2020.

Affected Taxpayers subject to penalties or additions to tax despite the relief granted by this section III may seek reasonable cause relief under section 6651 for a failure to pay tax or seek a waiver to a penalty under section 6654 for a failure by an individual or certain trusts and estates to pay estimated income tax, as applicable. Similar relief with respect to estimated tax payments is not available for corporate taxpayers or tax-exempt organizations under section 6655.