Accounting & Finance

The PPP loan forgiveness chronicles

  • 3 min Read
  • July 9, 2021

Author

Escalon

Table of Contents

With Covid-19 raging on for the better part of 2020 and 2021, small businesses were faced with the gargantuan task of staying afloat and supporting their stakeholders and employees. Businesses were blindsided by the pandemic, making it imperative for funds to be rapidly infused in the system to help protect the backbone of the economy. Small business proprietors do not have it easy on a good day, and with such tumultuous times, it was important that the government step in to protect American citizens and businesses.

The Paycheck Protection Program or PPP loans were first announced in April 2020 at the U.S. Senate and House. They kicked off with $349 billion in association with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES. The PPP loans came as a lifesaver to many businesses, just in time to provide assistance to people from all sectors and industries.

The first-draw PPP loans will be forgiven, assuming they qualify under the following terms:


  • The business that accepted the loan maintained employees and their compensation amounts.
  • The loans were spent on payroll and other eligible costs.
  • A minimum of 60% of the amount of the loan was spent on payroll.

The second draw of PPP loans will also qualify for forgiveness assuming the business also meets these criteria:

  • Employees and their compensation were maintained in the same way they were for the first-draw PPP loans.
  • The loans were spent on payroll and related expenditures.
  • At least 60% of the loan amount had to be allocated to meeting payroll.

Borrowers can ask for loan forgiveness once the loan proceeds have been completely spent and at any time until the loan matures. PPP loan recipients have up to 10 months from the last day of their covered period to apply for loan forgiveness. For some of the program’s earliest loan applicants in April 2020, an eight-week covered period applies, so the forgiveness deadline comes in mid-July.

To apply for loan forgiveness

:

Contact your PPP lender for the correct form

There will be many forms for loan forgiveness, so make sure to fill the correct one. Accept the help of your lender to obtain the right one.

Collate your documents

Payroll: Provide all payroll documents from the loan’s covered period. This includes receipts, tax forms, your contributions to health and retirement plans and any other documentation.

Nonpayroll: Gather proof of payment for all debt obligations that existed before the advent of Covid-19 and before you applied for the PPP loan. This includes mortgage payments, rent or lease payments, utility payments and the like.

Submit the documents to your lender

Submit everything to your lender and follow up to see whether additional documents are required.

Stay in touch with your lending partner

Remain in touch with your lending partner during the process to stay on top of your application. The Small Business Administration will review your case and apprise your lender of developments. If you want to contest the SBA’s decision, there is a process you can follow. Note that your lending partner is responsible for notifying you of developments in your PPP loan forgiveness application.

Talk to our team today to learn how Escalon can help take your company to the next level.

  • Expertise you can trust

    Our team is made up of seasoned professionals who bring years of industry experience to the table. You gain a trusted advisor who understands your business inside out.

  • Quality and consistency

    Say goodbye to the hassles of hiring, training and managing in-house finance teams. You will never have to worry about unexpected leave of absence or retraining new employees.

  • Scalability and Flexibility

    Whether you’re a small business or a global powerhouse, our solutions scale with your needs. We eliminate inefficiencies, reduce costs and help you focus on growing your business.

Contact Us Today!

Tap into the latest insights from experts in your industry

Accounting & Finance

Financial Planning for the Future, Setting Long-Term Business Goals

While small businesses must handle day-to-day tasks—like managing payroll or closing monthly books—long-term planning is the compass that keeps them...

Read More
People Management & HR

Benefits Administration, What Small Business Need to Know

Benefits administration can be a game-changer for small businesses aiming to attract and retain top talent. While salaries remain an...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

AAP vs. Cash Accounting: Which Method Is Best for Your Growing Business? 

Choosing the right accounting method can significantly impact how you track financial performance, manage taxes, and plan growth. Two common...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

Beyond Bootstrapping: Advanced Cash Flow Management for Scaling Companies 

Bootstrapping—financing growth through internal cash flow—is a hallmark of many successful startups. But as businesses mature past their initial stage,...

Read More
Technology & Security

Building a Scalable Tech Stack: How to Choose the Right Tools for Growth 

In today’s business landscape, technology is more than a convenience—it’s a strategic asset that can supercharge growth. But as you...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

How to Reduce Month-End Close Time Without Sacrificing Accuracy 

The month-end close can feel like a perpetual scramble—collecting invoices, reconciling accounts, fixing last-minute errors. A drawn-out close not only...

Read More
uncategorized

How to Reduce Overhead Costs Without Impacting Productivity 

Overhead costs—from utilities and rent to administrative staffing—can quietly swell until they erode profit margins and slow your ability to...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

How to Structure Your Finance Team as Your Business Scales

Growth triggers a tidal wave of financial complexity, multi-entity operations, new product lines, overseas expansion, or investor relations. If your...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

M&A Readiness: How to Prepare Your Financials for a Successful Acquisition or Sale 

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) can dramatically alter a company’s trajectory—unlocking new markets, technologies, or customer bases. Yet, many deals stumble...

Read More