Resources - Last updated 04/15/21

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IRS News Releases
​FTB News Releases 

IRS extend filing and payment deadline until May 17, 2021

• The federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year will be automatically extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021.
• Even with the new deadline, we urge taxpayers to consider filing as soon as possible, especially those who are owed refunds.
• Filing electronically with direct deposit is the quickest way to get refunds, and it can help some taxpayers more quickly receive any remaining stimulus payments they may be entitled to.
• Filing Form 4868 gives taxpayers until October 15 to file their 2020 tax return but does not grant an extension of time to pay taxes due.
• Taxpayers should pay their federal income tax due by May 17, 2021, to avoid interest and penalties.

News Article (As of 03/17/2021)

Those experiencing homelessness can get Economic Impact Payments and other tax benefits

• The Internal Revenue Service today continued an ongoing effort to help those experiencing homelessness during the pandemic.
• Reminding people who don't have a permanent address or a bank account that they may still qualify for Economic Impact Payments and other tax benefits.
• To help people experiencing homelessness, the rural poor and other historically under-served groups, the IRS urges community groups, employers and others to share information about Economic Impact Payments.
• People can claim an Economic Impact Payment or other credits even if they don't have a permanent address.
• Many financial institutions will help a person lacking an account to open a low-cost or no-cost bank account. 

News Article (As of 04/15/2021)

2 million more Economic Impact Payments under the American Rescue Plan

•  Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service announced they are disbursing nearly 2 million payments in the fifth batch of Economic Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan.
• Today's announcement brings the total disbursed so far to approximately 159 million payments, with a total value of more than $376 billion, since these payments began rolling out to Americans in batches as announced on March 12.
• People who don't normally file a tax return and don't receive federal benefits may qualify for these Economic Impact Payments.
• The IRS reminds taxpayers that the income levels in this new round of Economic Impact Payments have changed. This means that some people won't be eligible for the third payment even if they received a first or second Economic Impact Payment or claimed a 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit.

News Article (As of 04/14/2021)

IRS suspends requirement to repay excess advance payments of the 2020 Premium Tax Credit

• The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 suspends the requirement that taxpayers increase their tax liability by all or a portion of their excess advance payments of the Premium Tax Credit (excess APTC) for tax year 2020.
• Those claiming net Premium Tax Credit must file Form 8962
•  A taxpayer's excess APTC is the amount by which the taxpayer's advance payments of the Premium Tax Credit (APTC) exceed his or her Premium Tax Credit (PTC).
• Eligible taxpayers may claim a PTC for health insurance coverage in a qualified health plan purchased through a Health Insurance Marketplace.
• he process remains unchanged for taxpayers claiming a net PTC for 2020. They must file Form 8962 when they file their 2020 tax return. See the Instructions for Form 8962 for more information.

News Article (As of 04/09/2021)

U.S. income tax rules relating to pandemic unemployment compensation

• IRS reminds eligible residents of the U.S. territories that if they receive unemployment compensation payments that are otherwise  subject to U.S. income tax
• They may be eligible to exclude up to $10,200 per person of  unemployment compensation from U.S. income tax for 2020
• Taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income of less than $150,000 may exclude the first $10,200 of unemployment compensation from their 2020 federal income tax return. 
• In the case of taxpayers that are married filing jointly, the maximum exclusion would be $10,200 for each spouse for a maximum of $20,400.
• Taxpayers who filed before the law was passed should not file an amended return.

News Article (As of 04/08/2021)

IRS reminds taxpayers to make April 15 estimated tax payment

• The Internal Revenue Service today reminded self-employed individuals, retirees, investors, businesses, corporations, and others who pay their taxes quarterly that the payment for the first quarter of 2021 is due Thursday, April 15, 2021.
• The extension to May 17, 2021 for individuals to file their 2020 federal income taxes does not apply to estimated tax payments.
• The 2021 Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals, can help taxpayers estimate their first quarterly tax payment.
• The fastest and easiest ways to make an estimated tax payment is by using IRS Direct Pay, the IRS2Go app or the Treasury Department's Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS).

News Article (As of 04/08/2021)

IRS has refunds totaling $1.3 billion for people who have not filed a 2017 federal income tax return

• Unclaimed income tax refunds worth more than $1.3 billion await an estimated 1.3 million taxpayers who did not file a 2017 Form 1040 federal income tax return
• The IRS estimates the midpoint for the potential refunds for 2017 to be $865 — that is, half of the refunds are more than $865 and half are less.
• In cases where a federal income tax return was not filed, the law provides most taxpayers with a three-year window of opportunity to claim a tax refund. 
• The IRS reminds taxpayers seeking a 2017 tax refund that their checks may be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2018 and 2019.

News Article (As of 04/05/2021)

Employers claiming the Employee Retention Credit for first two quarters of 2021

• Eligible employers can now claim a refundable tax credit against the employer share of Social Security tax equal to 70% of the qualified wages they pay to employees after December 31, 2020, through June 30, 2021. 
• Qualified wages are limited to $10,000 per employee per calendar quarter in 2021.
• Thus, the maximum employee retention credit available is $7,000 per employee per calendar quarter, for a total of $14,000 for the first two calendar quarters of 2021.
• Employers can access the Employee Retention Credit for the 1st and 2nd calendar quarters of 2021 prior to filing their employment tax returns by reducing employment tax deposits.

News Article (As of 04/02/2021)

$130 million with more to come for Economic Impact Payments under the American Rescue Plan​

• U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service announced they are disbursing several million more payments in the third batch of Economic Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan. 

• This brings the total disbursed so far to more than 130 million payments worth approximately $335 billion.
• The third batch of payments began processing on Friday, March 26, with an official payment date of March 31, with some people receiving direct payments in their accounts earlier as provisional or pending deposits.

• Some federal benefits recipients may need to file a 2020 tax return, even if they don't usually file, to provide information the IRS needs to send payments for any qualified dependent. 

• Eligible individuals in this group should file a 2020 tax return to be considered for an additional payment for their qualified dependent as quickly as possible.

​News Article (As of 04/01/2021)

Stimulus payments to non-filer Social Security and other federal beneficiaries will be disbursed later this week

• Social Security recipients and other federal beneficiaries who do not normally file a tax return
• Majority of these payments would be sent electronically and received on April 7.
• After receiving data from the Social Security Administration on Thursday, March 25, the IRS began the multi-step process to review, validate, and test tens of millions of records to ensure eligibility and proper calculation of Economic Impact Payments.
• Most Social Security retirement and disability beneficiaries, railroad retirees and recipients of veterans benefits who are eligible for an Economic Impact Payment do not need to take any action to receive a payment.

News Article (As of 03/30/2021)

Treasury disburse another 37 million Economic Impact Payments

• They are disbursing approximately 37 million payments in the second batch of Economic Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan. 
• This brings the total disbursed payments from the American Rescue Plan to approximately 127 million payments worth approximately $325 billion.
• Like the first batch of payments, the payments announced today primarily were sent to eligible taxpayers who filed 2019 or 2020 returns. People who don't typically file a return but who successfully used the Non-Filers tool on IRS.gov last year were sent payments in this batch.
• Paper checks and debit cards – known as EIP cards –began processing on Friday, March 19, and will continue to be sent by mail over the next few weeks.
• Additional batches of payments will be sent in the coming weeks as direct deposits and through the mail as paper checks or debit cards.

News Article (As of 03/26/2021)

Taxpayers should watch mail for paper checks, debit cards

• The Internal Revenue Service announced today that the next batch of Economic Impact Payments will be issued to taxpayers this week, with many of these coming by paper check or prepaid debit card.
• For taxpayers receiving direct deposit, this batch of payments began processing on Friday and will have an official pay date of Wednesday, March 24, with some people seeing these in their accounts earlier, potentially as provisional or pending deposits.
• No action is needed by most people to obtain this round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs). Paper checks will arrive by mail in a white envelope from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
• People can check the Get My Payment tool on IRS.gov on to see if the their payment has been scheduled.

News Article (As of 03/22/2021)

Use the Where’s My Refund? tool or IRS2Go app to check tax refund status

• The Internal Revenue Service today reminds taxpayers that the most convenient way to check on a tax refund is by using the Where's My Refund? tool at IRS.gov or through the IRS2Go Mobile App.
• Now more than ever, the safest and best way to file a complete and accurate tax return and get a refund is to file electronically and use direct deposit.
• Taxpayers can visit IRS.gov/filing for more details about IRS Free File, Free File Fillable Forms and free tax preparation sites.
• While most tax refunds are issued within 21 days, some may take longer because the return requires additional review.
• Calling the IRS won't expedite a tax refund. The information available on Where's My Refund? is the same information available to IRS telephone assistors.

News Article (As of 03/18/2021)

Month of March 2021 as "National Settlement Month."

• Virtual Settlement Day events enable the IRS to deliver meaningful resolution options to taxpayers as the nation works through the pandemic.
• Settlement Days events are coordinated efforts to resolve cases in the United States Tax Court by providing taxpayers who are not represented by counsel with the opportunity to receive free tax advice from Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs), American Bar Association (ABA) volunteer attorneys and other pro bono organizations.
• Taxpayers can also discuss their Tax Court cases and related tax issues with members of the Office of Chief Counsel, the IRS Independent Office of Appeals and IRS Collection representatives. 
• The IRS proactively identifies and reaches out to taxpayers with Tax Court cases which appear most suitable for this settlement day approach. 

News Article (As of 03/18/2021)

Recent changes to retirement plans

• The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers about the rules for required minimum distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts.
• A retirement plan account owner must normally begin taking an RMD annually starting the year he or she reaches 70 ½ or 72, depending on their birthdate and maybe the year they retire.
• Retirement plans requiring RMDs include traditional, Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SEP) and Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) Individual Retirement Accounts; 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), profit sharing and other defined contribution plans.
• Individuals who reached age 70 ½ before 2020 and were still employed, but terminated employment in 2020, would normally have a 2020 RMD due by April 1, 2021, from their workplace retirement plan. This RMD is also waived as part of the CARES Act relief. Roth IRAs do not require withdrawals until after the death of the owner.

News Article (As of 03/16/2021)

IRS expands help to taxpayers in multiple languages

• The Internal Revenue Service today said that it continues its efforts to expand ways to communicate to taxpayers who prefer to get information in other languages.
• The new Form 1040 Schedule LEP, in English and Spanish, with instructions available in English and 20 other languages
• This can be filed with a tax return by those taxpayers who prefer to communicate with the IRS in another language.
• They can indicate their language of preference for IRS-issued written communications or change their language of preference.

News Article (As of 03/16/2021)

Low Income Taxpayer Clinic 2021 supplemental application period now open

• The application period will run from March 15, 2021-April 16, 2021.
• The budget and the period of performance for the supplemental grant will be July 1, 2021-December 31, 2022.
• Organizations currently receiving a grant for 2021 are not eligible to apply.
• Applications will be accepted from all areas, but priority consideration will be given to organizations that can provide services in the identified geographic areas, listed below.
• Applications must be submitted electronically at www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on April 16, 2021. The funding number is TREAS-GRANTS-052021-002.

News Article (As of 03/15/2021)

Get credit for IRA contributions made by April 15 on 2020 tax returns

• Taxpayers of all ages may be able to claim a deduction on their 2020 tax return for contributions to their Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) made through April 15, 2021
• There is no longer a maximum age for making IRA contributions.
• Single or head of household filers with income of $65,000 or less can take a full deduction up to the amount of their contribution limit.
• For incomes more than $65,000 but less than $75,000, there is a partial deduction and if $75,000 or more there is no deduction.
• Taxpayers should use Form 8880, Credit for Qualified Retirement Savings Contributions PDF, to claim the Saver's Credit, and its instructions for details on figuring the credit correctly.

News Article (As of 03/11/2021)

Make protecting tax and financial information a habit

• The Internal Revenue Service today urged people to continue practicing proper cybersecurity habits by securing computers, phones and other devices.
• Scams and schemes using the IRS as a lure can take on many variations, so practicing personal information security is vital.
• Few tips to help minimize exposure to fraud and identity theft: (1) Protect personal information. Treat personal information like cash; (2) Safeguard personal data. Provide a Social Security number, for example, only when necessary. (3) Use strong passwords. Use a password phrase or series of words that will be easy for you to remember.  (4) Set password and encryption protections for wireless networks. (5) Avoid phishing scams. (6) Use security software. An anti-virus program should provide protection from viruses etc., (7) Back up files. (8) ID Theft Central. Designed to improve online access to information on identity theft

News Article (As of 03/09/2021)

Interest rates remain the same for the second quarter of 2021

• The Internal Revenue Service announced that interest rates will remain the same for the calendar quarter beginning April 1, 2021.

• The rates will be: 3% for overpayments (2% in the case of a corporation); 0.5% for the portion of a corporate overpayment exceeding $10,000; 3% for underpayments; and 5% for large corporate underpayments.
• ​The rate for large corporate underpayments is the federal short-term rate plus 5 percentage points.
• The rate on the portion of a corporate overpayment of tax exceeding $10,000 for a taxable period is the federal short-term rate plus one-half (0.5) of a percentage point.

News Article (As of 03/02/2021)

Guidance for employers claiming the Employee Retention Credit for 2020

• Including eligibility rules for PPP borrowers
• The Internal Revenue Service issued guidance for employers claiming the employee retention credit under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), as modified by the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020 (Relief Act), for calendar quarters in 2020.
• A significant change for 2020 made by the Relief Act permits eligible employers that received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan to claim the employee retention credit
• The credit is equal to 50 percent of qualified wages paid, including qualified health plan expenses, for up to $10,000 per employee in 2020. The maximum credit available for each employee is $5,000 in 2020.

News Article (As of 03/01/2021)

Changes to the Paycheck Protection Program

• A 14-day application period exclusive to those with fewer than 20 employees opens on Feb. 24, 2021.
• Self-employed individuals can use gross income to calculate their PPP loan.
• Small business owners with recent felony convictions – not related to fraud – can now apply for a PPP loan.
• Business owners delinquent or in default of student loans can apply.
• Business owners who aren’t U.S. citizens, but are lawful residents, can use their Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) are eligible for a PPP loan.
• If you fall into any of the above categories, consider applying (or re-applying) for a PPP loan within the 14-day exclusive application period from now through March 10.

News Article (As of 02/22/2021)

State Suspends Certain Debt Collection Activities

• The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) today announced a suspension of its income tax refund offset program until July 31, 2021.
• FTB has temporarily suspended the collection activities of the Interagency Intercept Collection (IIC) Program to provide relief to California taxpayers
• This means state tax refunds will not be reduced to offset taxpayer debts for parking citations, tolls, and various fines. Debts for child support are the exception and will continue to be collected.
• Taxpayers can apply for a payment installment plan if they cannot pay their state taxes in full; this includes court-ordered debts. Taxpayers can apply for a payment plan online, by phone, or by mail.
• For suspended corporations and limited liability companies, FTB offers expedited services to revive the business for those prepared to file and pay the balance now or in the near future.
• Customers can request an appointment by contacting the field offices by telephone or email.

News Article (As of 02/22/2021)
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Additional flexibility for health FSAs and dependent care assistance programs

• Under the COVID-related Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020, these plans now have additional discretion in 2021 and 2022 to adjust their programs to help employees better meet the unanticipated consequences of the public health emergency.
• As a result of COVID-19, participating employees are more likely to have unused health FSA amounts or dependent care assistance program amounts at the end of 2020 and 2021.
• This provides flexibility for a special claims period and carryover rule for dependent care assistance programs when a dependent "ages out" during the COVID-19 public health emergency

News Article (As of 02/18/2021)

Eligible people can claim Recovery Rebate Credit

• As required by law, all legally permitted first and second round of Economic Impact Payments have been issued and the IRS now turns its full attention to the 2021 filing season.
• If individuals didn't receive a payment – or if they didn't receive the full amounts – they may be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit and must file a 2020 tax return.
• Individuals will need to know the amounts of any Economic Impact Payments they received to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
• Those who don't have their Economic Impact Payment notices can view the amounts of their first and second Economic Impact Payments through their individual online account.

News Article (As of 02/16/2021)

Double-check for missing or incorrect Forms W-2, 1099 before filing taxes

• With some areas seeing mail delays, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers to double-check to make sure they have all of their tax documents, including Forms W-2 and 1099, before filing a tax return.
• The IRS reminds taxpayers that many of these forms may be available online.
• When other options aren't available, taxpayers who haven't received a W-2 or Form 1099 should contact the employer, payer or issuing agency directly to request the missing documents before filing their 2020 federal tax return. This also applies for those who received an incorrect W-2 or Form 1099.
• Those who don't get a response, are unable to reach the employer/payer/issuing agency or cannot otherwise get copies or corrected copies of their Forms W-2 or 1099 must still file their tax return on time by the April 15 deadline (or October 15 if requesting an automatic extension).
• ​If the taxpayer doesn't receive the missing or corrected form in time to file their tax return by the April deadline, they may estimate the wages or payments made to them, as well as any taxes withheld. Use Form 4852 to report this information on their federal tax return.

News Article (As of 02/09/2021)

​​IRS updates FAQs on paid sick leave credit and family leave credit

• FAQs about recent legislation that extended and amended tax relief to certain small- and mid-sized employers under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
• The updates to the FAQs cover how the COVID-related Tax Relief Act of 2020
• Eligible employers may claim the credit for paid sick leave provided to an employee for up to two weeks (up to 80 hours) at 2/3 the employee's regular rate of pay, or up to $200 per day and $2,000 in total.
• Employers are also entitled to a paid family leave credit for paid family leave provided to an employee equal to 2/3 of the employee's regular pay, up to $200 per day and $10,000 in total.
• Eligible employers may claim the credits on their federal employment tax returns (e.g., Form 941, Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return), but they can benefit more quickly from the credits by reducing their federal employment tax deposits.

News Article (As of 01/29/2021)

New law increases deduction limit for corporate cash contributions for disaster relief

• The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020 (TCDTRA of 2020), enacted December 27, temporarily increased the limit, to up to 100% of a corporation's taxable income, for contributions paid in cash for relief efforts in qualified disaster areas.
• Under the new law, qualified disaster areas are those in which a major disaster has been declared under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. 
• it includes any major disaster declaration made by the President during the period beginning on January 1, 2020, and ending on February 25, 2021
• Qualified contributions must be paid by the corporation during the period beginning on January 1, 2020 and ending on February 25, 2021. 

News Article (As of 01/29/2021)

IRS offers guidance to taxpayers on identity theft involving unemployment benefits

• The Internal Revenue Service today urged taxpayers who receive Forms 1099-G for unemployment benefits they did not actually get because of identity theft to contact their appropriate state agency for a corrected form.
• Taxpayers who receive an incorrect Form 1099-G for unemployment benefits they did not receive should contact the issuing state agency to request a revised Form 1099-G showing they did not receive these benefits.
• Taxpayers who are unable to obtain a timely, corrected form from states should still file an accurate tax return, reporting only the income they received.
• A corrected Form 1099-G showing zero unemployment benefits in cases of identity theft will help taxpayers avoid being hit with an unexpected federal tax bill for unreported income.

News Article (As of 01/28/2021)

Important reminders before filing 2020 tax returns

• The safest, most accurate and fastest way to get a refund is to electronically file and choose direct deposit.
• Direct deposit means any tax refund is electronically deposited for free into a taxpayer's financial account.
• People must meet certain requirements and file a federal tax return in order to receive this credit. The EITC assistant on IRS.gov can help people determine if they qualify.
• The IRS reminds taxpayers that they may elect to use their 2019 earned income to figure the EITC if their 2019 earned income is more than their 2020 earned income. 
• For details, see Publication 596, Earned Income Credit.

News Article (As of 01/27/2021)

Stimulus checks should start going out this week 

• The new round of stimulus payments included in the $900 billion Covid relief package are expected to start going out this week
• $600 checks to individuals who meet income limits.
• It would take at least two weeks for the Treasury to get cash into people's bank accounts.

News Article (As of 12/28/2020)​

California Employer – Fourth Quarter 2020

• 2021 Tax Rate Information Notice
• California’s Paid Family Leave Program 2021 Enhancements
• California’s Retirement Mandate for Employers

News Article

$500 Million for New COVID Relief Grant for Small Business 

• for small businesses that have been impacted by COVID and the health and safety restrictions.
• Funds would be awarded in amounts up to $25,000 to underserved micro and small businesses throughout the state by early 2021.
• Non-profits would also be eligible for these grants. 
• Applications open now through Fri 1/8, 11:59 p.m. PT

California Relief As of  Grant (12/28/2020)
Apply Now!
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​Public Health Orders

• All persons and businesses in Santa Clara County must comply with the county order 
• Shelter in place remains in effect

County of Santa Clara - Public health orders (as of 12/15/20)


**Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order on Actions in Response to COVID-19 

• Providing a 90-day extension on tax returns and tax payments for small businesses and updating Cal/OSHA requirements related to quarantine guidelines.
• Extending the availability of housing for migrant agricultural workers

(CDTFA) to offer a 90-day extension for tax returns and tax payments for all businesses (As of 12/14/2020) 


​Shelter in place - County of Santa Clara 

• Essential services to remain open 
• Prohibits all non-essential gatherings 
• Orders cessation of all non-essential travel

Shelter in Place Order (as of 12/04/20)

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Santa Clara County - New Phase

• Will allow new categories of business to re open, subject to specific conditions and limitations
• Capacity limitations for businesses, entities, and activities under the new Regional Stay at Home Order restrictions.

County of Santa Clara Order
News Article as of 12/12/20


Immediate Assistance for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

• California will provide $500 million in new COVID-19 Relief Grant funding for small businesses.
• The temporary tax relief entails an automatic three-month income tax extension for taxpayers filing less than $1 million in sales tax.

New Article (As of 11/30/20)


Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery Report 

• $25 million for the Fund to help impacted small businesses with loans up to $100,000 to keep their doors open and local economies strong.

New Article (As of 11/20/20)

Mortgage Relief Options

• Homeowners can request a forbearance for up to 180 days if they have a hardship due to Covid-19
• You will still owe the money you were paying, this is a temporary pause on making your monthly payments 
• You must contact you loan servicer to ask for a forbearance 

News article (as of 11/13/20)
Article regarding home mortgages (as of 11/13/20) 

Current Scams related to COVID-19
Medicare Scams

• ​Scammers may call and offer things like COVID-19 kits, or benefits related to the virus 
• They will ask to verify your bank information before sending you the above mentioned items

Relief Payment Messages From "Government Agencies" 

• The FTC is getting reports about fraudulent calls, texts, and emails coming from people pretending to be from Social Security, IRS, Census, USCIS, and the FDIC
• If you respond they may ask for money, personal information, or both

Federal Trade Commission: Videos to avoid scams (as of 06/01/20)
FDIC Website (Scams as of 04/10/20)
News Article (as of 04/14/20)

​Cares Act

• Direct payments - payments made to taxpayers as a stimulus based off your income
• Unemployment - Expands eligibility and offers workers an additional $600 per week for four months  
• Payroll taxes - Employers can delay payment portion of 2020 payroll taxes until 2021 & 2022
• Use of retirement funds - Waives the 10% early withdrawal penalty for distributions up to $100,000 for Coronavirus related purposes 
• RMDs suspended - Required minimum distributions from IRAs and 401(k) (at age 72) are suspended 
• Small business relief - Companies who maintain their payroll can receive up to 8 weeks of cash-flow assistance 
• Employee retention credit - Employers subject to closure due to COVID-19 are eligible for a refundable payroll tax credit equal to 50% of qualified wages with respect to each employee.  The maximum wages per employee that can be taken into account for all quarters an employer may be eligible for this credit is $10,000
• Creates a new "above-the-line" deduction for up to $300 of charitable cash contributions in 2020,  this write-off is only available to people who take the standard deduction

Cares Act Bill 
News article (as of 12/04/20)

CA Commissioner Orders Insurance Companies to Refund Premiums to Drivers 

• Covers premiums paid for at least March/ April, will extend through May if shelter in place continues 
• Insurance companies will have no later than August to comply 

News article (04/13/20)

​IRS tax filing and payment deadline pushed back to July 15

• IRS pushed back tax payments 90 days to July 15
• The deadline to file was just pushed back 90 days as well to July 15 (updated 03/20/20)
• 2020 1st quarter estimated taxes also now due July 15
• IRS has pushed back the deadline to make 2019 IRA or HSA contributions to July 15 *NEW 
• The IRS is currently unable to process paper tax returns, respond to paper correspondence, or staff toll-free live service lines (as of 04/13/20)

IRS Urges Taxpayers to Use Electronic Options
IRS Deadline to Contribute to IRA or HSA accounts extended (as of 03/24/20)
​IRS Tax Payment Deadline (as of 03/21/20)
Filing and Payments Deadlines FAQ 

Franchise Tax Board postpones Tax Deadlines until July 15
FTB is postponing until July 15 the filing and payment deadlines for all individuals and business entities for:

• 2019 tax returns
• 2019 tax return payments
• 2020 1st and 2nd quarter estimate payments
• 2020 LLC taxes and fees

FTB News releases (as of 03/18/20)
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​​Property Taxes - County of Santa Clara 

• April 10th deadline is not extended, but penalties will be waived due to reasonable cause and circumstance
• ​Property owners can take advantage of a partial payment option 

Department of Tax and Collections (as of 03/18/20)

Executive Order Protecting Homes, Smalls Business from Water Shutoffs

• Governor Newsom signed an executive order that will restrict water shutoffs to homes and small business
• The order protects consumer who may not be able to pay for their water service from shutoffs

Order Protecting Water shutoffs (as of 04/02/20)
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California Governor Issues Stay at Home Order throughout the State of California

• Started 3/19 and in effect until further notice
• Essential services will remain open
• Extended till 5/03

Stay at Home Order (as of 03/19/20)
Stay at Home Order Extended to 05/03/20



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