A Message of Thanks

Fellow Idaho Senator James E. Risch and I issued a joint guest column regarding the innovation and compassion we are seeing as Idaho communities confront the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19.  The following are some excerpts from that column. 

As the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, has spread across our world, our communities have confronted this unprecedented challenge head-on.  In the face of adversity, we are seeing innovation and compassion from those working hard to contribute to the solution—the American spirit at its best. 

Our public health providers, including doctors, nurses, physicians assistants, nurse practitioners, laboratory technicians, emergency medical technicians and others,are working diligently to mitigate the spread of the virus and treat those affected.  Their strength and skill are central to an effective response, as they work tirelessly to treat patients, identify therapeutic medications and develop vaccines.  Public and private laboratories are also increasing the ability to address testing needs.  

Individual Idahoans have been stepping in to help neighbors, those struggling with lost jobs and wages, and banding together as communities to fill the needs and keep others afloat. Idahoans have donated masks, gloves, food and other resources.  Local small businesses are collaborating to provide the ventilators, hand sanitizers, protective gear and other medical equipment our health care providers need.  Our food service providers and grocers have come together with their communities to find ways to meet demands and limit exposures.  

We have considerable work ahead to minimize this health threat and ensure families and small businesses thrive.  The immense fortitude we are seeing in all sectors of our communities is at the heart of the American spirit propelling our nation’s response and ensuring our recovery.  My thanks to all Idahoans and Americans stepping up to these and other challenges in order to meet the needs of their neighbors and communities.

5 FAQ and Answers

1. What are the new federal and state tax filing deadlines? 

        a. The New Federal Tax Filing deadlineis July 15, 2020.  The Idaho State Tax Filing deadline is June 15, 2020.

        2. How can small businesses apply for an Economic Injury Disaster loan?

        a. The loan advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue.  Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid.  To apply for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan, click here.

        3. How can small businesses apply for the Paycheck Protection Program?

        a. Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.  More information can be found HERE and HERE.

        4. When will I receive a CARES Act recovery check?

         a. The best way to ensure you receive a recovery rebate is to file a 2019 tax return if you have not already done so.  This could be accomplished for free online from home using the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Free File program (https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free).  The bill also instructs the IRS to engage in a public campaign to alert all individuals of their eligibility for the rebate and how to receive it if they have not filed either a 2019 or 2018 tax return.  Social Security beneficiaries who are not typically required to file tax returns will not need to file an abbreviated tax return to receive an Economic Impact Payment.  Instead, payments will be automatically deposited into their bank accounts.

        5. What is the Employee Retention Credit?

        a. Any employer, regardless of size, is eligible for the credit during the calendar year 2020 if the business: (1) is fully or partially suspended due to a governmental order related to COVID-19, or (2) experiences a significant decline in gross receipts (i.e., a reduction of 50 percent of gross receipts from the same quarter in 2019).  The credit also applies to tax-exempt organizations if the operation of the organization is fully or partially suspended due to the circumstances described in (1) above.  The credit generally does not apply to governmental employers, including the U.S. Government, state and local governments, or any agency of the foregoing.  For more information visit Employee Retention Credit FAQs.