5 Things Retailers Should Know About the Stimulus Bill

the five years, said Haake, but an accountant will know where to look and how to assist, which brings up a point National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith made in her latest “On Data” article.

Jewelers should consult their corporate attorney, certified public account and payroll company (if they use one) to help them decode CARES.

It may seem complicated, but actually, the act was “crafted in a way to eliminate technicalities and get money out there quickly,” said Haake.

Access to loans for small businesses has been expanded.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) set up a $350 billion Paycheck Protection Program that offers forgivable loans to cover up to 250 percent of payroll for small businesses with 500 or fewer employees.

In addition, the Federal Reserve, backed by the Federal Reserve Act, has the power to buy debt or extend loans to businesses of all sizes in extenuating circumstances, with the approval of the Treasury.

The regulatory body will do just that, receiving $500 billion to support credit facilities and leveraging that to provide more than $4.5 trillion in support.

More details on Federal Reserve credit programs will be available in the coming days.

In addition, Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA are available to businesses with fewer than 500 employees and, now, also to sole proprietors and Employee Stock Ownership Plans, a type of company that sets up an employee stock ownership trust.

There is also a new emergency grant available allowing a business that has applied for a disaster loan to get an immediate advance of up to $10,000, which can be used for payroll purposes.

The advance is not required to be repaid, even if the request for a loan is denied.

Unemployment benefits have been expanded.

The CARES Act expands unemployment benefits, including to those who are self-employed and to independent contractors.

Individuals qualify for unemployment if they are able or available to work, but cannot for reasons related to COVID-19.

Coronavirus-related reasons include school closures, caring for a sick family member, or if their place of employment is closed or can’t be reached, like if a stay-in-place order is in effect.

The coverage applies to those unable to work for coronavirus-related reasons beginning on or after Jan. 27 and ending on or before Dec. 31, 2020.

Individuals who qualify for unemployment will receive an additional $600 on top of the amount given by the state in which they reside.

The plan, known as the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program, will provide unemployment insurance for 39 weeks, an extension on the standard 26 weeks.

Payments will be made available from the first week of unemployment, eliminating the usual one-week delay.

Individuals will receive a one-time check.

Checks start at $1,200 and go up or down from there, depending on how much individuals earn and how many dependent children they have.

Individuals making $99,000 or above and couples making $198,000 and above who have no dependent children will not receive a check.

An individual’s income will be determined using 2019 tax returns or 2018 returns if the taxpayer hasn’t filed their 2019 taxes yet.

There are a number of calculators available online to help people determine how much they will get, like this one from H&R Block.

There are resources available to individuals and retailers in need of guidance.

The CARES Act is a lengthy one with a long list of provisions and complicated exceptions.

But, “life is complicated,” said Haake. “Rely on whoever has advised [you] over the years in terms of how to take advantage of these provisions.”

Jewelers of America, which owns National Jeweler, compiled a resource guide breaking down the provisions and highlighting especially important information.

“We’ve been trying to provide members and the industry with the best information we have on hand,” CEO David Bonaparte said in an interview with National Jeweler.

He encouraged jewelers to reach out to the industry’s trade organizations with any questions and, more importantly, to stay on top of things.

“Don’t shutter and wait for this to go away. Stay active in the marketplace,” he said, advising jewelers to keep in touch with customers and vendors, and their banks.

The National Retail Federation also provided an overview of the bill on its blog.

The Small Business Administration put together a list with guidance for small businesses and loan resources.

The SBA is reachable on a local level as well, with 68 district offices, and works alongside resource partners.

The SCORE Association is a nonprofit comprised of more than 13,000 business counselors volunteering to offer their services.

The Small Business Development Centers’ office is also available to support small businesses.

Women-owned small businesses can reach out to The Women’s Business Centers, and veterans can contact the Veterans Business Outreach Centers.

In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a guide available for businesses and employers.