Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program as Amended by Economic Aid Act, 3692-3712 [2021-00451]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 9 / Thursday, January 14, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
13 CFR Parts 113, 120, and 121
[Docket No. SBA–2021–0001]
RIN 3245–AH62
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
RIN 1505–AC74
Business Loan Program Temporary
Changes; Paycheck Protection
Program as Amended by Economic
Aid Act
U.S. Small Business
Administration; Department of the
Treasury.
ACTION: Interim final rule.
AGENCY:
On April 2, 2020, the U.S.
Small Business Administration (SBA)
posted an interim final rule announcing
the implementation of sections 1102
and 1106 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief,
and Economic Security Act (CARES
Act). Section 1102 of the CARES Act
temporarily adds a new program, titled
the ‘‘Paycheck Protection Program,’’ to
the SBA’s 7(a) Loan Program. Section
1106 of the CARES Act provides for
forgiveness of up to the full principal
amount of qualifying loans guaranteed
under the Paycheck Protection Program
(PPP). The PPP is intended to provide
economic relief to small businesses
nationwide adversely impacted by the
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19).
Subsequently, SBA published twentythree interim final rules providing
additional guidance on the PPP (some of
which were jointly issued with the
Department of the Treasury) and
Treasury published one interim final
rule. On December 27, 2020, the
Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small
Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act
(Economic Aid Act) became law. The
Economic Aid Act extends the authority
to make PPP loans through March 31,
2021 and revises certain PPP
requirements. This interim final rule
incorporates the Economic Aid Act
amendments required to be
implemented by regulation within 10
days of enactment. For ease of borrower
and lender reference, this interim final
rule also consolidates the interim final
rules (and important guidance) issued to
date governing borrower eligibility,
lender eligibility, and PPP application
and origination requirements for new
PPP loans, as well as provides general
rules relating to loan increases and loan
forgiveness. This rule is not intended to
substantively alter or affect PPP rules
that were not amended by the Economic
Aid Act. Additional rules related to
second draw PPP loans will be
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SUMMARY:
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published separately, and SBA intends
to issue a consolidated rule governing
all aspects of loan forgiveness and the
loan review process as well. This
interim final rule is intended to govern
new PPP loans made under the
Economic Aid Act, as well as
applications for loan forgiveness on
existing PPP loans where the loan
forgiveness payment has not been
remitted, and should not be construed
to alter or affect the requirements
applicable to PPP loans closed prior to
its enactment, unless the provisions
apply retroactively consistent with
specific applicability provisions of the
Economic Aid Act as identified in this
rule. In addition, in this interim final
rule, Treasury exercises its authority
under section 1109 of the CARES Act to
allow borrowers of first draw PPP loans
to use 2019 or 2020 to calculate their
maximum loan amount.
DATES:
Effective date: Unless otherwise
specified in this interim final rule, the
provisions of this interim final rule are
effective January 12, 2021.
Applicability date: This interim final
rule applies to loan applications,
including requests for increases, and
applications for loan forgiveness
submitted under the Paycheck
Protection Program following enactment
of the Economic Aid Act. This interim
final rule also applies to loan
forgiveness applications submitted
under the Paycheck Protection Program
before enactment of the Economic Aid
Act where SBA has not remitted the
forgiveness payment.
Comment date: Comments must be
received on or before February 16, 2021.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments,
identified by number SBA–2021–0001
through the Federal eRulemaking Portal:
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
SBA will post all comments on
www.regulations.gov. If you wish to
submit confidential business
information (CBI) as defined in the User
Notice at www.regulations.gov, please
send an email to ppp-ifr@sba.gov. All
other comments must be submitted
through the Federal eRulemaking Portal
described above. Highlight the
information that you consider to be CBI
and explain why you believe SBA
should hold this information as
confidential. SBA will review the
information and make the final
determination whether it will publish
the information.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Call
Center Representative at 833–572–0502,
or the local SBA Field Office; the list of
offices can be found at https://
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www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance/
districtoffices.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background Information
On March 13, 2020, President Trump
declared the ongoing Coronavirus
Disease 2019 (COVID–19) pandemic of
sufficient severity and magnitude to
warrant an emergency declaration for all
states, territories, and the District of
Columbia. With the COVID–19
emergency, many small businesses
nationwide continue to experience
economic hardship as a direct result of
the Federal, State, and local public
health measures that continue to be
taken to minimize the public’s exposure
to the virus. In addition, based on the
advice of public health officials, other
voluntary measures continue to be
observed, resulting in a decrease in
economic activity as the public avoids
malls, retail stores, and other
businesses.
On March 27, 2020, the President
signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
Economic Security Act (the CARES Act
or the Act) (Pub. L. 116–136) to provide
emergency assistance and health care
response for individuals, families, and
businesses affected by the coronavirus
pandemic. The Small Business
Administration (SBA) received funding
and authority through the Act to modify
existing loan programs and establish a
new loan program to assist small
businesses nationwide adversely
impacted by the COVID–19 emergency.
Section 1102 of the CARES Act
temporarily permitted SBA to guarantee
100 percent of 7(a) loans under a new
program titled the ‘‘Paycheck Protection
Program,’’ pursuant to section 7(a)(36)
of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
636(a)(36)). Section 1106 of the CARES
Act provided for forgiveness of up to the
full principal amount of qualifying
loans guaranteed under the Paycheck
Protection Program. A more detailed
discussion of sections 1102 and 1106 of
the Act is found in section III.
On April 24, 2020, the President
signed the Paycheck Protection Program
and Health Care Enhancement Act (Pub.
L. 116–139), which provided additional
funding and authority for the PPP. On
June 5, 2020, the President signed the
Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility
Act of 2020 (Flexibility Act) (Pub. L.
116–142), which changed key
provisions of the Paycheck Protection
Program, including provisions relating
to the maturity of PPP loans, the deferral
of PPP loan payments, and the
forgiveness of PPP loans. Section 3(d) of
the Flexibility Act provided that the
amendments relating to PPP loan
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forgiveness and extension of the deferral
period for PPP loans were effective as if
included in the CARES Act, which
meant that they were retroactive to
March 27, 2020. Section 2 of the
Flexibility Act provided that the
amendment relating to the extension of
the maturity date for PPP loans became
effective on the date of enactment (June
5, 2020). Under the Flexibility Act, the
extension of the maturity date for PPP
loans was applicable to PPP loans made
on or after that date, and lenders and
borrowers were able to mutually agree
to modify PPP loans made before such
date to reflect the longer maturity. On
July 4, 2020, Public Law 116–147
extended the authority for SBA to
guarantee PPP loans to August 8, 2020.
On December 27, 2020, the Economic
Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses,
Nonprofits, and Venues Act (Economic
Aid Act) (Pub. L. 116–260) was enacted,
which reauthorizes lending under the
PPP through March 31, 2021, and
among other things, modifies provisions
related to making PPP loans and
forgiveness of PPP loans, and authorizes
second draw PPP loans under new
section 7(a)(37) of the Small Business
Act for PPP borrowers that previously
received a PPP loan (rules for second
draw loans will be published
separately). The Economic Aid Act also
redesignates section 1106 of the CARES
Act as section 7A and transfers that
section to the Small Business Act, to
appear after section 7 of the Small
Business Act.1
In addition to incorporating the
changes to PPP requirements made by
the Economic Aid Act, this interim final
rule consolidates and restates the
following interim final rules: 85 FR
20811 (posted on April 2, 2020 and
published in the Federal Register on
April 15, 2020); 85 FR 20817 (posted on
April 3, 2020 and published on April
15, 2020); 85 FR 21747 (posted on April
14, 2020 and published on April 20,
2020); 85 FR 23450 (posted on April 24,
2020 and published on April 28, 2020);
85 FR 23917 (posted on April 27, 2020
and published on April 30, 2020); 85 FR
26321 (posted on April 28, 2020 and
published on May 4, 2020); 85 FR 26324
(posted on April 30, 2020 and published
on May 4, 2020); 85 FR 27827 (posted
on May 5, 2020 and published on May
8, 2020); 85 FR 29845 (posted on May
8, 2020 and published on May 19,
2020); 85 FR 29842 (posted on May 13,
2020 and published on May 19, 2020);
1 Because section 1106 of the CARES Act is now
codified as section 7A of the Small Business Act,
any reference to section 1106 of the CARES Act in
the rules that are being restated herein will refer to
section 7A.
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85 FR 29847 (posted on May 14, 2020
and published on May 19, 2020); 85 FR
30835 (posted on May 18, 2020 and
published on May 21, 2020); 85 FR
31357 (posted on May 20, 2020 and
published on May 26, 2020); 85 FR
35550 (posted on June 5, 2020 and
published on June 11, 2020); 85 FR
36308 (posted on June 11, 2020 and
published on June 16, 2020); 85 FR
36717 (posted on June 12, 2020 and
published on June 18, 2020); 85 FR
36997 (posted on June 17, 2020 and
published on June 19, 2020); 85 FR
38301 (posted on June 24, 2020 and
published on June 26, 2020); and 85 FR
39066 (posted on June 25, 2020 and
published on June 30, 2020). This rule
should be interpreted consistently with
the sets of Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs) regarding the PPP that are
posted on SBA’s and Treasury’s
websites and the interim final rules
posted separately providing guidance on
second draw PPP loans and the
consolidated guidance on loan
forgiveness and the loan review process;
however, the Economic Aid Act
overrides any conflicting guidance in
the FAQs, and SBA will be revising the
FAQs to fully conform to the Economic
Aid Act as quickly as feasible.
Most of this document restates
existing regulatory provisions to provide
lenders and new PPP borrowers a single
regulation to consult on borrower
eligibility, lender eligibility, and loan
application and origination
requirements, as well as general rules on
increases and loan forgiveness for PPP
loans. To enhance the readability of this
document, SBA has not reproduced the
policy and legal justifications for
existing regulatory provisions restated
here, except to the extent that those
justifications may be helpful to the
borrower or lender. However, those
justifications from the original interim
final rules are incorporated by reference
here.
In addition, section 1109(b) of the
CARES Act authorizes Treasury to
establish criteria for certain other
lenders to participate in the PPP. The
SBA is required to administer the
program that Treasury establishes under
section 1109 of the Act, with guidance
from Treasury. The CARES Act
authorizes Treasury to issue regulations
and guidance to implement section
1109, including regulations that
establish ‘‘terms and conditions’’ for
PPP loans. See section 1109(d)(2). The
terms and conditions established by
Treasury under section 1109 are not
required to be identical to those
provided elsewhere. Rather, the CARES
Act allows Treasury to set terms and
conditions pertaining to certain
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criteria—the maximum interest rate,
maximum loan amount, and other
specified terms—that are ‘‘consistent,’’
to ‘‘the maximum extent practicable,’’
with comparable terms in paragraph 36
of section 7(a) of the Small Business Act
(15 U.S.C. 636(a)). See section
1109(d)(2).
In this rulemaking, Treasury is
addressing the needs of new PPP
borrowers by allowing all new
borrowers to use 2019 or 2020 for
purposes of calculating their maximum
loan amount. Section 1102 of the
CARES Act states that borrowers are to
calculate their maximum loan amount
by using ‘‘payroll costs incurred during
the 1-year period before the date on
which the loan is made . . . .’’ For PPP
loans made in 2020, most borrowers
used 2019. The Economic Aid Act did
not change this language for borrowers
that are not farmers and ranchers and
would require most new PPP borrowers
who obtain a loan in 2021 to use 2020
as their base period. Using authority
granted by section 1109 of the CARES
Act, this rulemaking allows new
borrowers to choose 2019 or 2020 as the
base period, thereby ensuring that they
are able to obtain funding on terms
commensurate with existing PPP
borrowers. Separately, section 313 of the
Economic Aid Act states that farmers
and ranchers are to calculate their
maximum loan amount using 2019 as
their base period. This rulemaking
allows farmers and ranchers to elect
either 2019 or 2020 as their base period,
in order to ensure that they can obtain
funding on terms commensurate with
those available to other new PPP
borrowers.
As required by section 1109(d)(2)(B)
of the CARES Act, Treasury has
determined that providing new PPP
borrowers with flexibility in choosing a
base period is consistent, to the
‘‘maximum extent practicable,’’ with the
terms applicable to existing PPP
borrowers. This enhanced flexibility
will help ensure that new PPP
borrowers are treated even-handedly
and do not see their permissible loan
amounts reduced due to financial
distress experienced in 2020. Other than
these adjustments, the terms and
requirements applicable to PPP loans
under this rule are identical to the terms
and requirements applicable to all other
PPP loans. As a result, a PPP borrower
that elects to use the flexibility in
selecting a base period under this
interim final rule may follow the same
processes and procedures applicable to
other PPP loans.
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II. Comments and Immediate Effective
Date
This interim final rule is being issued
without advance notice and public
comment because section 303 of the
Economic Aid Act authorizes SBA to
issue regulations to implement the
Economic Aid Act without regard to
notice requirements. In addition, this
rule is being issued to allow for
immediate implementation of this
program. The intent of both the CARES
Act and the Economic Aid Act is that
SBA provides relief to America’s small
businesses expeditiously. Congress
reauthorized PPP because of the current
economic conditions affecting small
businesses and intended for the loans to
be made quickly. The last day to apply
for and receive a PPP loan is March 31,
2021. Given the short duration of this
program, and the urgent need to issue
loans quickly, the Administrator in
consultation with the Secretary has
determined that it is impractical and not
in the public interest to provide a 30day delayed effective date. An
immediate effective date will give small
businesses the maximum amount of
time to apply for loans and lenders the
maximum amount of time to process
applications before the program ends.
This good cause justification also
supports waiver of the 60-day delayed
effective date for major rules under the
Congressional Review Act at 5 U.S.C.
808(2). Although this interim final rule
is effective immediately, comments are
solicited from interested members of the
public on all aspects of the interim final
rule, including section III. These
comments must be submitted on or
before February 16, 2021. The SBA will
consider these comments and the need
for making any revisions as a result of
these comments.
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III. Paycheck Protection Program as
Amended by Economic Aid Act
Overview
The CARES Act was enacted to
provide immediate assistance to
individuals, families, and businesses
affected by the COVID–19 emergency.
Among the provisions contained in the
CARES Act are provisions authorizing
SBA to temporarily guarantee loans
under a new 7(a) loan program titled the
‘‘Paycheck Protection Program.’’ Loans
guaranteed under the Paycheck
Protection Program (PPP) will be 100
percent guaranteed by SBA, and the full
principal amount of the loans may
qualify for loan forgiveness. The
Economic Aid Act reauthorizes lending
under the PPP through March 31, 2021,
and revises certain PPP requirements.
The following outlines the key
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provisions of the PPP related to
eligibility of applicants for PPP loans,
which lenders are authorized to make
PPP loans, the process for making PPP
loans, loan increases, and loan
forgiveness, as revised by the Economic
Aid Act. Additional rules related to
second draw PPP loans will be
published separately. While this interim
final rule fully implements the
Economic Aid Act’s changes to loan
forgiveness, SBA also intends to issue a
consolidated rule governing all aspects
of loan forgiveness and loan review as
well to provide a single reference point
for lenders and borrowers.
Table of Contents
A. General
B. What do borrowers need to know and do?
1. What businesses, organizations, and
individuals are eligible?
2. What businesses, organizations, and
individuals are ineligible?
3. Affiliation Rules Generally
4. I Have Determined That I Am Eligible.
How much can I borrow?
5. What is the interest rate on a PPP loan?
6. What will be the maturity date on a PPP
loan?
7. Can I apply for more than one First Draw
PPP Loan?
8. Can I use e-signatures or e-consents if a
borrower has multiple owners?
9. When will I have to begin paying
principal and interest on my PPP loan?
10. What forms do I need and how do I
submit an application for a PPP loan?
11. How can PPP loans be used?
12. What certifications need to be made?
13. Limited Safe Harbor With Respect to
Certification Concerning Need for PPP
Loan Request
14. Can my PPP loan be forgiven in whole
or in part?
15. Do independent contractors count as
employees for purposes of PPP loan
forgiveness?
16. For loans made prior to December 27,
2020, what additional documentation
must a borrower submit when the
President of the United States, Vice
President of the United States, the head
of an Executive department, or a Member
of Congress, or the spouse of any of the
preceding, directly or indirectly holds a
controlling interest in the borrower?
C. What do lenders need to know and do?
1. Who is eligible to make PPP loans?
2. Do lenders have to register in SAM.gov
to make PPP loans?
3. What do lenders have to do in terms of
loan underwriting?
4. Can lenders rely on borrower
documentation for loan forgiveness?
5. What fees will lenders be paid?
6. Can PPP loans be sold into the
secondary market?
7. Do the requirements for loan pledges
under 13 CFR 120.434 apply to PPP
loans pledged for borrowings from a
Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) or advances
by a Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB)?
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8. Are lenders required to use a promissory
note provided by SBA or may they use
their own?
9. Are lenders required to use a separate
SBA Authorization document to issue
PPP loans?
10. By when must a lender electronically
submit an SBA Form 1502 indicating
that PPP loan funds have been
disbursed?
11. How do lenders report disbursements
on PPP loans that are approved for loan
increases due to the Economic Aid Act?
D. What do both borrowers and lenders need
to know and do?
1. What are the loan terms and conditions?
2. Do lenders have to apply the ‘‘credit
elsewhere test’’?
3. Are there any fee waivers?
4. Who pays the fee to an agent who
provides assistance in connection with a
PPP loan?
5. Can a borrower take multiple draws from
a PPP loan and thereby delay the start of
the covered period?
6. If a partnership received a PPP loan that
did not include any compensation for its
partners, can the loan amount be
increased to include partner
compensation?
7. If a seasonal employer received a PPP
loan before December 27, 2020, can the
loan amount be increased based on a
revised calculation of the maximum loan
amount?
8. Which other PPP borrowers can reapply
or request an increase in their PPP loan
amount?
9. If a borrower’s PPP loan has already
been fully disbursed, can the lender
make an additional disbursement for the
increased loan proceeds?
10. Are recipients of PPP loans entitled to
exemptions on the grounds provided in
Federal nondiscrimination laws for sexspecific admissions practices, sexspecific domestic violence shelters,
coreligionist housing, or Indian tribal
preferences in connection with adoption
or foster care practices?
A. General
SBA is authorized to guarantee loans
under the PPP through March 31, 2021.
Congress has authorized a total program
level of $806,450,000,000 to provide
guaranteed loans under this temporary
7(a) program under sections 7(a)(36)
(PPP loans or First Draw PPP Loans) and
7(a)(37) (Second Draw PPP Loans) of the
Small Business Act, a portion of which
is available for new First Draw and
Second Draw PPP Loans. Lenders have
delegated authority to make PPP loans.
SBA will allow lenders to rely on
certifications of the borrower in order to
determine eligibility of the borrower
and use of loan proceeds and to rely on
specified documents provided by the
borrower to determine qualifying loan
amount and eligibility for loan
forgiveness. Lenders must comply with
the applicable lender obligations set
forth in this interim final rule, but will
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be held harmless for borrowers’ failure
to comply with program criteria and
will not be subject to any enforcement
action or penalty relating to loan
origination or forgiveness of the PPP
loan if the lender acts in good faith
relating to the origination or forgiveness
of the PPP loan and satisfies all other
applicable Federal, State, local, and
other statutory or regulatory
requirements (as provided in section
7A(h) of the Small Business Act, as
amended). Remedies for violations of
PPP requirements or fraud are
separately addressed in this interim
final rule. The program requirements of
the PPP identified in this rule
temporarily supersede any conflicting
Loan Program Requirement (as defined
in 13 CFR 120.10).
B. What do borrowers need to know
and do?
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1. What businesses, organizations, and
individuals are eligible?
a. Am I eligible? 2 3
You are eligible for a PPP loan if:
i. You, together with any affiliates (if
applicable),4 are:
• A small business concern under the
applicable revenue-based size standard
established by SBA in 13 CFR 121.201
for your industry or under the SBA
alternative size standard; 5
• an independent contractor, eligible
self-employed individual, or sole
proprietor;
• a business concern, a tax-exempt
nonprofit organization described in
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
Code (IRC), a tax-exempt veterans
organization described in section
501(c)(19) of the IRC, a Tribal business
concern described in section 31(b)(2)(C)
of the Small Business Act, and you
employ no more than the greater of 500
employees or, if applicable, the size
standard in number of employees
established by SBA in 13 CFR 121.201;
• a housing cooperative, an eligible
section 501(c)(6) organization, or an
2 See interim final rule on Second Draw PPP
Loans for eligibility criteria for Second Draw PPP
Loans, which is being published separately.
3 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20811, subsection III.2.a. (April 15, 2020), as
amended by 85 FR 36308 (June 16, 2020), 85 FR
36717 (June 18, 2020), and 85 FR 38301 (June 26,
2020), and has been modified to reflect subsequent
rules or guidance and the Economic Aid Act.
4 See section 3 regarding the applicability of
affiliation rules at 13 CFR 121.103 and 121.301 to
PPP loans.
5 Under SBA’s alternative size standard, a
business concern may qualify as a small business
concern if it, together with any affiliates: (1) Has a
maximum tangible net worth of not more than $15
million; and (2) the average net income after
Federal income taxes (excluding any carry-over
losses) for the two full fiscal years before the date
of application is not more than $5 million.
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eligible destination marketing
organization,6 that employs no more
than 300 employees;
• a news organization that is majority
owned or controlled by a NAICS code
511110 or 5151 business or a nonprofit
public broadcasting entity with a trade
or business under NAICS 511110 or
5151, that employs no more than 500
employees (or, if applicable, the size
standard in number of employees
established by SBA in 13 CFR 121.201
for your industry) per location; or
• another type of entity specifically
provided for by PPP rules (as described
below); and
ii. you were in operation on February
15, 2020, and either had employees for
whom you paid salaries and payroll
taxes or paid independent contractors,
as reported on a Form 1099–MISC or
you were an eligible self-employed
individual, independent contractor, or
sole proprietorship with no employees.
You must submit documentation
sufficient to establish eligibility and to
demonstrate the qualifying payroll
amount, which may include, as
applicable, payroll records, payroll tax
filings, Form 1099–MISC, Schedule C or
F, income and expenses from a sole
proprietorship, or bank records.
b. Are employees of foreign affiliates
included for purposes of determining
whether a PPP borrower has more than
500 employees (or 300 employees, if
applicable)? 7
Yes. SBA’s affiliation regulations
provide that to determine a concern’s
size, employees of the concern ‘‘and all
of its domestic and foreign affiliates’’ are
included. 13 CFR 121.301(f). Therefore,
to calculate the number of employees of
an entity for purposes of determining
eligibility for the PPP, an entity must
include all employees of its domestic
and foreign affiliates, except in those
limited circumstances where the
affiliation rules expressly do not apply
to the entity.8 Any entity that, together
6 See subsections 1.j., 1.k., and 1.m. for additional
information on the eligibility of housing
cooperatives, section 501(c)(6) organizations, and
destination marketing organizations. The applicable
size standard for these entities is not more than 300
employees.
7 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 30835, section III.1. (May 21, 2020) and has been
modified for readability. Housing cooperatives,
section 501(c)(6) organizations, and destination
marketing organizations, added by the Economic
Aid Act, must have no more than 300 employees
to be eligible for PPP loans.
8 Paragraph 7(a)(36)(D)(iv) of the Small Business
Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36)(D)(iv)), as added by the
CARES Act and amended by the Economic Aid Act,
waives SBA’s affiliation rules for (1) any business
concern with not more than 500 employees that, as
of the date on which the loan is disbursed, is
assigned a North American Industry Classification
System code beginning with 72; (2) any business
concern operating as a franchise that is assigned a
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with its domestic and foreign affiliates,
does not meet the 500-employee, 300employee,9 or other applicable PPP size
standard is therefore ineligible for a PPP
loan. Under no circumstances may PPP
funds be used to support non-U.S.
workers or operations.
c. I have income from selfemployment and file a Form 1040,
Schedule C. Am I eligible for a PPP
Loan? 10
You are eligible for a PPP loan if: (i)
You were in operation on February 15,
2020; (ii) you are an individual with
self-employment income (such as an
independent contractor or a sole
proprietor); (iii) your principal place of
residence is in the United States; and
(iv) you filed or will file a Form 1040
Schedule C for 2019 or meet the
requirements below. However, if you are
a partner in a partnership, you may not
submit a separate PPP loan application
for yourself as a self-employed
individual. Instead, the selfemployment income of general active
partners may be reported as a payroll
cost, up to $100,000 on an annualized
basis, as prorated for the period during
which the payments are made or the
obligation to make the payments is
incurred on a PPP loan application filed
by or on behalf of the partnership.
Partnerships are eligible for PPP loans
under the CARES Act, as amended by
the Economic Aid Act, and the
Administrator has determined, in
consultation with the Secretary of the
franchise identifier code by the Administration; (3)
any business concern that receives financial
assistance from a company licensed under section
301 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958
(15 U.S.C. 681); and (4)(a) any business concern
(including any station which broadcasts pursuant to
a license granted by the Federal Communications
Commission under title III of the Communications
Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) without regard
for whether such a station is a concern as defined
in section 121.105 of title 13, Code of Federal
Regulations, or any successor thereto) that employs
not more than 500 employees, or the size standard
established by the Administrator for the North
American Industry Classification System code
applicable to the business concern, per physical
location of such business concern and is majority
owned or controlled by a business concern that is
assigned a North American Industry Classification
System code beginning with 511110 or 5151; or (b)
any nonprofit organization that is assigned a North
American Industry Classification System code
beginning with 5151. SBA also applies affiliation
exceptions to certain categories of entities. 13 CFR
121.103(b).
9 For housing cooperatives, section 501(c)(6)
organizations, and destination marketing
organizations, the applicable size standard is not
more than 300 employees. See subsections 1.j. and
1.m. For the applicable size standard for entities
eligible to apply for Second Draw PPP Loans, see
the interim final rule on Second Draw PPP Loans
that is being published separately.
10 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 21747, subsection III.1.a. (April 20, 2020) and
has been modified to reflect subsequent interim
final rules or guidance and the Economic Aid Act.
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Treasury (Secretary), that limiting a
partnership and its partners (and an LLC
filing taxes as a partnership) to one PPP
loan is necessary to help ensure that as
many eligible borrowers as possible
obtain PPP loans before the statutory
deadline of March 31, 2021. This
limitation will allow lenders to more
quickly process applications and lower
the burdens of applying for
partnerships/partners. The
Administrator has further determined
that permitting partners to apply as selfemployed individuals would create
unnecessary confusion regarding which
entity, the partner or the partnership,
applies for partner and LLC member
income, and would generate loan
proceeds use coordination and
allocation issues. Rent, mortgage
interest, utilities, other debt service,
operations expenditures, property
damage costs, supplier costs, and
worker protection expenditures are
generally incurred at the partnership
level, not partner level, so it is most
natural to provide the funds for these
expenses to the partnership, not
individual partners. In addition, you
should be aware that participation in
the PPP may affect your eligibility for
state-administered unemployment
compensation or unemployment
assistance programs, including the
programs authorized by Title II, Subtitle
A of the CARES Act, or CARES Act
Employee Retention Credits. On June
26, 2020, SBA issued additional
guidance for those individuals with selfemployment income who: (i) Were not
in operation in 2019 but who were in
operation on February 15, 2020, and (ii)
filed a Form 1040 Schedule C for 2020.
See ‘‘How To Calculate Maximum Loan
Amounts—By Business Type,’’ Question
10 posted on SBA’s website.11
d. Are eligible businesses owned by
directors or shareholders of a PPP
lender permitted to apply for a PPP loan
through the lender with which they are
associated? 12
SBA regulations (including 13 CFR
120.110 and 120.140) shall not apply to
prohibit an otherwise eligible business
owned (in whole or part) by an outside
director or holder of a less than 30
percent equity interest in a PPP lender
from obtaining a PPP loan from the PPP
lender on whose board the director
serves or in which the equity owner
holds an interest, provided that the
eligible business owned by the director
or equity holder follows the same
11 https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/202012/How-to-Calculate-Loan-Amounts-508_6-2620.pdf (April 20, 2020).
12 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 21747, subsection III.2.a. (April 20, 2020) and
has been modified for readability.
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process as any similarly situated
customer or account holder of the
lender. Favoritism by the lender in
processing time or prioritization of the
director’s or equity holder’s PPP
application is prohibited. Lenders
should comply with all other applicable
state and federal regulations concerning
loans to associates of the lender.
Lenders should also consult their own
internal policies concerning lending to
individuals or entities associated with
the lender.
The foregoing paragraph does not
apply to a director or owner who is also
an officer or key employee of the PPP
Lender. Officers and key employees of
a PPP Lender may obtain a PPP Loan
from a different lender, but not from the
PPP Lender with which they are
associated. SBA also reminds Lenders
that the ‘‘Authorized Lender Official’’
for each PPP Loan is subject to the
limitations described in the PPP Lender
Application Form (SBA Form 2484),
which states in relevant part: ‘‘Neither
the undersigned Authorized Lender
Official, nor such individual’s spouse or
children, has a financial interest in the
Applicant [Borrower].’’
e. If a seasonal business was dormant
or not fully operating as of February 15,
2020, is it still eligible? 13
Yes, in evaluating eligibility, a
seasonal business will be considered to
have been in operation as of February
15, 2020, if the business was in
operation for any 12-week period
between February 15, 2019 and
February 15, 2020. This approach aligns
the eligibility criteria for seasonal
businesses being in operation with the
time period for calculation of a seasonal
employer’s maximum loan amount from
section 336 of the Economic Aid Act
and makes PPP loans available to
seasonal businesses that operate outside
of the original, more limited time frame.
f. How does the 500 employee limit
apply to news organizations with more
than one physical location? 14
A business concern, or any station
which broadcasts pursuant to a license
granted by the Federal Communications
Commission under title III of the
Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C.
301 et seq.), with more than one
physical location that employs not more
than 500 employees (or the size
standard established by the
Administrator for the NAICS code
applicable to the business concern) per
physical location, is eligible for a PPP
13 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 23917, subsection III.4. (April 30, 2020) and has
been modified to reflect the Economic Aid Act.
14 This subsection has been added to conform to
section 317 of the Economic Aid Act.
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loan if it: (1) Is majority owned or
controlled by a business concern that is
assigned a NAICS code beginning with
511110 or 5151 or, with respect to a
public broadcasting entity (as defined in
section 397(11) of the Communications
Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 397(11))), has a
trade or business that falls under such
a code; and (2) makes a good faith
certification that proceeds of the loan
will be used to support expenses at the
component of the organization that
produces or distributes locally focused
or emergency information. See section 3
for the applicability of SBA’s affiliation
rules to news organizations.
g. Industry-Specific Eligibility Issues
i. Is a hospital owned by
governmental entities eligible for a PPP
loan? 15
Notwithstanding 13 CFR 120.110(j), a
hospital that is otherwise eligible to
receive a PPP loan as a business concern
or nonprofit organization (described in
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation
under section 501(a) of such Code) shall
not be rendered ineligible for a PPP loan
due to ownership by a state or local
government if the hospital receives less
than 50% of its funding from state or
local government sources, exclusive of
Medicaid.
ii. Are businesses that receive revenue
from legal gaming eligible for a PPP
Loan? 16
A business that is otherwise eligible
for a PPP Loan is not rendered ineligible
due to its receipt of legal gaming
revenues, and 13 CFR 120.110(g) is
inapplicable to PPP loans. Businesses
that received illegal gaming revenue
remain categorically ineligible.
iii. Are electric cooperatives that are
exempt from Federal income taxation
under section 501(c)(12) of the Internal
Revenue Code eligible for a PPP loan? 17
Yes. An electric cooperative that is
exempt from Federal income taxation
under section 501(c)(12) of the Internal
Revenue Code will be considered to be
‘‘a business entity organized for profit’’
for purposes of 13 CFR 121.105(a)(1). As
a result, such entities are eligible PPP
borrowers, as long as other eligibility
requirements are met. To be eligible, an
electric cooperative must satisfy the
employee-based size standard
established in the CARES Act, SBA’s
employee-based size standard
15 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 23450, subsection III.2.c. (April 28, 2020) and
has been modified for readability.
16 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 23450, subsection III.2.d. (April 28, 2020) and
has been modified for readability.
17 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 29847, subsection III.1. (May 19, 2020) and has
been modified for readability.
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corresponding to its primary industry, if
higher, or both tests in SBA’s
‘‘alternative size standard.’’ 18
iv. Are telephone cooperatives that
are exempt from federal income
taxation under section 501(c)(12) of the
Internal Revenue Code eligible for a PPP
loan? 19
Yes. A telephone cooperative that is
exempt from federal income taxation
under section 501(c)(12) of the Internal
Revenue Code will be considered to be
‘‘a business entity organized for profit’’
for purposes of 13 CFR 121.105(a)(1). As
a result, such entities are eligible PPP
borrowers, as long as other eligibility
requirements are met. To be eligible, a
telephone cooperative must satisfy the
employee-based size standard
established in the CARES Act, SBA’s
employee-based size standard
corresponding to its primary industry, if
higher, or both tests in SBA’s
‘‘alternative size standard.’’ 20
v. Are housing cooperatives as
defined in section 216(b) of the Internal
Revenue Code eligible for PPP loans? 21
Yes. Housing cooperatives (as defined
in section 216(b) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986) that employ not more
than 300 employees are eligible to apply
for PPP loans as long as other eligibility
requirements are met. In addition, the
provisions applicable to affiliation,
described in section 3, apply to housing
cooperatives in the same manner as
with respect to a small business
concern.
vi. Are nonprofit and tax-exempt
news organizations eligible for PPP
loans? 22
18 Under the alternative size standard, a business
concern, including an electric cooperative, can
qualify for the PPP as a small business concern if,
as of March 27, 2020: (1) The maximum tangible net
worth of the business was not more than $15
million; and (2) the average net income after
Federal income taxes (excluding any carry-over
losses) of the business for the two full fiscal years
before the date of the application is not more than
$5 million. For an electric cooperative that does not
have net income, the cooperative’s savings
distributed to its owner-members will be
considered its net income.
19 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 35550, subsection III.1. (June 11, 2020) and has
been modified for readability.
20 Under the alternative size standard, a business
concern, including a telephone cooperative, can
qualify for the PPP as a small business concern if,
as of March 27, 2020: (1) The maximum tangible net
worth of the business was not more than $15
million; and (2) the average net income after
Federal income taxes (excluding any carry-over
losses) of the business for the two full fiscal years
before the date of the application is not more than
$5 million. For a telephone cooperative that does
not have net income, the telephone cooperative’s
capital credits distributed to its owner-members
will be considered its net income.
21 This subsection has been added to conform to
section 316 of the Economic Aid Act.
22 This subsection has been added to conform to
section 317 of the Economic Aid Act.
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Yes. A public broadcasting entity (as
defined in section 397(11) of the
Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C.
397(11)) that is a nonprofit organization
or any organization otherwise subject to
section 511(a)(2)(B) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, and employs no
more than 500 employees (or, if
applicable, the size standard in number
of employees established by SBA in 13
CFR 121.201 for the entity’s industry)
per location is eligible for a PPP loan if
the organization has a trade or business
that is assigned a NAICS code beginning
with 511110 or 5151, and makes a good
faith certification that proceeds of the
loan will be used to support expenses at
the component of the organization that
produces or distributes locally focused
or emergency information.23 See
subsection B.1.f. for information on how
the 500 employee limit applies to news
organizations with more than one
physical location. See section 3 for the
applicability of SBA’s affiliation rules to
news organizations.
vii. Are destination marketing
organizations eligible for PPP loans? 24
Yes. Under the Economic Aid Act,
any destination marketing
organization 25 is eligible to receive a
PPP loan as long as other eligibility
requirements are met and if: (1) The
23 This subsection provides that an eligible
nonprofit news organization under section 317 of
the Economic Aid Act must have no more than 500
employees. (For those nonprofit news organizations
with more than one physical location, they must
have no more than 500 employees per location.)
This will make PPP loans available to nonprofit
news organizations, regardless of whether the
organization would be a business concern under
SBA regulations, if the nonprofit news organization
satisfies the same general size standard applicable
under the PPP rules to other borrowers that are
nonprofit or tax-exempt organizations. The
Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary,
has determined this requirement appropriately
implements section 317 of the Economic Aid Act
by making PPP loans available to nonprofit news
organizations on the same terms as other nonprofit
organizations that have been made eligible for PPP
loans.
24 This subsection has been added to conform to
section 318 of the Economic Aid Act.
25 Section 318 of the Economic Aid Act added the
following definition to paragraph 7(a)(36)(A) of the
Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36)(A)): ‘‘(xv)
the term ’destination marketing organization’ means
a nonprofit entity that is—(I) an organization
described in section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 and exempt from tax under section
501(a) of such Code; or (II) a State, or a political
subdivision of a State (including any
instrumentality of such entities)—(aa) engaged in
marketing and promoting communities and
facilities to businesses and leisure travelers through
a range of activities, including—(AA) assisting with
the location of meeting and convention sites; (BB)
providing travel information on area attractions,
lodging accommodations, and restaurants; (CC)
providing maps; and (DD) organizing group tours of
local historical, recreational, and cultural
attractions; or (bb) that is engaged in, and derives
the majority of the operating budget of the entity
from revenue attributable to, providing live events.
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3697
destination marketing organization does
not receive more than 15 percent of its
receipts from lobbying activities; (2) the
lobbying activities of the destination
marketing organization do not comprise
more than 15 percent of the total
activities of the organization; (3) the cost
of the lobbying activities of the
destination marketing organization did
not exceed $1,000,000 during the most
recent tax year of the destination
marketing organization that ended prior
to February 15, 2020; (4) the destination
marketing organization employs not
more than 300 employees; and (5) the
destination marketing organization: (a)
Is described in section 501(c) of the
Internal Revenue Code and is exempt
from taxation under section 501(a) of
such Code; or (b) is a quasigovernmental entity or is a political
subdivision of a State or local
government, including any
instrumentality of those entities.26
viii. Are 501(c)(6) organizations
eligible for PPP loans? 27
Yes. Any organization that is
described in section 501(c)(6) of the
Internal Revenue Code and that is
exempt from taxation under section
501(a) of such Code (excluding
professional sports leagues and
organizations with the purpose of
promoting or participating in a political
campaign or other activity) shall be
eligible to receive a PPP loan as long as
other eligibility requirements are met
and if: (1) The organization does not
receive more than 15 percent of its
receipts from lobbying activities; (2) the
lobbying activities of the organization
do not comprise more than 15 percent
of the total activities of the organization;
(3) the cost of the lobbying activities of
the organization did not exceed
$1,000,000 during the most recent tax
year of the organization that ended prior
to February 15, 2020; and (4) the
organization employs not more than 300
employees.
2. What businesses, organizations, and
individuals are ineligible?
a. Could I be ineligible even if I meet
the eligibility requirements in section
1? 28
26 A destination marketing organization that is a
quasi-governmental entity or is a political
subdivision of a State or local government,
including any instrumentality of those entities, is
eligible for a PPP loan notwithstanding the SBA
regulation at 13 CFR 120.110(j), which states that
government-owned entities (except for businesses
owned or controlled by a Native American tribe) are
not eligible for SBA financial assistance.
27 This subsection has been added to conform to
section 318 of the Economic Aid Act.
28 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20811, subsection III.2.a. (April 15, 2020), as
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You are ineligible for a PPP loan if, for
example:
i. You are engaged in any activity that
is illegal under Federal, state, or local
law;
ii. You are a household employer
(individuals who employ household
employees such as nannies or
housekeepers);
iii. An owner of 20 percent or more
of the equity of the applicant is
presently incarcerated or, for any felony,
presently subject to an indictment,
criminal information, arraignment, or
other means by which formal criminal
charges are brought in any jurisdiction;
or has been convicted of, pleaded guilty
or nolo contendere to, or commenced
any form of parole or probation
(including probation before judgment)
for, a felony involving fraud, bribery,
embezzlement, or a false statement in a
loan application or an application for
federal financial assistance within the
last five years or any other felony within
the last year;
iv. You, or any business owned or
controlled by you or any of your
owners, has ever obtained a direct or
guaranteed loan from SBA or any other
Federal agency that is currently
delinquent or has defaulted within the
last seven years and caused a loss to the
government;
v. Your business or organization was
not in operation on February 15,
2020; 29
vi. You or your business received or
will receive a grant under the Shuttered
Venue Operator Grant program under
section 324 of the Economic Aid Act; 30
vii. The President, the Vice President,
the head of an Executive Department, or
a Member of Congress, or the spouse of
such person as determined under
applicable common law, directly or
indirectly holds a controlling interest in
your business; 31
viii. Your business is an issuer, the
securities of which are listed on an
exchange registered as a national
amended by 85 FR 36308 (June 16, 2020), 85 FR
36717 (June 18, 2020), and 85 FR 38301 (June 26,
2020), and has been modified to conform to
subsequent interim final rules or guidance and the
Economic Aid Act and for readability.
29 Added to conform to section 310 of the
Economic Aid Act. This provision is effective as if
included in the CARES Act and applies to any loan
made pursuant to section 7(a)(36) of the Small
Business Act before, on, or after December 27, 2020,
including forgiveness of such a loan.
30 Added to conform to section 310 of the
Economic Aid Act. This provision applies to PPP
loans made on or after December 27, 2020.
31 Added to conform to section 322 of the
Economic Aid Act. This provision applies to any
loan made on or after December 27, 2020. For any
loan made under section 7(a)(36) to a covered entity
before December 27, 2020, see subsection B.16 of
this interim final rule.
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securities exchange under section 6 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15
U.S.C. 78f) 32 (SBA will not consider
whether a news organization that is
eligible under the conditions described
in subsection 1.f. and 1.g.vi. is affiliated
with an entity, which includes any
entity that owns or controls such news
organization, that is an issuer 33); or
ix. Your business has permanently
closed.34
b. Are businesses that are generally
ineligible for 7(a) loans under 13 CFR
120.110 eligible for a PPP loan? 35
Paragraphs (a), (g), and (k), of 13 CFR
120.110 do not apply to PPP loans. For
PPP loans, the ineligibility restriction in
13 CFR 120.110(n) is superseded by
subsection B.2.a.iii. of this interim final
rule. Otherwise, a business is not
eligible for a PPP loan if it is a type of
business concern (or would be, if the
entity were a business concern)
described in 13 CFR 120.110, except as
permitted by subsections B.1.d and
B.1.g of this rule or otherwise permitted
by PPP rules. Businesses that are not
generally eligible for a 7(a) loan under
13 CFR 120.110 are described further in
SBA’s Standard Operating Procedure
(SOP) 50 10 6, Part 2, Section A,
Chapter 3.36
c. Will I be approved for a PPP loan
if my business is in bankruptcy? 37
32 Added to conform to section 342 of the
Economic Aid Act, which also added the following
definitions to paragraph 7(a)(36)(A) of the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36)(A)): ‘‘(xvi) the
terms ‘exchange’, ‘issuer’, and ‘security’ have the
meanings given those terms in section 3(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)).’’
This provision applies to loans made on or after
December 27, 2020.
33 See section 317 of the Economic Aid Act.
34 This provision prohibits an entity that has gone
out of business and has no intention of reopening
from receiving a PPP loan. The Administrator, in
consultation with the Secretary, has determined
this provision is necessary to maintain program
integrity, prevent abuse, and prevent PPP loans
being made to businesses that have permanently
closed. Preserving funds for businesses in operation
is necessary because only businesses that are still
in operation will retain employees, which is a
primary purposes of the PPP. PPP was not intended
to support businesses that have permanently closed.
A borrower that has temporarily closed or
temporarily suspended its business but intends to
reopen remains eligible for a PPP loan.
35 This subsection replaces the subsection
originally published at 85 FR 20811, subsection
III.2.c. (‘‘How do I determine if I am ineligible’’)
(April 15, 2020) and modified to conform to the
Economic Aid Act.
36 SOP 50 10 6 can be found at https://
www.sba.gov/document/sop-50-10-lenderdevelopment-company-loan-programs-0. For PPP
loans approved before December 27, 2020, see SOP
50 10 5(K), Subpart B, Chapter 2 for ineligible types
of businesses. SOP 50 10 5(K) can be found at
https://www.sba.gov/document/sop-50-10-5-lenderdevelopment-company-loan-programs.
37 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 23450, subsection III.4. (April 28, 2020) and has
been modified for readability.
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No. If the applicant or the owner of
the applicant is the debtor in a
bankruptcy proceeding, either at the
time it submits the application or at any
time before the loan is disbursed, the
applicant is ineligible to receive a PPP
loan. If the applicant or the owner of the
applicant becomes the debtor in a
bankruptcy proceeding after submitting
a PPP application but before the loan is
disbursed, it is the applicant’s
obligation to notify the lender and
request cancellation of the application.
Failure by the applicant to do so will be
regarded as a use of PPP funds for
unauthorized purposes.
The Borrower Application Form for
PPP loans (SBA Form 2483), which
reflects this restriction in the form of a
borrower certification, is a loan program
requirement. Lenders may rely on an
applicant’s representation concerning
the applicant’s or an owner of the
applicant’s involvement in a bankruptcy
proceeding.
d. Is a hedge fund or private equity
firm eligible for a PPP loan? 38
No. Hedge funds and private equity
firms are primarily engaged in
investment or speculation, and such
businesses are therefore ineligible to
receive a PPP loan.
3. Affiliation Rules Generally
a. Are affiliates considered together
for purposes of determining
eligibility? 39
In most cases, a borrower will be
considered together with its affiliates for
purposes of determining eligibility for
the PPP.40 Under SBA rules, entities
38 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 23450, subsection III.2.a. (April 28, 2020) and
has been modified for readability.
39 The text of this subsection was originally
published at 85 FR 20817 (April 15, 2020).
40 Paragraph 7(a)(36)(D)(iv) of the Small Business
Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36)(D)(iv), as added by the
CARES Act and amended by the Economic Aid Act,
waives the affiliation rules contained in § 121.103
for (1) any business concern with not more than 500
employees that, as of the date on which the loan
is disbursed, is assigned a North American Industry
Classification System code beginning with 72; (2)
any business concern operating as a franchise that
is assigned a franchise identifier code by the
Administration; (3) any business concern that
receives financial assistance from a company
licensed under section 301 of the Small Business
Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 681); and (4)(a)
any business concern (including any station which
broadcasts pursuant to a license granted by the
Federal Communications Commission under title III
of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 301
et seq.) without regard for whether such a station
is a concern as defined in section 121.105 of title
13, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor
thereto) that employs not more than 500 employees,
or the size standard established by the
Administrator for the North American Industry
Classification System code applicable to the
business concern, per physical location of such
business concern and is majority owned or
controlled by a business concern that is assigned a
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may be considered affiliates based on
factors including but not limited to
stock ownership, overlapping
management,41 and identity of interest.
See 13 CFR 121.301(f).
b. How do SBA’s affiliation rules
affect my eligibility and apply to me
under the PPP? 42
An entity generally is eligible for the
PPP if it, combined with its affiliates, (i)
is a small business as defined in section
3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
632), (ii)(1) has 500 or fewer
employees 43 or is a business that
operates in a certain industry and meets
applicable SBA employee-based size
standards for that industry, if higher,
and (2) is a tax-exempt nonprofit
organization described in section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
(IRC), a housing cooperative, a taxexempt veterans organization described
in section 501(c)(19) of the IRC, a Tribal
business concern described in section
31(b)(2)(C) of the Small Business Act, a
section 501(c)(6) organization, a
destination marketing organization, or
any other business concern, or (iii) has
500 or fewer employees per location (or
an applicable SBA employee-based size
standard for that industry, if higher) and
is either majority owned or controlled
by a NAICS code 511110 or 5151
business or is a nonprofit public
broadcasting entity with a trade or
business under NAICS code 511110 or
5151. Prior to the CARES Act, the
North American Industry Classification System
code beginning with 511110 or 5151; or (b) any
nonprofit organization that is assigned a North
American Industry Classification System code
beginning with 5151. This interim final rule has no
effect on these statutory waivers, which remain in
full force and effect. As a result, the affiliation rules
contained in section 121.301 also do not apply to
these types of entities. In addition, paragraph
7(a)(36)(D) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
636(a)(36)(D)), as amended by section 342 of the
Economic Aid Act states that, with respect to a
business concern made eligible under paragraph
7(a)(36)(D)(iii)(II) or (iv)(IV) (certain news
organizations), the Administrator shall not consider
whether any affiliated entity, which for purposes of
this subclause shall include any entity that owns or
controls such business concern, is an issuer.
41 In order to help potential borrowers identify
other businesses with which they may be deemed
to be affiliated under the common management
standard, the Borrower Application Form, SBA
Form 2483, released on April 2, 2020, requires
applicants to list other businesses with which they
have common management (including under a
management agreement). The information supplied
by the applicant in response to that information
request should be used by applicants as they assess
whether they have affiliates that should be included
in their number of employees reported on SBA
Form 2483.
42 The text of this subsection was originally
published at 85 FR 20817 (April 15, 2020) and has
been modified to conform to the Economic Aid Act.
43 For housing cooperatives, section 501(c)(6)
organizations, and destination marketing
organizations, the applicable size standard is not
more than 300 employees.
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nonprofit organizations listed above
were not eligible for SBA Business Loan
Programs under section 7(a) of the Small
Business Act; only for-profit small
business concerns were eligible. The
CARES Act made such nonprofit
organizations not only eligible for the
PPP, but also subjected them to SBA’s
affiliation rules. As amended, section
7(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
636(a)) now provides that the provisions
applicable to affiliations under 13 CFR
121.103 apply with respect to nonprofit
organizations, housing cooperatives,
and veterans organizations in the same
manner as with respect to small
business concerns. However, the
detailed affiliation standards contained
in § 121.103 currently do not apply to
PPP borrowers, because § 121.103(a)(8)
provides that applicants in SBA’s
Business Loan Programs (which include
the PPP) are subject to the affiliation
rules contained in 13 CFR 121.301.
c. Faith-Based Organizations 44
This rule exempts otherwise qualified
faith-based organizations from the
SBA’s affiliation rules, including those
set forth in 13 CFR part 121, where the
application of the affiliation rules would
substantially burden those
organizations’ religious exercise. For the
reasons described in 85 FR 20817, the
SBA’s affiliation rules, including those
set forth in 13 CFR part 121, do not
apply to the relationship of any church,
convention or association of churches,
or other faith-based organization or
entity to any other person, group,
organization, or entity that is based on
a sincere religious teaching or belief or
otherwise constitutes a part of the
exercise of religion. This includes any
relationship to a parent or subsidiary
and other applicable aspects of
organizational structure or form. A faithbased organization seeking loans under
this program may rely on a reasonable,
good faith interpretation in determining
whether its relationship to any other
person, group, organization, or entity is
exempt from the affiliation rules under
this provision, and SBA will not assess,
and will not require participating
lenders to assess, the reasonableness of
the faith-based organization’s
determination.
d. Do the SBA affiliation rules
prohibit a portfolio company of a
private equity fund from being eligible
for a PPP loan? 45
Borrowers must apply the affiliation
rules that appear in 13 CFR 121.301(f),
44 The text of this subsection was originally
published at 85 FR 20817 (April 15, 2020) and has
been modified for readability.
45 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 23450, subsection III.2.b. (April 28, 2020).
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as set forth in the Second PPP Interim
Final Rule (85 FR 20817). The affiliation
rules apply to private equity-owned
businesses in the same manner as any
other business subject to outside
ownership or control.46 However, in
addition to applying any applicable
affiliation rules, all borrowers should
carefully review the required
certification on the Paycheck Protection
Program Borrower Application Form
(SBA Form 2483) stating that ‘‘[c]urrent
economic uncertainty makes this loan
request necessary to support the
ongoing operations of the Applicant.’’
e. Does participation in an employee
stock ownership plan (ESOP) trigger
application of the affiliation rules? 47
No. For purposes of the PPP, a
business’s participation in an ESOP (as
defined in 15 U.S.C. 632(q)(6)) does not
result in an affiliation between the
business and the ESOP.
4. I Have Determined That I Am Eligible.
How much can I borrow? 48
Under the PPP, the maximum loan
amount for First Draw PPP Loans is the
lesser of $10 million or an amount that
you will calculate using a payroll-based
formula authorized by the Act, as
explained below.49 PPP loans approved
in 2020 used 2019 or the 1-year before
the date on which the loan is made to
calculate payroll costs for purposes of
calculating the maximum loan amount.
Borrowers who apply for PPP loans
2021 and who are not self-employed
(including sole proprietorships and
independent contractors) are also
permitted to use the precise 1-year
period before the date on which the loan
is made to calculate payroll costs if they
choose not to use 2019 or 2020. Since
most borrowers will use 2019 or 2020
the rule text refers only to 2019 or 2020
for simplicity and readability.
46 However, the CARES Act waives the affiliation
rules if the borrower receives financial assistance
from an SBA-licensed Small Business Investment
Company (SBIC) in any amount. This includes any
type of financing listed in 13 CFR 107.50, such as
loans, debt with equity features, equity, and
guarantees. Affiliation is waived even if the
borrower has investment from other non-SBIC
investors.
47 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 23450, section III.3. (April 28, 2020) and has
been modified for readability.
48 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20811, subsection III.2.d. (April 15, 2020) and
has been modified to conform to additional interim
final rules or guidance and the Economic Aid Act.
49 See subsection 4.d. for maximum loan amount
applicable to certain farmers and ranchers. For the
maximum loan amount for Second Draw PPP
Loans, see the the interim final rule on Second
Draw PPP Loans that is being published separately.
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a. How do I calculate the maximum
amount I can borrow? 50
The following methodology, which is
one of the methodologies authorized by
the Act, will be most useful for many
applicants.
i. Step 1: Aggregate payroll costs
(defined in detail below in subsections
4.g. and 4.h.) from 2019 or 2020 for
employees whose principal place of
residence is the United States.
ii. Step 2: Subtract any compensation
paid to an employee in excess of
$100,000 on an annualized basis, as
prorated for the period during which the
payments are made or the obligation to
make the payments is incurred.51
iii. Step 3: Calculate average monthly
payroll costs (divide the amount from
Step 2 by 12).
iv. Step 4: Multiply the average
monthly payroll costs from Step 3 by
2.5.
v. Step 5: Add the outstanding
amount of an Economic Injury Disaster
Loan (EIDL) made between January 31,
2020 and April 3, 2020 that you seek to
refinance. Do not include the amount of
any ‘‘advance’’ under an EIDL COVID–
19 loan (because it does not have to be
repaid).
The examples below illustrate this
methodology.
i. Example 1—No employees make more
than $100,000
Annual payroll: $120,000
Average monthly payroll: $10,000
Multiply by 2.5 = $25,000
Maximum loan amount is $25,000
ii. Example 2—Some employees make
more than $100,000
Annual payroll: $1,500,000
Subtract compensation amounts in
excess of an annual salary of
$100,000: $1,200,000
Average monthly qualifying payroll:
$100,000
Multiply by 2.5 = $250,000
Maximum loan amount is $250,000
iii. Example 3—No employees make
more than $100,000, outstanding
EIDL loan of $10,000.
Annual payroll: $120,000
Average monthly payroll: $10,000
Multiply by 2.5 = $25,000
Add EIDL loan of $10,000 = $35,000
Maximum loan amount is $35,000
iv. Example 4—Some employees make
more than $100,000, outstanding
EIDL loan of $10,000
Annual payroll: $1,500,000
Subtract compensation amounts in
50 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20811, subsection III.2.d. (April 15, 2020) and
has been modified to conform to additional rules or
guidance and the Economic Aid Act.
51 See subsection 4.j for treatment of amounts
paid to independent contractors.
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excess of an annual salary of
$100,000: $1,200,000
Average monthly qualifying payroll:
$100,000
Multiply by 2.5 = $250,000
Add EIDL loan of $10,000 = $260,000
Maximum loan amount is $260,000
You must provide your Form 941 (or
other tax forms containing similar
information) and state quarterly wage
unemployment insurance tax reporting
forms from each quarter in 2019 or 2020
(whichever you used to calculate loan
amount), or equivalent payroll processor
records, along with evidence of any
retirement and health insurance
contributions. A payroll statement or
similar documentation from the pay
period that covered February 15, 2020
must be provided to establish you were
in operation on February 15, 2020.52
b. I have income from selfemployment and file a Form 1040,
Schedule C, how do I calculate the
maximum amount I can borrow and
what documentation is required?53
How you calculate your maximum
loan amount depends upon whether or
not you employ other individuals. If you
have no employees, the following
methodology should be used to
calculate your maximum loan amount:
i. Step 1: Find your 2019 or 2020 IRS
Form 1040 Schedule C line 31 net profit
amount (if you are using 2020 to
calculate payroll costs and have not yet
filed a 2020 return, fill it out and
compute the value). If this amount is
over $100,000, reduce it to $100,000. If
this amount is zero or less, you are not
eligible for a PPP loan.
ii. Step 2: Calculate the average
monthly net profit amount (divide the
amount from Step 1 by 12).
iii. Step 3: Multiply the average
monthly net profit amount from Step 2
by 2.5.
iv. Step 4: Add the outstanding
amount of any Economic Injury Disaster
Loan (EIDL) made between January 31,
2020 and April 3, 2020 that you seek to
refinance. Do not include the amount of
any advance under an EIDL COVID–19
loan (because it does not have to be
repaid).
You must provide the 2019 or 2020
(whichever you used to calculate loan
amount) Form 1040 Schedule C with
52 This subsection clarifies the documentation
that must be submitted with an applicant’s loan
application to substantiate the borrower’s payroll
costs. This requirement applies to loans made after
December 27, 2020. For documentation
requirements for PPP loans made before December
27, 2020, see 85 FR 20811, subsection III.1.e. (April
15, 2020).
53 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 21747, subsection III.1.b. (April 20, 2020) and
has been modified to conform to additional rules or
guidance and the Economic Aid Act.
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your PPP loan application to
substantiate the applied-for PPP loan
amount and a 2019 or 2020 (whichever
you used to calculate loan amount) IRS
Form 1099–MISC detailing
nonemployee compensation received
(box 7), invoice, bank statement, or book
of record that establishes you are selfemployed. If using 2020 to calculate
loan amount, this is required regardless
of whether you have filed a 2020 tax
return with the IRS. You must provide
a 2020 invoice, bank statement, or book
of record to establish you were in
operation on or around February 15,
2020.
If you have employees, the following
methodology should be used to
calculate your maximum loan amount:
i. Step 1: Compute 2019 or 2020
payroll (using the same year for all
items) by adding the following:
a. Your 2019 or 2020 Form 1040
Schedule C line 31 net profit amount (if
you are using 2020 and have not yet
filed a 2020 return, fill it out and
compute the value), up to $100,000 on
an annualized basis, as prorated for the
period during which the payments are
made or the obligation to make the
payments is incurred, if this amount is
over $100,000, reduce it to $100,000, if
this amount is less than zero, set this
amount at zero;
b. 2019 or 2020 gross wages and tips
paid to your employees whose principal
place of residence is in the United
States computed using 2019 or 2020 IRS
Form 941 Taxable Medicare wages &
tips (line 5c—column 1) from each
quarter plus any pre-tax employee
contributions for health insurance or
other fringe benefits excluded from
Taxable Medicare wages & tips; subtract
any amounts paid to any individual
employee in excess of $100,000 on an
annualized basis, as prorated for the
period during which the payments are
made or the obligation to make the
payments is incurred and any amounts
paid to any employee whose principal
place of residence is outside the United
States; and
c. 2019 or 2020 employer
contributions to employee group health,
life, disability, vision and dental
insurance (portion of IRS Form 1040
Schedule C line 14 attributable to those
contributions); retirement contributions
(Form 1040 Schedule C line 19), and
state and local taxes assessed on
employee compensation (primarily
under state laws commonly referred to
as the State Unemployment Tax Act or
SUTA from state quarterly wage
reporting forms).
ii. Step 2: Calculate the average
monthly amount (divide the amount
from Step 1 by 12).
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iii. Step 3: Multiply the average
monthly amount from Step 2 by 2.5.
iv. Step 4: Add the outstanding
amount of any EIDL made between
January 31, 2020 and April 3, 2020 that
you seek to refinance. Do not include
the amount of any advance under an
EIDL COVID–19 loan (because it does
not have to be repaid).
You must supply your 2019 or 2020
(whichever you used to calculate loan
amount) Form 1040 Schedule C, Form
941 (or other tax forms or equivalent
payroll processor records containing
similar information) and state quarterly
wage unemployment insurance tax
reporting forms from each quarter in
2019 or 2020 (whichever you used to
calculate loan amount) or equivalent
payroll processor records, along with
evidence of any retirement and health
insurance contributions, if applicable. A
payroll statement or similar
documentation from the pay period that
covered February 15, 2020 must be
provided to establish you were in
operation on February 15, 2020.
c. How does a seasonal employer
calculate the maximum PPP loan
amount? 54
As defined by section 315 of the
Economic Aid Act, a borrower is a
seasonal employer if it does not operate
for more than 7 months in any calendar
year or, during the preceding calendar
year, it had gross receipts for any 6
months of that year that were not more
than 33.33 percent of the gross receipts
for the other 6 months of that year.
Under section 336 of the Economic Aid
Act, a seasonal employer must
determine its maximum loan amount for
purposes of the PPP by using the
employer’s average total monthly
payments for payroll for any 12-week
period selected by the seasonal
employer beginning February 15, 2019,
and ending February 15, 2020.
54 This subsection has been added to conform to
section 336 of the Economic Aid Act. Except for
loans made pursuant to section 7(a)(36) of the Small
Business Act for which SBA has remitted a loan
forgiveness payment to the lender before December
27, 2020, it is effective as if included in the CARES
Act and applies to any loan made before, on, or
after December 27, 2020, including forgiveness of
such a loan. Previous guidance issued for seasonal
employers stated as follows: ‘‘Under section 1102
of the CARES Act, a seasonal employer may
determine its maximum loan amount for purposes
of the PPP by reference to the employer’ average
total monthly payments for payroll ‘the 12-week
period beginning February 15, 2019, or at the
election of the eligible [borrower], March 1, 2019,
and ending June 30, 2019.’ Under this interim final
rule issued pursuant to section 1109 of the Act, a
seasonal employer may alternatively elect to
determine its maximum loan amount as the average
total monthly payments for payroll during any
consecutive 12-week period between May 1, 2019
and September 15, 2019.’’ 85 FR 23917 (April 30,
2020).
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d. How do farmers and ranchers
calculate the maximum PPP loan
amount? 55
How you calculate your maximum
loan amount depends upon whether you
employ other individuals. If you have
no employees, the following
methodology should be used to
calculate your maximum loan amount:
i. Step 1: Find your 2019 or 2020 IRS
Form 1040 Schedule F line 9 gross
income (if you are using 2020 and you
have not yet filed a 2020 return, fill it
out and compute the value). If this
amount is over $100,000, reduce it to
$100,000. If this amount is zero or less,
you are not eligible for a PPP loan.
ii. Step 2: Divide the amount from
Step 1 by 12.
iii. Step 3: Multiply the average
monthly gross income amount from
Step 2 by 2.5.
iv. Step 4: Add the outstanding
amount of any Economic Injury Disaster
Loan (EIDL) made between January 31,
2020 and ending on April 3, 2020 that
you seek to refinance. Do not include
the amount of any advance under an
EIDL COVID–19 loan (because it does
not have to be repaid).
You must provide the 2019 or 2020
(whichever you used to calculate loan
amount) Form 1040 Schedule F with
your PPP loan application to
substantiate the applied-for PPP loan
amount and a 2019 or 2020 (whichever
you used to calculate loan amount) IRS
Form 1099–MISC detailing
nonemployee compensation received
(box 7), invoice, bank statement, or book
of record that establishes you are selfemployed. You must provide a 2020
invoice, bank statement, or book of
record to establish you were in
operation on or around February 15,
2020.
If you have employees, the following
methodology should be used to
calculate your maximum loan amount:
i. Step 1: Compute 2019 or 2020
payroll (using the same year for all
items) by adding the following:
a. The difference between your 2019
or 2020 Form 1040 Schedule F line 9
gross income amount (if you are using
2020 and you have not yet filed a 2020
return, fill it out and compute the
55 This subsection has been added to conform to
section 313 of the Economic Aid Act. This
provision applies to a farmer or rancher who (1)
operates as a sole proprietorship, an independent
contractor, or is an eligible self-employed
individual; (2) reports farm income or expenses on
a Schedule F (or any equivalent successor
schedule); and (3) was in business as of February
15, 2020. This provision is effective as if included
in the CARES Act and applies to any loan made
before, on, or after December 27, 2020, unless SBA
has remitted a loan forgiveness payment to the
lender on the PPP loan.
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3701
value), and the sum of Schedule F lines
15, 22 and 23, up to $100,000 on an
annualized basis, as prorated for the
period during which the payments are
made or the obligation to make the
payments is incurred, if this amount is
over $100,000, reduce it to $100,000, if
this amount is less than zero, set this
amount at zero; 56
b. 2019 or 2020 gross wages and tips
paid to your employees whose principal
place of residence is in the United
States computed using 2019 or 2020 IRS
Form 941 Taxable Medicare wages &
tips (line 5c—column 1) from each
quarter plus any pre-tax employee
contributions for health insurance or
other fringe benefits excluded from
Taxable Medicare wages & tips; subtract
any amounts paid to any individual
employee in excess of $100,000 on an
annualized basis, as prorated for the
period during which the payments are
made or the obligation to make the
payments is incurred and any amounts
paid to any employee whose principal
place of residence is outside the United
States; and
c. 2019 or 2020 employer
contributions for employee group
health, life, disability, vision and dental
insurance (portion of IRS Form 1040
Schedule F line 15 attributable to those
contributions), employer contributions
for employee retirement contributions
(Form 1040 Schedule F line 23, and
state and local taxes assessed on
employers for employee compensation
(primarily under state laws commonly
referred to as the State Unemployment
Tax Act or SUTA from state quarterly
wage reporting forms).
ii. Step 2: Calculate the average
monthly amount (divide the amount
from Step 1 by 12).
iii. Step 3: Multiply the average
monthly amount from Step 2 by 2.5.
iv. Step 4: Add the outstanding
amount of any EIDL made between
January 31, 2020 and April 3, 2020 that
you seek to refinance. Do not include
the amount of any advance under an
EIDL COVID–19 loan (because it does
not have to be repaid).
You must supply your 2019 or 2020
(whichever you used to calculate loan
amount) Form 1040 Schedule F, Form
941 (or other tax forms or equivalent
payroll processor records containing
similar information) and state quarterly
wage unemployment insurance tax
reporting forms from each quarter in
2019 or 2020 (whichever you used to
calculate loan amount) or equivalent
56 Any employee payroll costs should be
subtracted from the farmer’s or rancher’s gross
income to avoid double-counting amounts that
represent pay to the employees of the farmer or
rancher.
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payroll processor records, along with
evidence of any retirement and health
insurance contributions, if applicable. A
payroll statement or similar
documentation from the pay period that
covered February 15, 2020 must be
provided to establish you were in
operation on February 15, 2020.
A farmer or rancher who received a
PPP loan before December 27, 2020 may
request a recalculation of the maximum
loan amount based on the formula
described above regarding gross income,
if doing so would result in a larger
covered loan amount and may receive
an increase in its PPP loan based on the
recalculation.
e. How do partnerships calculate the
maximum loan amount?
The following methodology should be
used to calculate the maximum amount
that partnerships can borrow:
(i) Step 1: Compute 2019 or 2020
payroll (using the same year for all
items) by adding (1) net earnings from
self-employment of individual general
partners in 2019 or 2020, as reported on
IRS Form 1065 K–1, reduced by section
179 expense deduction claimed,
unreimbursed partnership expenses
claimed, and depletion claimed on oil
and gas properties, multiplied by
0.9235,57 that is not more than $100,000
per partner; (2) 2019 or 2020 gross
wages and tips paid to your employees
whose principal place of residence is in
the United States, if any, which can be
computed using 2019 or 2020 IRS Form
941 Taxable Medicare wages and tips
(line 5c—column 1) from each quarter
plus any pre-tax employee contributions
for health insurance or other fringe
benefits excluded from Taxable
Medicare wages and tips, subtracting
any amounts paid to any individual
employee in excess of $100,000 and any
amounts paid to any employee whose
principal place of residence is outside
the U.S.; (3) 2019 or 2020 employer
contributions for employee group
health, life, disability, vision and dental
insurance, if any (portion of IRS Form
1065 line 19 attributable to those
contributions); (4) 2019 or 2020
employer contributions to employee
retirement plans, if any (IRS Form 1065
line 18); and (5) 2019 or 2020 employer
state and local taxes assessed on
employee compensation, primarily state
unemployment insurance tax (from state
quarterly wage reporting forms), if any.
57 This
treatment follows the computation of selfemployment tax from IRS Form 1040 Schedule SE
Section A line 4 and removes the ‘‘employer’’ share
of self-employment tax, consistent with how payroll
costs for employees in the partnership are
determined.
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(ii) Step 2: Calculate the average
monthly payroll costs (divide the
amount from Step 1 by 12).
(iii) Step 3: Multiply the average
monthly payroll costs from Step 2 by
2.5.
(iv) Step 4: Add any outstanding
amount of any EIDL made between
January 31, 2020 and April 3, 2020 that
you seek to refinance. Do not include
the amount of any advance under an
EIDL COVID–19 loan (because it does
not have to be repaid).
You must supply 2019 or 2020
(whichever you used to calculate loan
amount) IRS Form 1065 (including K–
1s) and other relevant supporting
documentation if the partnership has
employees, including the 2019 or 2020
(whichever you used to calculate loan
amount) IRS Form 941 and state
quarterly wage unemployment
insurance tax reporting form from each
quarter (or equivalent payroll processor
records or IRS Wage and Tax
Statements) along with records of any
retirement or health insurance
contributions. If the partnership has
employees, a payroll statement or
similar documentation from the pay
period that covered February 15, 2020
must be provided to establish the
partnership was in operation and had
employees on that date. If the
partnership has no employees, an
invoice, bank statement, or book of
record establishing the partnership was
in operation on February 15, 2020 must
instead be provided.
f. Can a single corporate group receive
unlimited PPP loans? 58
No. To preserve the limited resources
available to the PPP program, and in
light of the previous lapse of PPP
appropriations and the high demand for
PPP loans, businesses that are part of a
single corporate group shall in no event
receive more than $20,000,000 of PPP
loans in the aggregate.59 For purposes of
this limit, businesses are part of a single
corporate group if they are majority
58 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 26324, subsection III.1. (May 4, 2020).
59 The Administrator has authority to issue ‘‘such
rules and regulations as [the Administrator] deems
necessary to carry out the authority vested in [her]
by or pursuant to’’ 15 U.S.C. Chapter 14A,
including authorities established under section
1102 of the CARES Act. Section 1102 provides that
the Administrator ‘‘may’’ guarantee loans under the
terms and conditions set forth in section 7(a) of the
Small Business Act, and those conditions specify a
‘‘maximum’’—but not a minimum—loan amount.
See 15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36)(B), (E); see also CARES Act
section 1106(k) (authorizing SBA to issue
regulations to govern loan forgiveness). To preserve
finite appropriations for PPP loans and ensure
broad access for eligible borrowers, the
Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary,
has determined that an aggregate limitation on
loans to a single corporate group is necessary and
appropriate.
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owned, directly or indirectly, by a
common parent.
It is the responsibility of an applicant
for a PPP loan to notify the lender if the
applicant has applied for or received
PPP loans in excess of the amount
permitted by this interim final rule and
withdraw or request cancellation of any
pending PPP loan application or
approved PPP loan not in compliance
with the limitation set forth in this rule.
Failure by the applicant to do so will be
regarded as a use of PPP funds for
unauthorized purposes, and the loan
will not be eligible for forgiveness. A
lender may rely on an applicant’s
representation concerning the
applicant’s compliance with this
limitation.
The Administrator, in consultation
with the Secretary, determined that
limiting the amount of PPP loans that a
single corporate group may receive will
promote the availability of PPP loans to
the largest possible number of
borrowers, consistent with the CARES
Act. The Administrator has concluded
that a limitation of $20,000,000 strikes
an appropriate balance between broad
availability of PPP loans and program
resource constraints.
SBA’s affiliation rules, which relate to
an applicant’s eligibility for PPP loans,
and any waiver of those rules under the
CARES Act, continue to apply
independent of this limitation.
Businesses are subject to this limitation
even if the businesses are eligible for the
waiver-of-affiliation provision under the
CARES Act or are otherwise not
considered to be affiliates under SBA’s
affiliation rules.60
This rule has no effect on lender
obligations required to obtain an SBA
guarantee for PPP loans.
g. What qualifies as ‘‘payroll
costs? ’’ 61
Payroll costs consist of compensation
to employees (whose principal place of
residence is the United States) in the
form of salary, wages, commissions, or
similar compensation; cash tips or the
equivalent (based on employer records
of past tips or, in the absence of such
records, a reasonable, good-faith
employer estimate of such tips);
payment for vacation, parental, family,
medical, or sick leave; allowance for
separation or dismissal; payment for the
provision of employee benefits
consisting of group health care or group
life, disability, vision, or dental
60 See Section 7(a)(36)(D)(iv) of the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36)(D)(iv), as added
by the CARES Act; 13 CFR 121.103(b).
61 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20811, subsection III.2.f. (April 15, 2020) and
has been modified to conform to the Economic Aid
Act.
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insurance,62 including insurance
premiums, and retirement; payment of
state and local taxes assessed on
compensation of employees; and for an
independent contractor or sole
proprietor, wages, commissions,
income, or net earnings from selfemployment, or similar compensation.
h. Is there anything that is expressly
excluded from the definition of payroll
costs? 63
Yes. The Act expressly excludes the
following:
i. Any compensation of an employee
whose principal place of residence is
outside of the United States;
ii. The compensation of an individual
employee in excess of $100,000 on an
annualized basis, as prorated for the
period during which the payments are
made or the obligation to make the
payments is incurred;
iii. Federal employment taxes
imposed or withheld during the
applicable period, including the
employee’s and employer’s share of
FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions
Act) and Railroad Retirement Act taxes,
and income taxes required to be
withheld from employees; and
iv. Qualified sick and family leave
wages for which a credit is allowed
under sections 7001 and 7003 of the
Families First Coronavirus Response
Act (Pub. L. 116–127).
i. May fishing boat owners include
payroll costs in their PPP loan
applications that are attributable to
crewmembers described in section
3121(b)(20) of the Internal Revenue
Code? 64
Yes. A fishing boat owner may
include compensation reported on Box
5 of IRS Form 1099–MISC and paid to
a crewmember described in section
3121(b)(20) of the Code, up to $100,000
on an annualized basis, as prorated for
the period during which the payments
are made or the obligation to make the
payments is incurred, as a payroll cost
in its PPP loan application.
j. Do independent contractors count
as employees for purposes of PPP loan
calculations? 65
62 This provision has been modified to conform
to section 308 of the Economic Aid Act. This
revision is effective as if included in the CARES Act
and applies to any loan made before, on, or after
December 27, 2020, including forgiveness of such
a loan.
63 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20811, subsection III.2.g. (April 15, 2020) and
has been modified to conform to section 344 the
Economic Aid Act.
64 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 39066, subsection III.1. (June 30, 2020) and has
been modified to conform to section 344 the
Economic Aid Act and for readability.
65 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20811, subsection III.2.h. (April 15, 2020).
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No, independent contractors have the
ability to apply for a PPP loan on their
own so they do not count for purposes
of a borrower’s PPP loan calculation.66
k. Do student workers count when
determining the number of employees
for PPP loan eligibility? 67
Yes. Student workers generally count
as employees, unless (a) the applicant is
an institution of higher education, as
defined in the Department of
Education’s Federal Work-Study
regulations, 34 CFR 675.2, and (b) the
student worker’s services are performed
as part of a Federal Work-Study Program
(as defined in those regulations 68) or a
substantially similar program of a State
or political subdivision thereof.
Institutions of higher education must
exclude work study students when
determining the number of employees
for PPP loan eligibility, and must also
exclude payroll costs for work study
students from the calculation of payroll
costs used to determine their PPP loan
amount.
5. What is the interest rate on a PPP
loan? 69
The interest rate will be 100 basis
points or one percent, calculated on a
non-compounding, non-adjustable
basis.70
6. What will be the maturity date on a
PPP loan? 71
The maturity is five years.
66 See subsection 4.i. regarding fishing boat
owners including payroll costs for their
crewmembers in the calculation of the PPP loan
amount.
67 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 27287, section III.2. (May 8, 2020) and has been
modified for readability.
68 The Department of Education’s Federal WorkStudy Programs described at 34 CFR part 675 are
(1) the Federal Work-Study Program, (2) the Job
Location and Development Program, and (3) Work
Colleges Program.
69 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20811, subsection III.2.i. (April 15, 2020) and
has been modified to conform to additional interim
final rules or guidance and the Economic Aid Act.
70 Revised to conform to section 339 of the
Economic Aid Act. The revision applies to PPP
loans made on or after December 27, 2020, but may
apply with respect to a PPP loan made before that
date upon the mutual agreement of the lender and
the borrower. A one percent interest rate provides
low cost funds to borrowers to meet eligible payroll
costs and other eligible expenses during this
temporary period of economic dislocation caused
by the coronavirus. Second, for lenders, the 100
basis points offers an attractive interest rate relative
to the cost of funding for comparable maturities.
71 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 36308, subsection III.1.b. (June 16, 2020) and has
been modified for readability.
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7. Can I apply for more than one First
Draw PPP Loan? 72
No. Except as set forth in subsection
D.8, the Administrator, in consultation
with the Secretary, determined that no
eligible borrower may receive more than
one First Draw PPP Loan. This means
that if you apply for a PPP loan you
should consider applying for the
maximum amount. Any borrower who
received a PPP loan in 2020 received a
First Draw PPP Loan and is not eligible
to receive another First Draw PPP Loan,
but may be eligible for a second draw
PPP loan.73
8. Can I use e-signatures or e-consents
if a borrower has multiple owners? 74
Yes, e-signature or e-consents can be
used regardless of the number of
owners.
9. When will I have to begin paying
principal and interest on my PPP
loan? 75
If you submit to your lender a loan
forgiveness application within 10
months after the end of your loan
forgiveness covered period, you will not
have to make any payments of principal
or interest on your loan before the date
on which SBA remits the loan
forgiveness amount on your loan to your
lender (or notifies your lender that no
loan forgiveness is allowed).
Your ‘‘loan forgiveness covered
period’’ is the period beginning on the
date the lender disburses the PPP loan
and ending on any date selected by the
borrower that occurs during the period
(i) beginning on the date that is 8 weeks
after the date of disbursement and (ii)
ending on the date that is 24 weeks after
the date of disbursement. Your lender
must notify you of remittance by SBA of
the loan forgiveness amount (or notify
you that SBA determined that no loan
forgiveness is allowed) and the date
your first payment is due. Interest
continues to accrue during the
deferment period.
If you do not submit to your lender a
loan forgiveness application within 10
72 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20811, subsection III.2.i. (‘‘Can I apply for more
than one PPP loan?’’) (April 15, 2020) and has been
modified to conform to the Economic Aid Act and
for readability. PPP borrowers may be eligible for
a loan under section 7(a)(37) of the Small Business
Act, ‘‘Paycheck Protection Program Second Draw
Loans,’’ see interim final rule on Second Draw PPP
Loans that is being published separately.
73 See interim final rule on Second Draw PPP
Loans for eligibility criteria for Second Draw PPP
Loans, which is being published separately.
74 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20811, subsection III.2.l. (April 15, 2020).
75 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20811, subsection III.2.n. (April 15, 2020), as
amended by 85 FR 36038 (June 16, 2020), and has
been modified to conform to the Economic Aid Act.
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months after the end of your loan
forgiveness covered period, you must
begin paying principal and interest after
that period. For example, if a borrower’s
PPP loan is disbursed on January 25,
2021, the 24-week period ends on July
12, 2021. If the borrower does not
submit a loan forgiveness application to
its lender by May 12, 2022, the borrower
must begin making payments on or after
May 12, 2022.
10. What forms do I need and how do
I submit an application for a PPP
loan? 76
The applicant must submit Paycheck
Protection Program Borrower
Application Form (SBA Form 2483), or
lender’s equivalent form, and payroll
documentation, as described above. The
lender must submit SBA Form 2484,
Paycheck Protection Program Lender’s
Application for 7(a) Loan Guaranty,
electronically in accordance with
program requirements and maintain the
forms and supporting documentation in
its files.
11. How can PPP loans be used? 77
a. The proceeds of a PPP loan are to
be used for:
i. Payroll costs (as defined in the
CARES Act, Economic Aid Act and this
interim final rule);
ii. costs related to the continuation of
group health care, life, disability, vision,
or dental benefits during periods of paid
sick, medical, or family leave, and group
health care, life, disability, vision, or
dental insurance premiums;
iii. mortgage interest payments (but
not mortgage prepayments or principal
payments);
iv. rent payments;
v. utility payments;
vi. interest payments on any other
debt obligations that were incurred
before February 15, 2020;
vii. refinancing an SBA EIDL loan
made between January 31, 2020 and
April 3, 2020; 78
viii. covered operations expenditures
(payments for any business software or
cloud computing service that facilitates
business operations, product or service
delivery, the processing, payment, or
tracking of payroll expenses, human
resources, sales and billing functions, or
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76 This
subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20811, subsection III.2.q. (April 15, 2020).
77 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20811, subsection III.2.r. (April 15, 2020), as
amended by 85 FR 36308 (June 16, 2020) and has
been modified to conform to the Economic Aid Act.
78 Under paragraph 7(a)(36)(Q) of the Small
Business Act, as amended by section 341 of the
Economic Aid Act, an EIDL loan used for purposes
other than paying payroll costs and other eligible
PPP expenditures is not considered a duplication of
the assistance available under the PPP.
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accounting or tracking of supplies,
inventory, records and expenses); 79
ix. covered property damage costs
(costs related to property damage and
vandalism or looting due to public
disturbances that occurred during 2020
that was not covered by insurance or
other compensation);
x. covered supplier costs
(expenditures made by a borrower to a
supplier of goods for the supply of
goods that—(A) are essential to the
operations of the borrower at the time at
which the expenditure is made; and (B)
is made pursuant to a contract, order, or
purchase order—(i) in effect at any time
before the covered period with respect
to the applicable covered loan; or (ii)
with respect to perishable goods, in
effect before or at any time during the
covered period with respect to the
applicable covered loan); and
xi. covered worker protection
expenditures ((A) operating or a capital
expenditures to facilitate the adaptation
of the business activities of an entity to
comply with requirements established
or guidance issued by the Department of
Health and Human Services, the Centers
for Disease Control, or the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration, or
any equivalent requirements established
or guidance issued by a State or local
government, during the period
beginning on March 1, 2020 and ending
the date on which the national
emergency with respect to the COVID–
19 expires related to the maintenance of
standards for sanitation, social
distancing, or any other worker or
customer safety requirement related to
COVID–19; (B) such expenditures may
include—(i) the purchase, maintenance,
or renovation of assets that create or
expand—(I) a drive-through window
facility; (II) an indoor, outdoor, or
combined air or air pressure ventilation
or filtration system; (III) a physical
barrier such as a sneeze guard; (IV) an
expansion of additional indoor, outdoor,
or combined business space; (V) an
onsite or offsite health screening
capability; or (VI) other assets relating to
the compliance with the requirements
or guidance described in subparagraph
(A), as determined by the Administrator
in consultation with the Secretary of
79 Items viii. through xi. were added to conform
to section 304 of the Economic Aid Act. These
provisions are effective as if included in the CARES
Act and apply to any loan made before, on, or after
December 27, 2020, including forgiveness of such
loan, unless SBA has remitted a loan forgiveness
payment to the lender on the PPP loan. Section
1106 of the CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9005) was
redesignated as section 7A, transferred to the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.), and inserted
so as to appear after section 7 of the Small Business
Act (15 U.S.C. 636) in section 304(b) of the
Economic Aid Act.
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Health and Human Services and the
Secretary of Labor; and (ii) the purchase
of—(I) covered materials described in
section 328.103(a) of title 44, Code of
Federal Regulations, or any successor
regulation; (II) particulate filtering
facepiece respirators approved by the
National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health, including those
approved only for emergency use
authorization; or (III) other kinds of
personal protective equipment, as
determined by the Administrator in
consultation with the Secretary of
Health and Human Services and the
Secretary of Labor; and (C) such
expenditures do not include residential
real property or intangible property).
At least 60 percent of the PPP loan
proceeds shall be used for payroll costs.
For purposes of determining the
percentage of use of proceeds for payroll
costs, the amount of any EIDL
refinanced will be included. For
purposes of loan forgiveness, however,
the borrower will have to document the
proceeds used for payroll costs in order
to determine the amount of forgiveness.
While the Act provides that PPP loan
proceeds may be used for the purposes
listed above and for other allowable
uses described in section 7(a) of the
Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)),
the Administrator believes that finite
appropriations and the structure of the
Act warrant a requirement that
borrowers use a substantial portion of
the loan proceeds for payroll costs,
consistent with Congress’ overarching
goal of keeping workers paid and
employed. This percentage is consistent
with the limitation on the forgiveness
amount set forth in the Flexibility Act.
This limitation on use of the loan funds
will help to ensure that the finite
appropriations available for these loans
are directed toward payroll protection,
as each loan that is issued depletes the
appropriation, regardless of whether
portions of the loan are later forgiven.
b. How can PPP loans be used by
individuals with income from selfemployment who file a Form 1040,
Schedule C? 80
The proceeds of a PPP loan are to be
used for the following.
i. Owner compensation replacement,
calculated based on 2019 or 2020 (using
the same year that was used to calculate
the loan amount) net profit as described
in subsection 4.b.
ii. Employee payroll costs (as defined
in this interim final rule) for employees
whose principal place of residence is in
80 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 21747, subsection III.1.d. (April 20, 2020) and
has been modified to conform to the Economic Aid
Act.
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the United States, if you have
employees.
iii. Mortgage interest payments (but
not mortgage prepayments or principal
payments) on any business mortgage
obligation on real or personal property
(e.g., the interest on your mortgage for
the warehouse you purchased to store
business equipment or the interest on an
auto loan for a vehicle you use to
perform your business), business rent
payments (e.g., the warehouse where
you store business equipment or the
vehicle you use to perform your
business), and business utility payments
(e.g., the cost of electricity in the
warehouse you rent or gas you use
driving your business vehicle). You
must have claimed or be entitled to
claim a deduction for such expenses on
your 2019 or 2020 (whichever you used
to calculate loan amount) Form 1040
Schedule C for them to be a permissible
use. For example, if you did not claim
or are not entitled to claim utilities
expenses on your 2019 or 2020 Form
1040 Schedule C, you cannot use the
proceeds for utilities.
iv. Interest payments on any other
debt obligations that were incurred
before February 15, 2020 (such amounts
are not eligible for PPP loan
forgiveness).
v. Refinancing an SBA EIDL loan
made between January 31, 2020 and
April 3, 2020 (maturity will be reset to
PPP’s maturity of two years for PPP
loans made before June 5, 2020 unless
the borrower and lender mutually agree
to extend the maturity of such loans to
five years, or PPP’s maturity of five
years for PPP loans made on or after
June 5).81
vi. Covered operations expenditures,
as defined in section 7A(a) of the Small
Business Act, to the extent they is
deductible on Form 1040 Schedule C.
vii. Covered property damage costs, as
defined in section 7A(a) of the Small
Business Act, to the extent they is
deductible on Form 1040 Schedule C.
viii. Covered supplier costs, as
defined in section 7A(a) of the Small
Business Act, to the extent they is
deductible on Form 1040 Schedule C.
ix. Covered worker protection
expenditures, as defined in section
7A(a) of the Small Business Act, to the
extent they is deductible on Form 1040
Schedule C.82
The Administrator, in consultation
with the Secretary, determined that it is
appropriate to limit self-employed
individuals’ (who file a Form 1040
Schedule C) use of loan proceeds to
those types of allowable uses for which
the borrower made expenditures in 2019
or 2020 or that were used on covered
property damage, as defined in section
7A(a). The Administrator has
determined that this limitation on selfemployed individuals who file a Form
1040 Schedule C is consistent with the
borrower certification required by the
Act; specifically, that the PPP loan is
necessary ‘‘to support the ongoing
operations’’ of the borrower. The
Administrator and the Secretary thus
believe that this limitation is consistent
with the structure of the Act to maintain
existing operations and payroll and not
for business expansion. This limitation
on the use of PPP loan proceeds will
also help to ensure that the finite
appropriations available for these loans
are directed toward maintaining existing
operations and payroll, as each loan that
is made depletes the appropriation.
c. Can PPP proceeds be used for
lobbying activities or expenditures? 83
No. None of the proceeds of a PPP
loan may be used for (1) lobbying
activities, as defined in section 3 of the
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2
U.S.C. 1602); (2) lobbying expenditures
related to a State or local election; or (3)
expenditures designed to influence the
enactment of legislation, appropriations,
regulation, administrative action, or
Executive order proposed or pending
before Congress or any State
government, State legislature, or local
legislature or legislative body.
d. What happens if PPP loan funds
are misused? 84
If you use PPP funds for unauthorized
purposes, SBA will direct you to repay
those amounts. If you knowingly use the
funds for unauthorized purposes, you
will be subject to additional liability
such as charges for fraud. If one of your
shareholders, members, or partners uses
PPP funds for unauthorized purposes,
SBA will have recourse against the
shareholder, member, or partner for the
unauthorized use.
81 Under section 7(a)(36)(Q) of the Small Business
Act, as amended by section 341 of the Economic
Aid Act, an EIDL loan used for purposes other than
paying payroll costs and other eligible PPP
expenditures is not considered a duplication of the
assistance available under the PPP.
82 Items vi. through ix. were added to conform to
section 304 of the Economic Aid Act. These
provisions are effective as if included in the CARES
Act and apply to any loan made before, on, or after
December 27, 2020, including forgiveness of such
loan, unless SBA has remitted a loan forgiveness
payment to the lender on the PPP loan.
83 This subsection has been added to conform to
section 319 of the Economic Aid Act.
84 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20811, subsection III.2.s. (April 15, 2020).
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12. What certifications need to be
made? 85
On the PPP borrower application, an
authorized representative of the
applicant must certify in good faith to
all of the below: 86
i. The Applicant was in operation on
February 15, 2020, has not permanently
closed, and was either an eligible selfemployed individual, independent
contractor, or sole proprietorship with
no employees, or had employees for
whom it paid salaries and payroll taxes
or paid independent contractors, as
reported on a Form 1099–MISC.
ii. Current economic uncertainty
makes this loan request necessary to
support the ongoing operations of the
applicant.
iii. The funds will be used to retain
workers and maintain payroll; or make
payments for mortgage interest, rent,
utilities, covered operations
expenditures, covered property damage
costs, covered supplier costs, and
covered worker protection expenditures
as specified under the Paycheck
Protection Program Rules; I understand
that if the funds are knowingly used for
unauthorized purposes, the federal
government may hold me legally liable
such as for charges of fraud. (As
explained above, not more than 40
percent of loan proceeds may be used
for nonpayroll costs.)
iv. I understand that loan forgiveness
will be provided for the sum of
documented payroll costs, covered
mortgage interest payments, covered
rent payments, covered utilities,
covered operations expenditures,
covered property damage costs, covered
supplier costs, and covered worker
protection expenditures, and not more
than 40% of the forgiven amount may
be for non-payroll costs. If required, the
Applicant will provide to the Lender
and/or SBA documentation verifying
the number of full-time equivalent
employees on the Applicant’s payroll as
well as the dollar amounts of eligible
expenses for the covered period
following this loan.
v. The Applicant has not and will not
receive another loan under the Paycheck
Protection Program, section 7(a)(36) of
the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
85 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20811, subsection III.2.s. (April 15, 2020), as
amended by 85 FR 36308 (June 16, 2020) and has
been modified to conform to the Economic Aid Act
and the revised PPP Borrower Application Form
(SBA Form 2483).
86 A representative of the applicant can certify for
the business as a whole if the representative is
legally authorized to do so. The certifications have
been revised to conform to the Economic Aid Act
and the revised PPP Borrower Application Form
(SBA Form 2483).
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636(a)(36)) (this does not include
Paycheck Protection Program second
draw loans, section 7(a)(37) of the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(37)).
vi. The Applicant has not and will not
receive a Shuttered Venue Operator
grant from SBA.
vii. The President, the Vice President,
the head of an Executive department, or
a Member of Congress, or the spouse of
such person as determined under
applicable common law, does not
directly or indirectly hold a controlling
interest in the Applicant, with such
terms having the meanings provided in
section 322 of the Economic Aid to
Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits,
and Venues Act.
viii. The Applicant is not an issuer,
the securities of which are listed on an
exchange registered as a national
securities exchange under section 6 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15
U.S.C. 78f).
ix. I further certify that the
information provided in this application
and the information provided in all
supporting documents and forms is true
and accurate in all material respects. I
understand that knowingly making a
false statement to obtain a guaranteed
loan from SBA is punishable under the
law, including under 18 U.S.C. 1001
and 3571 by imprisonment of not more
than five years and/or a fine of up to
$250,000; under 15 U.S.C. 645 by
imprisonment of not more than two
years and/or a fine of not more than
$5,000; and, if submitted to a federally
insured institution, under 18 U.S.C.
1014 by imprisonment of not more than
thirty years and/or a fine of not more
than $1,000,000.
x. I acknowledge that the Lender will
confirm the eligible loan amount using
required documents submitted. I
understand, acknowledge, and agree
that the Lender can share the tax
information with SBA’s authorized
representatives, including authorized
representatives of the SBA Office of
Inspector General, for the purpose of
compliance with SBA Loan Program
Requirements and all SBA reviews.
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13. Limited Safe Harbor With Respect to
Certification Concerning Need for PPP
Loan Request 87
The CARES Act requires each
applicant applying for a PPP loan to
certify in good faith ‘‘that the
uncertainty of current economic
conditions makes necessary the loan
request to support the ongoing
obligations’’ of the applicant. SBA, in
87 This subsection has been added to codify the
safe harbor contained in FAQ 46 (posted May 13,
2020).
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consultation with the Department of the
Treasury, issued additional guidance on
May 13, 2020 concerning how SBA will
review the required good-faith
certification. See FAQ 46 (posted May
13, 2020). This guidance included a safe
harbor providing that any PPP borrower,
together with its affiliates, that received
PPP loans with an original principal
amount of less than $2 million will be
deemed to have made the required
certification concerning the necessity of
the loan request in good faith.
14. Can my PPP loan be forgiven in
whole or in part? 88
Yes. The amount of loan forgiveness
can be up to the full principal amount
of the loan and any accrued interest. An
eligible borrower will not be responsible
for any loan payment if the borrower
uses all of the loan proceeds for
forgivable purposes and employee and
compensation levels are maintained or,
if not, an applicable safe harbor or
exemption applies. The actual amount
of loan forgiveness will depend, in part,
on the total amount of payroll costs
(including employer contributions for
group health, life, disability, vision and
dental insurance), payments of interest
on mortgage obligations incurred before
February 15, 2020, rent payments on
leases dated before February 15, 2020,
utility payments for service that began
before February 15, 2020, covered
operations expenditures, covered
property damage costs, covered supplier
costs, and covered worker protection
expenditures over the loan forgiveness
covered period.89 Payroll costs that are
qualified wages taken into account in
determining the Employer Retention
Credit are not eligible for loan
forgiveness. The ‘‘loan forgiveness
covered period’’ is the period beginning
on the date the lender disburses the PPP
loan and ending on any date selected by
the borrower that occurs during the
period (i) beginning on the date that is
8 weeks after the date of disbursement
and (ii) ending on the date that is 24
weeks after the date of disbursement.
To receive full loan forgiveness, a
borrower must use at least 60 percent of
88 This subsection replaces the rule originally
published at 85 FR 20811, subsection III.2.o (April
15, 2020), as amended by 85 FR 36308 (June 16,
2020) and has been modified to conform to the
Economic Aid Act.
89 Covered operations expenditures, covered
property damage costs, covered supplier costs, and
covered worker protection expenditures were added
as eligible expenses in section 304 of the Economic
Aid Act. Except for loans made pursuant to section
7(a)(36) of the Small Business Act for which SBA
has remitted a loan forgiveness payment to the
lender before December 27, 2020, these eligible
expenses apply to any loan made before, on, or after
December 27, 2020, including forgiveness of such
a loan.
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the PPP loan for payroll costs, and not
more than 40 percent of the loan
forgiveness amount may be attributable
to nonpayroll costs. For example, if a
borrower uses 59 percent of its PPP loan
for payroll costs, it will not receive the
full amount of loan forgiveness it might
otherwise be eligible to receive. Instead,
the borrower will receive partial loan
forgiveness, based on the requirement
that 60 percent of the forgiveness
amount must be attributable to payroll
costs. For example, if a borrower
receives a $100,000 PPP loan, and
during the covered period the borrower
spends $54,000 (or 54 percent) of its
loan on payroll costs, then because the
borrower used less than 60 percent of its
loan on payroll costs, the maximum
amount of loan forgiveness the borrower
may receive is $90,000 (with $54,000 in
payroll costs constituting 60 percent of
the forgiveness amount and $36,000 in
nonpayroll costs constituting 40 percent
of the forgiveness amount). Because the
Economic Aid Act changed the loan
forgiveness covered period from either
an 8- or 24-week period to a covered
period between 8 and 24 weeks at the
election of the borrower, SBA is
eliminating the ‘‘alternative covered
period’’ as defined in the interim final
rule published at 85 FR 33004, 33006
(June 1, 2020), as amended.
Additionally, an eligible borrower
that received a loan of $150,000 or less
shall not, at the time of its application
for loan forgiveness, be required to
submit any application or
documentation in addition to the
certification and information required
by paragraph 7A(l)(1)(A) of the Small
Business Act. Such borrowers must
retain records relevant to the form that
prove compliance with the PPP
requirements—with respect to
employment records, for the 4-year
period following submission of the loan
forgiveness application, and with
respect to other records, for the 3-year
period following submission of the loan
forgiveness application. All other
borrowers must follow the existing
requirements for loan forgiveness
applications and records retention. SBA
may review and audit PPP loans of
$150,000 or less and access any records
the borrower is required to retain. All
borrowers with loans of any size must
provide documentation independently
to a lender to satisfy relevant Federal,
State, local or other statutory or
regulatory requirements or in
connection with an SBA loan review.
The Economic Aid Act repealed the
CARES Act provision requiring SBA to
deduct EIDL Advance Amounts
received by borrowers from the
forgiveness payment amounts remitted
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by SBA to the lender. The EIDL
Advance Amount received by the
borrower will not reduce the amount of
forgiveness to which the borrower is
entitled and will not be deducted from
the forgiveness payment amount that
SBA remits to the lender. Any EIDL
Advance Amounts previously deducted
from a borrower’s forgiveness amount
will be remitted to the lender, together
with interest to the remittance date.
15. Do independent contractors count as
employees for purposes of PPP loan
forgiveness? 90
No, independent contractors have the
ability to apply for a PPP loan on their
own so they do not count for purposes
of a borrower’s PPP loan forgiveness.
16. For loans made prior to December
27, 2020, what additional
documentation must a borrower submit
when the President of the United States,
Vice President of the United States, the
head of an Executive department, or a
Member of Congress, or the spouse of
any of the preceding, directly or
indirectly holds a controlling interest in
the borrower?
For PPP loans made before December
27, 2020, if the President of the United
States, Vice President of the United
States, the head of an Executive
department, or a Member of Congress, or
the spouse of such person as determined
under applicable common law, directly
or indirectly holds a controlling interest
in the borrower, the principal executive
officer, or individual performing a
similar function, of the borrower must
disclose that information to SBA. Such
disclosure must be made not later than
January 26, 2021, if the borrower
submitted an application for forgiveness
before December 27, 2020, or not later
than 30 days after submitting an
application for forgiveness.
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C. What do lenders need to know and
do?
1. Who is eligible to make PPP loans? 91
a. All SBA 7(a) lenders are
automatically approved to make PPP
loans on a delegated basis.
b. The Act provides that the authority
to make PPP loans can be extended to
additional lenders determined by the
Administrator and the Secretary to have
the necessary qualifications to process,
close, disburse, and service loans made
with the SBA guarantee. Since SBA is
90 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20811, subsection III.2.p. (April 15, 2020).
91 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20811, subsection III.3.a. (April 15, 2020) and
has been modified to conform to additional interim
final rules or guidance and sections 323 and 343 of
the Economic Aid Act.
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authorized to make PPP loans (and
loans under section 7(a)(37) of the Small
Business Act) up to $806.45 billion by
March 31, 2021, the Adminstrator and
the Secretary have jointly determined
that authorizing additional lenders is
necessary to achieve the purpose of
allowing as many eligible borrowers as
possible to receive loans by the March
31, 2021 deadline.
c. The following types of lenders have
been determined to meet the criteria and
are eligible to make PPP loans unless
they currently are designated in
Troubled Condition by their primary
Federal regulator or are subject to a
formal enforcement action with their
primary Federal regulator that addresses
unsafe or unsound lending practices:
i. Any federally insured depository
institution or any federally insured
credit union;
ii. Any Farm Credit System
institution 92 (other than the Federal
Agricultural Mortgage Corporation) as
defined in 12 U.S.C. 2002(a) that applies
the requirements under the Bank
Secrecy Act and its implementing
regulations (collectively, BSA) as a
federally regulated financial institution,
or functionally equivalent requirements
that are not altered by this rule; and
iii. Any depository or non-depository
financing provider that originates,
maintains, and services business loans
or other commercial financial
receivables and participation interests;
has a formalized compliance program;
applies the requirements under the BSA
as a federally regulated financial
institution, or the BSA requirements of
an equivalent federally regulated
financial institution; has been operating
since at least February 15, 2019, and has
originated, maintained, or serviced more
than $50 million in business loans or
other commercial financial receivables
during a consecutive 12 month period
in the past 36 months, or is a service
provider to any insured depository
institution that has a contract to support
such institution’s lending activities in
accordance with 12 U.S.C. 1867(c) and
92 Section
314 of the Economic Aid Act contains
the following information related to Farm Credit
System Institutions: ‘‘(1) APPLICABLE RULES.—
Solely with respect to loans under paragraphs (36)
and (37) of section 7(a) of the Small Business Act
(15 U.S.C. 636(a)), Farm Credit Administration
regulations and guidance issued as of July 14, 2020,
and compliance with such regulations and
guidance, shall be deemed functionally equivalent
to requirements referenced in section 3(a)(iii)(II) of
the interim final rule of the Administration entitled
‘Business Loan Program Temporary Changes;
Paycheck Protection Program’ (85 FR 20811 (April
15, 2020)) or any similar requirement referenced in
that interim final rule in implementing such
paragraph (37).’’
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3707
is in good standing with the appropriate
Federal banking agency.93
d. Qualified institutions described in
1.c.i. and ii. will be automatically
qualified under delegated authority by
the SBA upon transmission of CARES
Act Section 1102 Lender Agreement
(SBA Form 3506) unless they currently
are designated in Troubled Condition by
their primary Federal regulator or are
subject to a formal enforcement action
by their primary Federal regulator that
addresses unsafe or unsound lending
practices.
e. A non-bank lender may be
approved to make PPP loans if it has
originated, maintained, or serviced more
than $10 million in business loans or
other commercial financial receivables
during a 12-month period in the past 36
months, if the non-bank lender is (1) a
community development financial
institution (other than a federally
insured bank or federally insured credit
union) or (2) a majority minority-,
women-, or veteran/military-owned
lender.94
2. Do lenders have to register in
SAM.gov to make PPP loans? 95
Yes. Given the exigent circumstances
in which small businesses and lenders
currently find themselves due to the
COVID–19 pandemic, PPP lenders will
have thirty (30) days from the date of
the first PPP loan disbursement made by
them after December 27, 2020 to
complete SAM registration and provide
SBA with the lender’s unique entity
identifier.
3. What do lenders have to do in terms
of loan underwriting? 96
Each lender shall:
a. Confirm receipt of borrower
certifications contained in Paycheck
Protection Program Borrower
Application Form (SBA Form 2483)
issued by the Administration or lender’s
equivalent form;
b. Confirm receipt of information
demonstrating that a borrower was
either an eligible self-employed
individual, independent contractor, or
93 This subsection c.iii. was modified to
implement the rule originally published at 85 FR
26324, subsection III.2.a. (May 4, 2020).
94 Lenders described in this subsection (e.) should
follow the special instructions in footnote 1 of the
1102 Lender Agreement—Non-Bank and NonInsured Depository Institution Lenders (SBA Form
3507). This subsection (e.) was adapted from the
rule originally published at 85 FR 26324, subsection
III.2.b. (May 4, 2020).
95 This subsection adds a new requirement that
all PPP lenders must register in SAM.gov. See 2 CFR
25.110(c)(2)(iii).
96 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20811, subsection III.3.b. (April 15, 2020) and
has been modified to conform to additional rules or
guidance and the Economic Aid Act.
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sole proprietorship with no employees
or had employees for whom the
borrower paid salaries and payroll taxes
on or around February 15, 2020;
c. Confirm the dollar amount of
average monthly payroll costs for 2019
or 2020 by reviewing the payroll
documentation submitted with the
borrower’s application; 97 and
d. Follow applicable BSA
requirements:
i. Federally insured depository
institutions and federally insured credit
unions should continue to follow their
existing BSA protocols when making
PPP loans to either new or existing
customers who are eligible borrowers
under the PPP. PPP loans for existing
customers will not require reverification under applicable BSA
requirements, unless otherwise
indicated by the institution’s risk-based
approach to BSA compliance.
ii. Entities that are not presently
subject to the requirements of the BSA,
should, prior to engaging in PPP lending
activities, including making PPP loans
to either new or existing customers who
are eligible borrowers under the PPP,
establish an anti-money laundering
(AML) compliance program equivalent
to that of a comparable federally
regulated institution. Depending upon
the comparable federally regulated
institution, such a program may include
a customer identification program (CIP),
which includes identifying and
verifying their PPP borrowers’ identities
(including e.g., date of birth, address,
and taxpayer identification number),
and, if that PPP borrower is a company,
following any applicable beneficial
ownership information collection
requirements. Alternatively, if available,
entities may rely on the CIP of a
federally insured depository institution
or federally insured credit union with
an established CIP as part of its AML
program. In either instance, entities
should also understand the nature and
purpose of their PPP customer
relationships to develop customer risk
profiles. Such entities will also
generally have to identify and report
certain suspicious activity to the U.S.
Department of the Treasury’s Financial
Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
If such entities have questions with
regard to meeting these requirements,
they should contact the FinCEN
Regulatory Support Section at FRC@
fincen.gov. In addition, FinCEN has
created a COVID–19-specific contact
channel, via a specific drop-down
category, for entities to communicate to
FinCEN COVID–19-related concerns
97 See PPP FAQ 1 (April 3, 2020) for further
information on this step.
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while adhering to their BSA obligations.
Entities that wish to communicate such
COVID–19-related concerns to FinCEN
should go to www.FinCEN.gov, click on
‘‘Need Assistance,’’ and select
‘‘COVID19’’ in the subject drop-down
list.
Each lender’s underwriting obligation
under the PPP is limited to the items
above and reviewing the ‘‘Paycheck
Protection Borrower Application Form.’’
Borrowers must submit such
documentation as is necessary to
establish eligibility such as payroll
records, payroll tax filings, or Form
1099–MISC, Schedule C or F, income
and expenses from a sole
proprietorship, or bank records. For
borrowers that do not have any such
documentation, the borrower must
provide other supporting
documentation, such as bank records,
sufficient to demonstrate the qualifying
payroll amount.
A lender may rely on any certification
or documentation submitted by an
applicant for a PPP loan or an eligible
recipient or eligible entity that (A) is
submitted pursuant to all applicable
statutory requirements, regulations, and
guidance related to a PPP loan,
including under paragraph 7(a)(36) of
the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
636(a)(36)); and (B) attests that the
applicant, eligible recipient, or eligible
entity, as applicable, has accurately
provided the certification or
documentation to the lender in
accordance with the statutory
requirements, regulations, and guidance
related to PPP loans. With respect to a
lender that relies on such a certification
or documentation related to a PPP loan,
an enforcement action may not be taken
against the lender, and the lender shall
not be subject to any penalties relating
to loan origination or forgiveness of the
PPP loan, if—(A) the lender acts in good
faith relating to loan origination or
forgiveness of the PPP loan based on
that reliance; and (B) all other relevant
Federal, State, local, and other statutory
and regulatory requirements applicable
to the lender are satisfied with respect
to the PPP loan.98
4. Can lenders rely on borrower
documentation for loan forgiveness? 99
Yes. The lender does not need to
independently verify the borrower’s
98 This paragraph was added to conform to
section 305 of the Economic Aid Act. This shall be
effective as if included in the CARES Act and shall
apply to any loan made before, on, or after
December 27, 2020, including forgiveness of such
a loan.
99 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20811, subsection III.3.c. (April 15, 2020) and
has been modified for readability. SBA also intends
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reported information if the borrower
submits documentation supporting its
request for loan forgiveness and attests
that it accurately verified the payments
for eligible costs.
5. What fees will lenders be paid? 100
For PPP loans made on or after
December 27, 2020, SBA will pay
lenders fees, based on the balance of the
financing outstanding at the time of
disbursement of the loan, for processing
PPP loans in the following amounts:
i. For loans of not more than $50,000,
an amount equal to the lesser of fifty
(50) percent or $2,500;
ii. Five (5) percent for loans of more
than $50,000 and not more than
$350,000;
iii. Three (3) percent for loans of more
than $350,000 and less than $2,000,000;
and
iv. One (1) percent for loans of at least
$2,000,000.
SBA will pay the fee not later than 5
days after the reported disbursement of
the PPP loan and, as required by the
Economic Aid Act, may not require the
fee to be repaid by the lender unless the
lender is found guilty of an act of fraud
in connection with the PPP loan.
6. Can PPP loans be sold into the
secondary market? 101
Yes. A PPP loan may be sold on the
secondary market after the loan is fully
disbursed. A PPP loan may be sold on
the secondary market at a premium or
a discount to par value.
7. Do the requirements for loan pledges
under 13 CFR 120.434 apply to PPP
loans pledged for borrowings from a
Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) or advances
by a Federal Home Loan Bank
(FHLB)? 102
No. Pursuant to SBA regulations at 13
CFR 120.435(d) and (e), a pledge of 7(a)
loans to a FRB or FHLB does not require
SBA’s prior written consent or notice to
SBA. SBA, in consultation with
Treasury, has determined that for
purposes of loans made under the PPP,
the additional requirements set forth in
120.434 shall also not apply. This
would mean, for example, that SBA
would not have to approve loan
to issue a consolidated interim final rule governing
all aspects of loan forgiveness and the loan review
process.
100 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20811, subsection III.3.d. (April 15, 2020) and
has been modified to conform to section 340 of the
Economic Aid Act.
101 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20811, subsection III.4.d (April 15, 2020) and
modified to reflect that advance purchases are not
available.
102 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 21747, subsection III.3. (April 20, 2020).
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documents or require a multi-party
agreement among SBA, the lender, and
others.
8. Are lenders required to use a
promissory note provided by SBA or
may they use their own? 103
Lenders may use their own
promissory note or an SBA form of
promissory note.
9. Are lenders required to use a separate
SBA Authorization document to issue
PPP loans? 104
No. A lender does not need a separate
SBA Authorization for SBA to guarantee
a PPP loan. However, lenders must have
executed SBA Form 2484 (the Lender
Application Form—Paycheck Protection
Program Loan Guaranty) 105 to issue PPP
loans and receive a loan number for
each originated PPP loan. Lenders may
include in their promissory notes for
PPP loans any terms and conditions,
including relating to amortization and
disclosure, that are not inconsistent
with section 1102 of the CARES Act and
section 7A of the Small Business Act,
the PPP Interim Final Rules and
guidance, and SBA Form 2484. See FAQ
21 (posted April 13, 2020). The decision
not to require a separate SBA
Authorization in order to ensure that
critical PPP loans are disbursed as
efficiently as practicable.
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10. By when must a lender electronically
submit an SBA Form 1502 indicating
that PPP loan funds have been
disbursed? 106
SBA has made available a specific
SBA Form 1502 reporting process
through which PPP lenders report on
PPP loans and collect the processing fee
on fully disbursed loans to which they
are entitled. Lenders must electronically
upload SBA Form 1502 information
within 20 calendar days after a PPP loan
is approved. The lender must report on
SBA Form 1502 whether it has fully
disbursed PPP loan proceeds. A lender
will not receive a processing fee: (1)
Prior to full disbursement of the PPP
loan; (2) if the PPP loan is cancelled
before disbursement; or (3) if the PPP
loan is cancelled or voluntarily
103 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 23450, subsection III.1.a. (April 28, 2020).
104 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 23450, subsection III.1.b. (April 28, 2020) and
has been modified to conform to the Economic Aid
Act.
105 This requirement is satisfied by a lender when
the lender completes the process of submitting a
loan through the E-Tran system; no transmission or
retention of a physical copy of Form 2484 is
required.
106 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 26321, subsection III.1.b. (May 4, 2020) and has
been modified to conform to the Economic Aid Act
and for readability.
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terminated and repaid after
disbursement (including if a borrower
repays the PPP loan proceeds to
conform to the borrower’s certification
regarding the necessity of the PPP loan
request). If the lender has received a
processing fee on a loan that was
cancelled or voluntarily terminated and
repaid after disbursement (including if a
borrower repaid the PPP loan proceeds
to conform to the borrower’s
certification regarding the necessity of
the PPP loan request), SBA will not
require the lender to repay the
processing fee unless the lender is
found guilty of an act of fraud in
connection with the PPP loan. In
addition to providing ACH credit
information to direct payment of the
requested processing fee, lenders will be
required to confirm that all PPP loans
for which the lender is requesting a
processing fee have been fully disbursed
on the disbursement dates and in the
loan amounts reported. A lender must
report through either E-Tran Servicing
or the SBA Form 1502 report any PPP
loans that have been cancelled before
disbursement or that have been
cancelled or voluntarily terminated and
repaid after disbursement.
11. How do lenders report
disbursements on PPP loans that are
approved for loan increases due to the
Economic Aid Act? 107
Lenders must submit the SBA Form
1502 information within 20 calendar
days after a PPP loan increase is
approved following the SBA Form 1502
reporting process. See subsection C.10.
for more information.
D. What do both borrowers and lenders
need to know and do?
1. What are the loan terms and
conditions? 108
Loans will be guaranteed under the
PPP under the same terms, conditions
and processes as other 7(a) loans, with
certain changes including but not
limited to:
a. The guarantee percentage is 100
percent.
b. No collateral will be required.
c. No personal guarantees will be
required.
d. The interest rate will be 100 basis
points or one percent, calculated on a
non-compounding, non-adjustable
basis.109
107 This subsection was added to conform to the
Economic Aid Act.
108 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20811, subsection III.4.a. (April 15, 2020) and
modified to conform to the Economic Aid Act.
109 This subsection (d) was revised to conform to
section 339 of the Economic Aid Act. The revision
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e. All loans will be processed by all
lenders under delegated authority and
lenders will be permitted to rely on
certifications of the borrower in order to
determine eligibility of the borrower
and the use of loan proceeds.
2. Do lenders have to apply the ‘‘credit
elsewhere test’’? 110
No. When evaluating an applicant’s
eligibility lenders will not be required to
apply the ‘‘credit elsewhere test’’ (as set
forth in section 7(a)(1)(A) of the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636) and SBA
regulations at 13 CFR 120.101).
3. Are there any fee waivers? 111
a. There will be no up-front guarantee
fee payable to SBA by the borrower;
b. There will be no lender’s annual
service fee (‘‘on-going guaranty fee’’)
payable to SBA;
c. There will be no subsidy
recoupment fee; and
d. There will be no fee payable to SBA
for any guarantee sold into the
secondary market.
4. Who pays the fee to an agent who
provides assistance in connection with a
PPP loan? 112
Agent fees may not be paid out of the
proceeds of a PPP loan. If a borrower
has knowingly retained an agent, such
fees will be paid by the borrower. A
lender is only responsible for paying
fees to an agent for services for which
the lender directly contracts with the
agent. The total amount that an agent
may collect from the lender for
assistance in preparing an application
for a PPP loan (including referral to the
lender) may not exceed:
a. One (1) percent for loans of not
more than $350,000;
b. 0.50 percent for loans of more than
$350,000 and less than $2 million; and
c. 0.25 percent for loans of at least $2
million.
The Act authorizes the Administrator
to establish limits on agent fees. The
Administrator, in consultation with the
Secretary, determined that the agent fee
limits set forth above are reasonable
based upon the application
applies to PPP loans made on or after December 27,
2020, but may apply with respect to a PPP loan
made before that date upon the mutual agreement
of the lender and the borrower.
110 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20811, subsection III.3.e. (April 15, 2020).
111 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20811, subsection III.4.a. (April 15, 2020).
112 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20811, subsection III.4.c. (April 15, 2020) and
modified to conform to section 340 of the Economic
Aid Act. This revision is effective as if included in
the CARES Act and applies to PPP loans made
before, on, or after December 27, 2020, including
forgiveness of such a loan.
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requirements and the fees that lenders
receive for making PPP loans.
5. Can a borrower take multiple draws
from a PPP loan and thereby delay the
start of the covered period? 113
No. The lender must make a one-time,
full disbursement of the PPP loan
within ten calendar days of loan
approval; for the purposes of this rule,
a loan is considered approved when the
loan is assigned a loan number by
SBA.114
Notwithstanding this limitation,
lenders are not responsible for delays in
disbursement attributable to a
borrower’s failure to timely provide
required loan documentation, including
a signed promissory note. Loans for
which funds have not been disbursed
because a borrower has not submitted
required loan documentation within 20
calendar days of loan approval shall be
cancelled by the lender. When
disbursing loans, lenders must send any
amount of loan proceeds designated for
the refinance of an EIDL loan directly to
SBA and not to the borrower.
6. If a partnership received a PPP loan
that did not include any compensation
for its partners, can the loan amount be
increased to include partner
compensation? 115
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Yes. If a partnership received a PPP
loan that only included amounts
necessary for payroll costs of the
partnership’s employees and other
eligible operating expenses, but did not
include any amount for partner
compensation,116 the lender may
electronically submit a request through
SBA’s E-Tran Servicing site to increase
the PPP loan amount to include
appropriate partner compensation, even
if the loan has been fully disbursed and
even if the lender’s first SBA Form 1502
report to SBA on the PPP loan has
already been submitted. In no event can
the increased loan amount exceed the
maximum loan amount allowed under
113 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 26321, subsection III.1.a. (May 4, 2020), as
amended by 85 FR 26321 (June 19, 2020), and has
been modified for readability.
114 If the tenth calendar day is a Saturday,
Sunday, or legal holiday, the period continues to
run until the end of the next business day.
115 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 29842, subsection III.1.a. (May 19, 2020) and has
been revised to conform to sections 312 and 344 of
the Economic Aid Act.
116 A partner in a partnership may not submit a
separate PPP loan application as a self-employed
individual. Instead, the self-employment income of
general active partners may be reported as a payroll
cost, up to $100,000 on an annualized basis, as
prorated for the period during which the payments
are made or the obligation to make the payments
is incurred, on a PPP loan application filed by or
on behalf of the partnership.
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the PPP Program, which is $10 million
for an individual borrower or $20
million for a corporate group.
Additionally, the borrower must
provide the lender with required
documentation to support the
calculation of the increase. Any request
for an increase must be submitted
electronically in E-Tran on or before
March 31, 2021, and is subject to the
availability of funds.
As described in subsection B.1.c.,
partnerships, rather than individual
partners, are eligible for a PPP loan. As
described in subsection B.4.e., selfemployment income of general active
partners could be reported as a payroll
cost, up to $100,000 on an annualized
basis, as prorated for the period during
which the payments are made or the
obligation to make the payments is
incurred, on a PPP loan application
filed by or on behalf of the partnership.
For guidance describing how to
calculate partnership PPP loan amounts
and defining the self-employment
income of partners, see How to
Calculate Maximum Loan Amounts,
Question 4 at https://www.sba.gov/sites/
default/files/2020-04/How-to-CalculateLoan-Amounts.pdf (April 20, 2020).
7. If a seasonal employer received a PPP
loan before December 27, 2020, can the
loan amount be increased based on a
revised calculation of the maximum
loan amount? 117
Yes. If a seasonal employer received
a PPP loan before December 27, 2020,
and such employer would be eligible for
a higher maximum loan amount under
section 336 of the Economic Aid Act, as
described in subsection B.4.c., the
lender may electronically submit a
request through SBA’s E-Tran Servicing
site to increase the PPP loan amount,
even if the loan has been fully disbursed
and even if the lender’s first SBA Form
1502 report to SBA on the PPP loan has
already been submitted. In no event can
the increased loan amount exceed the
maximum PPP loan amount ($10
million for an individual borrower or
$20 million for a corporate group).
Additionally, the borrower must
provide the lender with required
documentation to support the
calculation of the increase. Any request
for an increase must be submitted
electronically in E-Tran on or before
March 31, 2021, and is subject to the
availability of funds.
117 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 29842, subsection III.1.b. (May 19, 2020) and has
been revised to conform to sections 312 and 336 of
the Economic Aid Act.
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8. Which other PPP borrowers can
reapply or request an increase in their
PPP loan amount? 118
The following borrowers can reapply
or request an increase in their PPP loan
amount:
a. If a borrower returned all of a PPP
loan, the borrower may reapply for a
PPP loan in an amount the borrower is
eligible for under current PPP rules.
b. If a borrower returned part of a PPP
loan, the borrower may reapply for an
amount equal to the difference between
the amount retained and the amount
previously approved.
c. If a borrower did not accept the full
amount of a PPP loan for which it was
approved, the borrower may request an
increase in the amount of the PPP loan
up to the amount previously approved.
Any request for an increase must be
submitted electronically in E-Tran on or
before March 31, 2021, and is subject to
the availability of funds. SBA will issue
additional guidance on the process to
reapply or request a loan increase under
subsections D.6, D.7, and D.8.
9. If a borrower’s PPP loan has already
been fully disbursed, can the lender
make an additional disbursement for
the increased loan proceeds? 119
Yes. Notwithstanding the requirement
set forth in paragraph 1.a. of the interim
final rule on disbursements posted on
April 28, 2020, i.e., that lenders make a
one-time, full disbursement of the PPP
loan within ten calendar days of loan
approval, if a PPP loan is increased
under subsections D.6., D.7., or D.8., the
lender may make a single additional
disbursement of the increased loan
proceeds.
10. Are recipients of PPP loans entitled
to exemptions on the grounds provided
in Federal nondiscrimination laws for
sex-specific admissions practices, sexspecific domestic violence shelters,
coreligionist housing, or Indian tribal
preferences in connection with adoption
or foster care practices? 120
Yes. With respect to any loan or loan
forgiveness under the PPP, the
nondiscrimination provisions in the
applicable SBA regulations incorporate
the limitations and exemptions
provided in corresponding Federal
statutory or regulatory
118 This subsection was added to conform to
section 312 of the Economic Aid Act. See also
recalculation available under subsection B.4.d.
above for farmers and ranchers.
119 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 29842, subsection III.2.a. (May 19, 2020) and
revised to conform to section 312 of the Economic
Aid Act.
120 This subsection was originally published at 85
FR 27287, section III.1. (May 8, 2020).
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nondiscrimination provisions for sexspecific admissions practices at
preschools, non-vocational elementary
or secondary schools, and private
undergraduate higher education
institutions under Title IX of the
Education Amendments of 1972 (20
U.S.C. 1681 et seq.), for sex-specific
emergency shelters and coreligionist
housing under the Fair Housing Act of
1968 (42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.), and for
adoption or foster care practices giving
child placement preferences to Indian
tribes under the Indian Child Welfare
Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.).
In addition, for purposes of the PPP,
SBA regulations do not bar a religious
nonprofit entity from making decisions
with respect to the membership or the
employment of individuals of a
particular religion to perform work
connected with the carrying on by such
nonprofit of its activities.
E. Additional Information
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All loans guaranteed by the SBA
pursuant to the CARES Act and the
Economic Aid Act will be made
consistent with constitutional, statutory,
and regulatory protections for religious
liberty, including the First Amendment
to the Constitution, the Religious
Freedom Restoration Act, 42 U.S.C.
2000bb–1 and bb–3, and SBA regulation
at 13 CFR 113.3–1h, which provides
that nothing in SBA nondiscrimination
regulations shall apply to a religious
corporation, association, educational
institution or society with respect to the
membership or the employment of
individuals of a particular religion to
perform work connected with the
carrying on by such corporation,
association, educational institution or
society of its religious activities.
SBA may provide further guidance, if
needed, through SBA notices and a
program guide which will be posted on
SBA’s website at www.sba.gov.
Questions on the Paycheck Protection
Program 7(a) Loans may be directed to
the Lender Relations Specialist in the
local SBA Field Office. The local SBA
Field Office may be found at https://
www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance/
districtoffices.
Compliance With Executive Orders
12866, 12988, 13132, 13563, and 13771,
the Paperwork Reduction Act (44
U.S.C. Ch. 35), and the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601–612)
Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and
13771
This interim final rule is
economically significant for the
purposes of Executive Orders 12866 and
13563, and the Office of Management
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Jkt 253001
and Budget’s Office of Information and
Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) has
determined that this is a major rule
under the Congressional Review Act (5
U.S.C. 804(2)). SBA, however, is
proceeding under the emergency
provision at Executive Order 12866
section 6(a)(3)(D) based on the need to
move expeditiously to mitigate the
current economic conditions arising
from the COVID–19 emergency. This
rule’s designation under Executive
Order 13771 will be informed by public
comment.
This rule is necessary to implement
the Economic Aid Act in order to
provide economic relief to small
businesses nationwide adversely
impacted under the COVID–19
Emergency Declaration. We anticipate
that this rule will result in substantial
benefits to small businesses, their
employees, and the communities they
serve. However, we lack data to estimate
the effects of this rule.
The Administrator of OIRA has
determined that this is a major rule for
purposes of the Congressional Review
Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.) (CRA). Under
section 801(3) of the CRA, a major rule
takes effect 60 days after the rule is
published in the Federal Register.
Notwithstanding this requirement,
section 808(2) of the CRA allows
agencies to dispense with the
requirements of section 801 when the
agency for good cause finds that such
procedure would be impracticable,
unnecessary, or contrary to the public
interest and the rule shall take effect at
such time as the agency promulgating
the rule determines. Pursuant to section
808(2) of the CRA, SBA finds, for good
cause, that a 60-day delay in the
effective date is unnecessary and
contrary to the public interest.
As discussed elsewhere in this
interim final rule, the last day to apply
for and receive a PPP loan is March 31,
2021. Given the short duration of this
program, and the urgent need to issue
loans quickly, the Administrator in
consultation with the Secretary has
determined that it is impractical and not
in the public interest to provide a
delayed effective date. An immediate
effective date will give small businesses
the maximum amount of time to apply
for loans and lenders the maximum
amount of time to process applications
before the program ends.
Executive Order 12988
SBA has drafted this rule, to the
extent practicable, in accordance with
the standards set forth in section 3(a)
and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, to
minimize litigation, eliminate
ambiguity, and reduce burden. The rule
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3711
has no preemptive effect but does have
some retroactive effect consistent with
specific applicability provisions of the
Economic Aid Act (such provisions are
identified in the footnotes).
Executive Order 13132
SBA has determined that this rule
will not have substantial direct effects
on the States, on the relationship
between the National Government and
the States, or on the distribution of
power and responsibilities among the
various layers of government. Therefore,
SBA has determined that this rule has
no federalism implications warranting
preparation of a federalism assessment.
Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C.
Chapter 35
SBA has determined that this rule
requires revisions to existing
recordkeeping or reporting requirements
of the Paycheck Protection Program
(PPP) information collection (OMB
Control Number 3245–0407) as a result
of amendments made to the PPP by the
Economic Aid Act and implemented in
this interim final rule. The revisions
will affect the PPP Borrower
Application Form (SBA Form 2483), the
PPP Lender Application Form (SBA
Form 2484), the Lender Application
Form for Federally Insured Depository
Institutions, Federally Insured Credit
Unions, and Farm Credit System
Institutions (SBA Form 3506), and the
Lender Application Form for Non-Bank
and Non-Insured Depository Institution
Lenders (SBA Form 3507).
SBA Form 2483 has been revised to
add housing cooperatives, section
501(c)(6) organizations, destination
marketing organizations, and certain
news organizations to the categories of
eligible entities; to collect the NAICS
code of the applicant; to add additional
eligible use of proceeds; and to add or
revise the certifications to incorporate
the Economic Aid Act amendments.
Changes were made to SBA Form 2484
to conform to the changes made to SBA
Form 2483. SBA Forms 3506 and 3507
were revised to extend the term through
March 31, 2021; restate the way interest
rate is calculated; and make clarifying
changes for consistency with program
requirements.
SBA is developing a process to collect
the information necessary for eligible
borrowers to reapply or request an
increase in their PPP loan amount as
described in this interim final rule.
SBA has requested emergency
approval of the revisions to this PPP
information collection to enable the
Agency to resume the reauthorized PPP
as quickly as possible. Without such
emergency approval, the authority for
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the program would expire before the
procedural steps, including the
comment periods generally required by
the Paperwork Reduction Act, could be
completed.
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
generally requires that when an agency
issues a proposed rule, or a final rule
pursuant to section 553(b) of the APA or
another law, the agency must prepare a
regulatory flexibility analysis that meets
the requirements of the RFA and
publish such analysis in the Federal
Register. 5 U.S.C. 603, 604. Specifically,
the RFA normally requires agencies to
describe the impact of a rulemaking on
small entities by providing a regulatory
impact analysis. Such analysis must
address the consideration of regulatory
options that would lessen the economic
effect of the rule on small entities. The
RFA defines a ‘‘small entity’’ as (1) a
proprietary firm meeting the size
standards of the Small Business
Administration (SBA); (2) a nonprofit
organization that is not dominant in its
field; or (3) a small government
jurisdiction with a population of less
than 50,000. 5 U.S.C. 601(3)–(6). Except
for small government jurisdictions with
a population of less than 50,000, neither
State nor local governments are ‘‘small
entities.’’
The requirement to conduct a
regulatory impact analysis does not
apply if the head of the agency ‘‘certifies
that the rule will not, if promulgated,
have a significant economic impact on
a substantial number of small entities.’’
5 U.S.C. 605(b). The agency must,
however, publish the certification in the
Federal Register at the time of
publication of the rule, ‘‘along with a
statement providing the factual basis for
such certification.’’ If the agency head
has not waived the requirements for a
regulatory flexibility analysis in
accordance with the RFA’s waiver
provision, and no other RFA exception
applies, the agency must prepare the
regulatory flexibility analysis and
publish it in the Federal Register at the
time of promulgation or, if the rule is
promulgated in response to an
emergency that makes timely
compliance impracticable, within 180
days of publication of the final rule. 5
U.S.C. 604(a), 608(b).
Rules that are exempt from notice and
comment are also exempt from the RFA
requirements, including conducting a
regulatory flexibility analysis, when
among other things the agency for good
cause finds that notice and public
procedure are impracticable,
unnecessary, or contrary to the public
interest. Small Business
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Jkt 253001
Administration’s Office of Advocacy
guide: How to Comply with the
Regulatory Flexibility Ac. Ch.1. p.9.
Since this rule is exempt from notice
and comment, SBA is not required to
conduct a regulatory flexibility analysis.
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36);
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic
Security Act, Pub. L. 116–136, section 1114
and Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small
Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act (Pub.
L. 116–260), section 303.
Jovita Carranza, Michael Faulkender,
Assistant Secretary for Economic Policy.
[FR Doc. 2021–00451 Filed 1–12–21; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 8026–03–P
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
13 CFR Parts 120 and 121
[Docket No. SBA–2021–0002]
RIN 3245–AH63
Business Loan Program Temporary
Changes; Paycheck Protection
Program Second Draw Loans
U.S. Small Business
Administration.
ACTION: Interim final rule.
AGENCY:
This interim final rule
announces the implementation of
section 311 of the Economic Aid to
Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits,
and Venues Act (the Economic Aid Act).
The Economic Aid Act authorizes the
U.S. Small Business Administration to
guarantee additional loans under the
temporary Paycheck Protection
Program, which was originally
established under the Coronavirus Aid,
Relief, and Economic Security Act to
provide economic relief to small
businesses nationwide adversely
impacted under the Coronavirus Disease
2019 (COVID–19) Emergency
Declaration (COVID–19 Emergency
Declaration) issued by President Trump
on March 13, 2020. Section 311 of the
Economic Aid Act adds a second
temporary program to SBA’s 7(a) Loan
Program titled, ‘‘Paycheck Protection
Program Second Draw Loans.’’ This
interim final rule implements the key
provisions of section 311 of the
Economic Aid Act and requests public
comment.
DATES:
Effective Date: This interim final rule
is effective January 12, 2021.
Applicability Date: This interim final
rule applies to loan applications and
applications for loan forgiveness
submitted for Paycheck Protection
Program Second Draw Loans.
SUMMARY:
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Comment Date: Comments must be
received on or before February 16, 2021.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments,
identified by number SBA–2021–0002
through the Federal eRulemaking Portal:
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
SBA will post all comments on
www.regulations.gov. If you wish to
submit confidential business
information (CBI) as defined in the User
Notice at www.regulations.gov, please
send an email to ppp-ifr@sba.gov. All
other comments must be submitted
through the Federal eRulemaking Portal
described above. Highlight the
information that you consider to be CBI
and explain why you believe SBA
should hold this information as
confidential. SBA will review the
information and make the final
determination whether it will publish
the information.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Call
Center Representative at 833–572–0502,
or the local SBA Field Office; the list of
offices can be found at https://
www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance/
districtoffices.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background Information
On December 27, 2020, President
Trump signed the Economic Aid to
Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits,
and Venues Act (the Economic Aid Act)
(Pub. L. 116–260) into law to provide
continued assistance to individuals and
businesses that have been financially
impacted by the ongoing coronavirus
pandemic. Section 311 of the Economic
Aid Act added a new temporary section
7(a)(37) to the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 636(a)(37)). This new section
authorizes the U.S. Small Business
Administration (SBA or the
Administration) to guarantee Paycheck
Protection Program Second Draw Loans
(PPP Second Draw Program), under
generally the same terms and conditions
available under the Paycheck Protection
Program (PPP) established under section
7(a)(36) of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 636(a)(36)). Under section 311,
SBA may guarantee loans under the PPP
Second Draw Program through March
31, 2021 (‘‘Second Draw PPP Loans’’) to
borrowers that previously received a
PPP loan under section 7(a)(36) of the
Small Business Act (‘‘First Draw PPP
Loans’’) and have used or will use the
full amount of the initial PPP loan for
authorized purposes on or before the
expected date of disbursement of the
Second Draw PPP Loan.
Like First Draw PPP Loans, Second
Draw PPP Loans are intended to provide
expeditious relief to America’s small
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 9 (Thursday, January 14, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3692-3712]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-00451]
[[Page 3691]]
Vol. 86
Thursday,
No. 9
January 14, 2021
Part VI
Small Business Administration
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Department of the Treasury
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13 CFR Parts 113, 120, et al.
Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program as
Amended by Economic Aid Act; Business Loan Program Temporary Changes;
Paycheck Protection Program Second Draw Loans; Final Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 9 / Thursday, January 14, 2021 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 3692]]
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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
13 CFR Parts 113, 120, and 121
[Docket No. SBA-2021-0001]
RIN 3245-AH62
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
RIN 1505-AC74
Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection
Program as Amended by Economic Aid Act
AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration; Department of the Treasury.
ACTION: Interim final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: On April 2, 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
posted an interim final rule announcing the implementation of sections
1102 and 1106 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
(CARES Act). Section 1102 of the CARES Act temporarily adds a new
program, titled the ``Paycheck Protection Program,'' to the SBA's 7(a)
Loan Program. Section 1106 of the CARES Act provides for forgiveness of
up to the full principal amount of qualifying loans guaranteed under
the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The PPP is intended to provide
economic relief to small businesses nationwide adversely impacted by
the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Subsequently, SBA published
twenty-three interim final rules providing additional guidance on the
PPP (some of which were jointly issued with the Department of the
Treasury) and Treasury published one interim final rule. On December
27, 2020, the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits,
and Venues Act (Economic Aid Act) became law. The Economic Aid Act
extends the authority to make PPP loans through March 31, 2021 and
revises certain PPP requirements. This interim final rule incorporates
the Economic Aid Act amendments required to be implemented by
regulation within 10 days of enactment. For ease of borrower and lender
reference, this interim final rule also consolidates the interim final
rules (and important guidance) issued to date governing borrower
eligibility, lender eligibility, and PPP application and origination
requirements for new PPP loans, as well as provides general rules
relating to loan increases and loan forgiveness. This rule is not
intended to substantively alter or affect PPP rules that were not
amended by the Economic Aid Act. Additional rules related to second
draw PPP loans will be published separately, and SBA intends to issue a
consolidated rule governing all aspects of loan forgiveness and the
loan review process as well. This interim final rule is intended to
govern new PPP loans made under the Economic Aid Act, as well as
applications for loan forgiveness on existing PPP loans where the loan
forgiveness payment has not been remitted, and should not be construed
to alter or affect the requirements applicable to PPP loans closed
prior to its enactment, unless the provisions apply retroactively
consistent with specific applicability provisions of the Economic Aid
Act as identified in this rule. In addition, in this interim final
rule, Treasury exercises its authority under section 1109 of the CARES
Act to allow borrowers of first draw PPP loans to use 2019 or 2020 to
calculate their maximum loan amount.
DATES:
Effective date: Unless otherwise specified in this interim final
rule, the provisions of this interim final rule are effective January
12, 2021.
Applicability date: This interim final rule applies to loan
applications, including requests for increases, and applications for
loan forgiveness submitted under the Paycheck Protection Program
following enactment of the Economic Aid Act. This interim final rule
also applies to loan forgiveness applications submitted under the
Paycheck Protection Program before enactment of the Economic Aid Act
where SBA has not remitted the forgiveness payment.
Comment date: Comments must be received on or before February 16,
2021.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by number SBA-2021-0001
through the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
SBA will post all comments on www.regulations.gov. If you wish to
submit confidential business information (CBI) as defined in the User
Notice at www.regulations.gov, please send an email to [email protected].
All other comments must be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking
Portal described above. Highlight the information that you consider to
be CBI and explain why you believe SBA should hold this information as
confidential. SBA will review the information and make the final
determination whether it will publish the information.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Call Center Representative at 833-572-
0502, or the local SBA Field Office; the list of offices can be found
at https://www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance/districtoffices.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background Information
On March 13, 2020, President Trump declared the ongoing Coronavirus
Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic of sufficient severity and magnitude
to warrant an emergency declaration for all states, territories, and
the District of Columbia. With the COVID-19 emergency, many small
businesses nationwide continue to experience economic hardship as a
direct result of the Federal, State, and local public health measures
that continue to be taken to minimize the public's exposure to the
virus. In addition, based on the advice of public health officials,
other voluntary measures continue to be observed, resulting in a
decrease in economic activity as the public avoids malls, retail
stores, and other businesses.
On March 27, 2020, the President signed the Coronavirus Aid,
Relief, and Economic Security Act (the CARES Act or the Act) (Pub. L.
116-136) to provide emergency assistance and health care response for
individuals, families, and businesses affected by the coronavirus
pandemic. The Small Business Administration (SBA) received funding and
authority through the Act to modify existing loan programs and
establish a new loan program to assist small businesses nationwide
adversely impacted by the COVID-19 emergency.
Section 1102 of the CARES Act temporarily permitted SBA to
guarantee 100 percent of 7(a) loans under a new program titled the
``Paycheck Protection Program,'' pursuant to section 7(a)(36) of the
Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36)). Section 1106 of the CARES
Act provided for forgiveness of up to the full principal amount of
qualifying loans guaranteed under the Paycheck Protection Program. A
more detailed discussion of sections 1102 and 1106 of the Act is found
in section III.
On April 24, 2020, the President signed the Paycheck Protection
Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (Pub. L. 116-139), which
provided additional funding and authority for the PPP. On June 5, 2020,
the President signed the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of
2020 (Flexibility Act) (Pub. L. 116-142), which changed key provisions
of the Paycheck Protection Program, including provisions relating to
the maturity of PPP loans, the deferral of PPP loan payments, and the
forgiveness of PPP loans. Section 3(d) of the Flexibility Act provided
that the amendments relating to PPP loan
[[Page 3693]]
forgiveness and extension of the deferral period for PPP loans were
effective as if included in the CARES Act, which meant that they were
retroactive to March 27, 2020. Section 2 of the Flexibility Act
provided that the amendment relating to the extension of the maturity
date for PPP loans became effective on the date of enactment (June 5,
2020). Under the Flexibility Act, the extension of the maturity date
for PPP loans was applicable to PPP loans made on or after that date,
and lenders and borrowers were able to mutually agree to modify PPP
loans made before such date to reflect the longer maturity. On July 4,
2020, Public Law 116-147 extended the authority for SBA to guarantee
PPP loans to August 8, 2020. On December 27, 2020, the Economic Aid to
Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act (Economic Aid
Act) (Pub. L. 116-260) was enacted, which reauthorizes lending under
the PPP through March 31, 2021, and among other things, modifies
provisions related to making PPP loans and forgiveness of PPP loans,
and authorizes second draw PPP loans under new section 7(a)(37) of the
Small Business Act for PPP borrowers that previously received a PPP
loan (rules for second draw loans will be published separately). The
Economic Aid Act also redesignates section 1106 of the CARES Act as
section 7A and transfers that section to the Small Business Act, to
appear after section 7 of the Small Business Act.\1\
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\1\ Because section 1106 of the CARES Act is now codified as
section 7A of the Small Business Act, any reference to section 1106
of the CARES Act in the rules that are being restated herein will
refer to section 7A.
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In addition to incorporating the changes to PPP requirements made
by the Economic Aid Act, this interim final rule consolidates and
restates the following interim final rules: 85 FR 20811 (posted on
April 2, 2020 and published in the Federal Register on April 15, 2020);
85 FR 20817 (posted on April 3, 2020 and published on April 15, 2020);
85 FR 21747 (posted on April 14, 2020 and published on April 20, 2020);
85 FR 23450 (posted on April 24, 2020 and published on April 28, 2020);
85 FR 23917 (posted on April 27, 2020 and published on April 30, 2020);
85 FR 26321 (posted on April 28, 2020 and published on May 4, 2020); 85
FR 26324 (posted on April 30, 2020 and published on May 4, 2020); 85 FR
27827 (posted on May 5, 2020 and published on May 8, 2020); 85 FR 29845
(posted on May 8, 2020 and published on May 19, 2020); 85 FR 29842
(posted on May 13, 2020 and published on May 19, 2020); 85 FR 29847
(posted on May 14, 2020 and published on May 19, 2020); 85 FR 30835
(posted on May 18, 2020 and published on May 21, 2020); 85 FR 31357
(posted on May 20, 2020 and published on May 26, 2020); 85 FR 35550
(posted on June 5, 2020 and published on June 11, 2020); 85 FR 36308
(posted on June 11, 2020 and published on June 16, 2020); 85 FR 36717
(posted on June 12, 2020 and published on June 18, 2020); 85 FR 36997
(posted on June 17, 2020 and published on June 19, 2020); 85 FR 38301
(posted on June 24, 2020 and published on June 26, 2020); and 85 FR
39066 (posted on June 25, 2020 and published on June 30, 2020). This
rule should be interpreted consistently with the sets of Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the PPP that are posted on SBA's and
Treasury's websites and the interim final rules posted separately
providing guidance on second draw PPP loans and the consolidated
guidance on loan forgiveness and the loan review process; however, the
Economic Aid Act overrides any conflicting guidance in the FAQs, and
SBA will be revising the FAQs to fully conform to the Economic Aid Act
as quickly as feasible.
Most of this document restates existing regulatory provisions to
provide lenders and new PPP borrowers a single regulation to consult on
borrower eligibility, lender eligibility, and loan application and
origination requirements, as well as general rules on increases and
loan forgiveness for PPP loans. To enhance the readability of this
document, SBA has not reproduced the policy and legal justifications
for existing regulatory provisions restated here, except to the extent
that those justifications may be helpful to the borrower or lender.
However, those justifications from the original interim final rules are
incorporated by reference here.
In addition, section 1109(b) of the CARES Act authorizes Treasury
to establish criteria for certain other lenders to participate in the
PPP. The SBA is required to administer the program that Treasury
establishes under section 1109 of the Act, with guidance from Treasury.
The CARES Act authorizes Treasury to issue regulations and guidance to
implement section 1109, including regulations that establish ``terms
and conditions'' for PPP loans. See section 1109(d)(2). The terms and
conditions established by Treasury under section 1109 are not required
to be identical to those provided elsewhere. Rather, the CARES Act
allows Treasury to set terms and conditions pertaining to certain
criteria--the maximum interest rate, maximum loan amount, and other
specified terms--that are ``consistent,'' to ``the maximum extent
practicable,'' with comparable terms in paragraph 36 of section 7(a) of
the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)). See section 1109(d)(2).
In this rulemaking, Treasury is addressing the needs of new PPP
borrowers by allowing all new borrowers to use 2019 or 2020 for
purposes of calculating their maximum loan amount. Section 1102 of the
CARES Act states that borrowers are to calculate their maximum loan
amount by using ``payroll costs incurred during the 1-year period
before the date on which the loan is made . . . .'' For PPP loans made
in 2020, most borrowers used 2019. The Economic Aid Act did not change
this language for borrowers that are not farmers and ranchers and would
require most new PPP borrowers who obtain a loan in 2021 to use 2020 as
their base period. Using authority granted by section 1109 of the CARES
Act, this rulemaking allows new borrowers to choose 2019 or 2020 as the
base period, thereby ensuring that they are able to obtain funding on
terms commensurate with existing PPP borrowers. Separately, section 313
of the Economic Aid Act states that farmers and ranchers are to
calculate their maximum loan amount using 2019 as their base period.
This rulemaking allows farmers and ranchers to elect either 2019 or
2020 as their base period, in order to ensure that they can obtain
funding on terms commensurate with those available to other new PPP
borrowers.
As required by section 1109(d)(2)(B) of the CARES Act, Treasury has
determined that providing new PPP borrowers with flexibility in
choosing a base period is consistent, to the ``maximum extent
practicable,'' with the terms applicable to existing PPP borrowers.
This enhanced flexibility will help ensure that new PPP borrowers are
treated even-handedly and do not see their permissible loan amounts
reduced due to financial distress experienced in 2020. Other than these
adjustments, the terms and requirements applicable to PPP loans under
this rule are identical to the terms and requirements applicable to all
other PPP loans. As a result, a PPP borrower that elects to use the
flexibility in selecting a base period under this interim final rule
may follow the same processes and procedures applicable to other PPP
loans.
[[Page 3694]]
II. Comments and Immediate Effective Date
This interim final rule is being issued without advance notice and
public comment because section 303 of the Economic Aid Act authorizes
SBA to issue regulations to implement the Economic Aid Act without
regard to notice requirements. In addition, this rule is being issued
to allow for immediate implementation of this program. The intent of
both the CARES Act and the Economic Aid Act is that SBA provides relief
to America's small businesses expeditiously. Congress reauthorized PPP
because of the current economic conditions affecting small businesses
and intended for the loans to be made quickly. The last day to apply
for and receive a PPP loan is March 31, 2021. Given the short duration
of this program, and the urgent need to issue loans quickly, the
Administrator in consultation with the Secretary has determined that it
is impractical and not in the public interest to provide a 30-day
delayed effective date. An immediate effective date will give small
businesses the maximum amount of time to apply for loans and lenders
the maximum amount of time to process applications before the program
ends. This good cause justification also supports waiver of the 60-day
delayed effective date for major rules under the Congressional Review
Act at 5 U.S.C. 808(2). Although this interim final rule is effective
immediately, comments are solicited from interested members of the
public on all aspects of the interim final rule, including section III.
These comments must be submitted on or before February 16, 2021. The
SBA will consider these comments and the need for making any revisions
as a result of these comments.
III. Paycheck Protection Program as Amended by Economic Aid Act
Overview
The CARES Act was enacted to provide immediate assistance to
individuals, families, and businesses affected by the COVID-19
emergency. Among the provisions contained in the CARES Act are
provisions authorizing SBA to temporarily guarantee loans under a new
7(a) loan program titled the ``Paycheck Protection Program.'' Loans
guaranteed under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will be 100
percent guaranteed by SBA, and the full principal amount of the loans
may qualify for loan forgiveness. The Economic Aid Act reauthorizes
lending under the PPP through March 31, 2021, and revises certain PPP
requirements. The following outlines the key provisions of the PPP
related to eligibility of applicants for PPP loans, which lenders are
authorized to make PPP loans, the process for making PPP loans, loan
increases, and loan forgiveness, as revised by the Economic Aid Act.
Additional rules related to second draw PPP loans will be published
separately. While this interim final rule fully implements the Economic
Aid Act's changes to loan forgiveness, SBA also intends to issue a
consolidated rule governing all aspects of loan forgiveness and loan
review as well to provide a single reference point for lenders and
borrowers.
Table of Contents
A. General
B. What do borrowers need to know and do?
1. What businesses, organizations, and individuals are eligible?
2. What businesses, organizations, and individuals are
ineligible?
3. Affiliation Rules Generally
4. I Have Determined That I Am Eligible. How much can I borrow?
5. What is the interest rate on a PPP loan?
6. What will be the maturity date on a PPP loan?
7. Can I apply for more than one First Draw PPP Loan?
8. Can I use e-signatures or e-consents if a borrower has
multiple owners?
9. When will I have to begin paying principal and interest on my
PPP loan?
10. What forms do I need and how do I submit an application for
a PPP loan?
11. How can PPP loans be used?
12. What certifications need to be made?
13. Limited Safe Harbor With Respect to Certification Concerning
Need for PPP Loan Request
14. Can my PPP loan be forgiven in whole or in part?
15. Do independent contractors count as employees for purposes
of PPP loan forgiveness?
16. For loans made prior to December 27, 2020, what additional
documentation must a borrower submit when the President of the
United States, Vice President of the United States, the head of an
Executive department, or a Member of Congress, or the spouse of any
of the preceding, directly or indirectly holds a controlling
interest in the borrower?
C. What do lenders need to know and do?
1. Who is eligible to make PPP loans?
2. Do lenders have to register in SAM.gov to make PPP loans?
3. What do lenders have to do in terms of loan underwriting?
4. Can lenders rely on borrower documentation for loan
forgiveness?
5. What fees will lenders be paid?
6. Can PPP loans be sold into the secondary market?
7. Do the requirements for loan pledges under 13 CFR 120.434
apply to PPP loans pledged for borrowings from a Federal Reserve
Bank (FRB) or advances by a Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB)?
8. Are lenders required to use a promissory note provided by SBA
or may they use their own?
9. Are lenders required to use a separate SBA Authorization
document to issue PPP loans?
10. By when must a lender electronically submit an SBA Form 1502
indicating that PPP loan funds have been disbursed?
11. How do lenders report disbursements on PPP loans that are
approved for loan increases due to the Economic Aid Act?
D. What do both borrowers and lenders need to know and do?
1. What are the loan terms and conditions?
2. Do lenders have to apply the ``credit elsewhere test''?
3. Are there any fee waivers?
4. Who pays the fee to an agent who provides assistance in
connection with a PPP loan?
5. Can a borrower take multiple draws from a PPP loan and
thereby delay the start of the covered period?
6. If a partnership received a PPP loan that did not include any
compensation for its partners, can the loan amount be increased to
include partner compensation?
7. If a seasonal employer received a PPP loan before December
27, 2020, can the loan amount be increased based on a revised
calculation of the maximum loan amount?
8. Which other PPP borrowers can reapply or request an increase
in their PPP loan amount?
9. If a borrower's PPP loan has already been fully disbursed,
can the lender make an additional disbursement for the increased
loan proceeds?
10. Are recipients of PPP loans entitled to exemptions on the
grounds provided in Federal nondiscrimination laws for sex-specific
admissions practices, sex-specific domestic violence shelters,
coreligionist housing, or Indian tribal preferences in connection
with adoption or foster care practices?
A. General
SBA is authorized to guarantee loans under the PPP through March
31, 2021. Congress has authorized a total program level of
$806,450,000,000 to provide guaranteed loans under this temporary 7(a)
program under sections 7(a)(36) (PPP loans or First Draw PPP Loans) and
7(a)(37) (Second Draw PPP Loans) of the Small Business Act, a portion
of which is available for new First Draw and Second Draw PPP Loans.
Lenders have delegated authority to make PPP loans. SBA will allow
lenders to rely on certifications of the borrower in order to determine
eligibility of the borrower and use of loan proceeds and to rely on
specified documents provided by the borrower to determine qualifying
loan amount and eligibility for loan forgiveness. Lenders must comply
with the applicable lender obligations set forth in this interim final
rule, but will
[[Page 3695]]
be held harmless for borrowers' failure to comply with program criteria
and will not be subject to any enforcement action or penalty relating
to loan origination or forgiveness of the PPP loan if the lender acts
in good faith relating to the origination or forgiveness of the PPP
loan and satisfies all other applicable Federal, State, local, and
other statutory or regulatory requirements (as provided in section
7A(h) of the Small Business Act, as amended). Remedies for violations
of PPP requirements or fraud are separately addressed in this interim
final rule. The program requirements of the PPP identified in this rule
temporarily supersede any conflicting Loan Program Requirement (as
defined in 13 CFR 120.10).
B. What do borrowers need to know and do?
1. What businesses, organizations, and individuals are eligible?
a. Am I eligible? 2 3
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\2\ See interim final rule on Second Draw PPP Loans for
eligibility criteria for Second Draw PPP Loans, which is being
published separately.
\3\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 20811,
subsection III.2.a. (April 15, 2020), as amended by 85 FR 36308
(June 16, 2020), 85 FR 36717 (June 18, 2020), and 85 FR 38301 (June
26, 2020), and has been modified to reflect subsequent rules or
guidance and the Economic Aid Act.
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You are eligible for a PPP loan if:
i. You, together with any affiliates (if applicable),\4\ are:
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\4\ See section 3 regarding the applicability of affiliation
rules at 13 CFR 121.103 and 121.301 to PPP loans.
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A small business concern under the applicable revenue-
based size standard established by SBA in 13 CFR 121.201 for your
industry or under the SBA alternative size standard; \5\
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\5\ Under SBA's alternative size standard, a business concern
may qualify as a small business concern if it, together with any
affiliates: (1) Has a maximum tangible net worth of not more than
$15 million; and (2) the average net income after Federal income
taxes (excluding any carry-over losses) for the two full fiscal
years before the date of application is not more than $5 million.
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an independent contractor, eligible self-employed
individual, or sole proprietor;
a business concern, a tax-exempt nonprofit organization
described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), a
tax-exempt veterans organization described in section 501(c)(19) of the
IRC, a Tribal business concern described in section 31(b)(2)(C) of the
Small Business Act, and you employ no more than the greater of 500
employees or, if applicable, the size standard in number of employees
established by SBA in 13 CFR 121.201;
a housing cooperative, an eligible section 501(c)(6)
organization, or an eligible destination marketing organization,\6\
that employs no more than 300 employees;
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\6\ See subsections 1.j., 1.k., and 1.m. for additional
information on the eligibility of housing cooperatives, section
501(c)(6) organizations, and destination marketing organizations.
The applicable size standard for these entities is not more than 300
employees.
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a news organization that is majority owned or controlled
by a NAICS code 511110 or 5151 business or a nonprofit public
broadcasting entity with a trade or business under NAICS 511110 or
5151, that employs no more than 500 employees (or, if applicable, the
size standard in number of employees established by SBA in 13 CFR
121.201 for your industry) per location; or
another type of entity specifically provided for by PPP
rules (as described below); and
ii. you were in operation on February 15, 2020, and either had
employees for whom you paid salaries and payroll taxes or paid
independent contractors, as reported on a Form 1099-MISC or you were an
eligible self-employed individual, independent contractor, or sole
proprietorship with no employees.
You must submit documentation sufficient to establish eligibility
and to demonstrate the qualifying payroll amount, which may include, as
applicable, payroll records, payroll tax filings, Form 1099-MISC,
Schedule C or F, income and expenses from a sole proprietorship, or
bank records.
b. Are employees of foreign affiliates included for purposes of
determining whether a PPP borrower has more than 500 employees (or 300
employees, if applicable)? \7\
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\7\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 30835,
section III.1. (May 21, 2020) and has been modified for readability.
Housing cooperatives, section 501(c)(6) organizations, and
destination marketing organizations, added by the Economic Aid Act,
must have no more than 300 employees to be eligible for PPP loans.
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Yes. SBA's affiliation regulations provide that to determine a
concern's size, employees of the concern ``and all of its domestic and
foreign affiliates'' are included. 13 CFR 121.301(f). Therefore, to
calculate the number of employees of an entity for purposes of
determining eligibility for the PPP, an entity must include all
employees of its domestic and foreign affiliates, except in those
limited circumstances where the affiliation rules expressly do not
apply to the entity.\8\ Any entity that, together with its domestic and
foreign affiliates, does not meet the 500-employee, 300-employee,\9\ or
other applicable PPP size standard is therefore ineligible for a PPP
loan. Under no circumstances may PPP funds be used to support non-U.S.
workers or operations.
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\8\ Paragraph 7(a)(36)(D)(iv) of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 636(a)(36)(D)(iv)), as added by the CARES Act and amended by
the Economic Aid Act, waives SBA's affiliation rules for (1) any
business concern with not more than 500 employees that, as of the
date on which the loan is disbursed, is assigned a North American
Industry Classification System code beginning with 72; (2) any
business concern operating as a franchise that is assigned a
franchise identifier code by the Administration; (3) any business
concern that receives financial assistance from a company licensed
under section 301 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15
U.S.C. 681); and (4)(a) any business concern (including any station
which broadcasts pursuant to a license granted by the Federal
Communications Commission under title III of the Communications Act
of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) without regard for whether such a
station is a concern as defined in section 121.105 of title 13, Code
of Federal Regulations, or any successor thereto) that employs not
more than 500 employees, or the size standard established by the
Administrator for the North American Industry Classification System
code applicable to the business concern, per physical location of
such business concern and is majority owned or controlled by a
business concern that is assigned a North American Industry
Classification System code beginning with 511110 or 5151; or (b) any
nonprofit organization that is assigned a North American Industry
Classification System code beginning with 5151. SBA also applies
affiliation exceptions to certain categories of entities. 13 CFR
121.103(b).
\9\ For housing cooperatives, section 501(c)(6) organizations,
and destination marketing organizations, the applicable size
standard is not more than 300 employees. See subsections 1.j. and
1.m. For the applicable size standard for entities eligible to apply
for Second Draw PPP Loans, see the interim final rule on Second Draw
PPP Loans that is being published separately.
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c. I have income from self-employment and file a Form 1040,
Schedule C. Am I eligible for a PPP Loan? \10\
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\10\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 21747,
subsection III.1.a. (April 20, 2020) and has been modified to
reflect subsequent interim final rules or guidance and the Economic
Aid Act.
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You are eligible for a PPP loan if: (i) You were in operation on
February 15, 2020; (ii) you are an individual with self-employment
income (such as an independent contractor or a sole proprietor); (iii)
your principal place of residence is in the United States; and (iv) you
filed or will file a Form 1040 Schedule C for 2019 or meet the
requirements below. However, if you are a partner in a partnership, you
may not submit a separate PPP loan application for yourself as a self-
employed individual. Instead, the self-employment income of general
active partners may be reported as a payroll cost, up to $100,000 on an
annualized basis, as prorated for the period during which the payments
are made or the obligation to make the payments is incurred on a PPP
loan application filed by or on behalf of the partnership. Partnerships
are eligible for PPP loans under the CARES Act, as amended by the
Economic Aid Act, and the Administrator has determined, in consultation
with the Secretary of the
[[Page 3696]]
Treasury (Secretary), that limiting a partnership and its partners (and
an LLC filing taxes as a partnership) to one PPP loan is necessary to
help ensure that as many eligible borrowers as possible obtain PPP
loans before the statutory deadline of March 31, 2021. This limitation
will allow lenders to more quickly process applications and lower the
burdens of applying for partnerships/partners. The Administrator has
further determined that permitting partners to apply as self-employed
individuals would create unnecessary confusion regarding which entity,
the partner or the partnership, applies for partner and LLC member
income, and would generate loan proceeds use coordination and
allocation issues. Rent, mortgage interest, utilities, other debt
service, operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier
costs, and worker protection expenditures are generally incurred at the
partnership level, not partner level, so it is most natural to provide
the funds for these expenses to the partnership, not individual
partners. In addition, you should be aware that participation in the
PPP may affect your eligibility for state-administered unemployment
compensation or unemployment assistance programs, including the
programs authorized by Title II, Subtitle A of the CARES Act, or CARES
Act Employee Retention Credits. On June 26, 2020, SBA issued additional
guidance for those individuals with self-employment income who: (i)
Were not in operation in 2019 but who were in operation on February 15,
2020, and (ii) filed a Form 1040 Schedule C for 2020. See ``How To
Calculate Maximum Loan Amounts--By Business Type,'' Question 10 posted
on SBA's website.\11\
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\11\ https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/How-to-Calculate-Loan-Amounts-508_6-26-20.pdf (April 20, 2020).
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d. Are eligible businesses owned by directors or shareholders of a
PPP lender permitted to apply for a PPP loan through the lender with
which they are associated? \12\
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\12\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 21747,
subsection III.2.a. (April 20, 2020) and has been modified for
readability.
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SBA regulations (including 13 CFR 120.110 and 120.140) shall not
apply to prohibit an otherwise eligible business owned (in whole or
part) by an outside director or holder of a less than 30 percent equity
interest in a PPP lender from obtaining a PPP loan from the PPP lender
on whose board the director serves or in which the equity owner holds
an interest, provided that the eligible business owned by the director
or equity holder follows the same process as any similarly situated
customer or account holder of the lender. Favoritism by the lender in
processing time or prioritization of the director's or equity holder's
PPP application is prohibited. Lenders should comply with all other
applicable state and federal regulations concerning loans to associates
of the lender. Lenders should also consult their own internal policies
concerning lending to individuals or entities associated with the
lender.
The foregoing paragraph does not apply to a director or owner who
is also an officer or key employee of the PPP Lender. Officers and key
employees of a PPP Lender may obtain a PPP Loan from a different
lender, but not from the PPP Lender with which they are associated. SBA
also reminds Lenders that the ``Authorized Lender Official'' for each
PPP Loan is subject to the limitations described in the PPP Lender
Application Form (SBA Form 2484), which states in relevant part:
``Neither the undersigned Authorized Lender Official, nor such
individual's spouse or children, has a financial interest in the
Applicant [Borrower].''
e. If a seasonal business was dormant or not fully operating as of
February 15, 2020, is it still eligible? \13\
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\13\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 23917,
subsection III.4. (April 30, 2020) and has been modified to reflect
the Economic Aid Act.
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Yes, in evaluating eligibility, a seasonal business will be
considered to have been in operation as of February 15, 2020, if the
business was in operation for any 12-week period between February 15,
2019 and February 15, 2020. This approach aligns the eligibility
criteria for seasonal businesses being in operation with the time
period for calculation of a seasonal employer's maximum loan amount
from section 336 of the Economic Aid Act and makes PPP loans available
to seasonal businesses that operate outside of the original, more
limited time frame.
f. How does the 500 employee limit apply to news organizations with
more than one physical location? \14\
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\14\ This subsection has been added to conform to section 317 of
the Economic Aid Act.
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A business concern, or any station which broadcasts pursuant to a
license granted by the Federal Communications Commission under title
III of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), with
more than one physical location that employs not more than 500
employees (or the size standard established by the Administrator for
the NAICS code applicable to the business concern) per physical
location, is eligible for a PPP loan if it: (1) Is majority owned or
controlled by a business concern that is assigned a NAICS code
beginning with 511110 or 5151 or, with respect to a public broadcasting
entity (as defined in section 397(11) of the Communications Act of 1934
(47 U.S.C. 397(11))), has a trade or business that falls under such a
code; and (2) makes a good faith certification that proceeds of the
loan will be used to support expenses at the component of the
organization that produces or distributes locally focused or emergency
information. See section 3 for the applicability of SBA's affiliation
rules to news organizations.
g. Industry-Specific Eligibility Issues
i. Is a hospital owned by governmental entities eligible for a PPP
loan? \15\
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\15\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 23450,
subsection III.2.c. (April 28, 2020) and has been modified for
readability.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notwithstanding 13 CFR 120.110(j), a hospital that is otherwise
eligible to receive a PPP loan as a business concern or nonprofit
organization (described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such
Code) shall not be rendered ineligible for a PPP loan due to ownership
by a state or local government if the hospital receives less than 50%
of its funding from state or local government sources, exclusive of
Medicaid.
ii. Are businesses that receive revenue from legal gaming eligible
for a PPP Loan? \16\
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\16\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 23450,
subsection III.2.d. (April 28, 2020) and has been modified for
readability.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
A business that is otherwise eligible for a PPP Loan is not
rendered ineligible due to its receipt of legal gaming revenues, and 13
CFR 120.110(g) is inapplicable to PPP loans. Businesses that received
illegal gaming revenue remain categorically ineligible.
iii. Are electric cooperatives that are exempt from Federal income
taxation under section 501(c)(12) of the Internal Revenue Code eligible
for a PPP loan? \17\
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\17\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 29847,
subsection III.1. (May 19, 2020) and has been modified for
readability.
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Yes. An electric cooperative that is exempt from Federal income
taxation under section 501(c)(12) of the Internal Revenue Code will be
considered to be ``a business entity organized for profit'' for
purposes of 13 CFR 121.105(a)(1). As a result, such entities are
eligible PPP borrowers, as long as other eligibility requirements are
met. To be eligible, an electric cooperative must satisfy the employee-
based size standard established in the CARES Act, SBA's employee-based
size standard
[[Page 3697]]
corresponding to its primary industry, if higher, or both tests in
SBA's ``alternative size standard.'' \18\
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\18\ Under the alternative size standard, a business concern,
including an electric cooperative, can qualify for the PPP as a
small business concern if, as of March 27, 2020: (1) The maximum
tangible net worth of the business was not more than $15 million;
and (2) the average net income after Federal income taxes (excluding
any carry-over losses) of the business for the two full fiscal years
before the date of the application is not more than $5 million. For
an electric cooperative that does not have net income, the
cooperative's savings distributed to its owner-members will be
considered its net income.
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iv. Are telephone cooperatives that are exempt from federal income
taxation under section 501(c)(12) of the Internal Revenue Code eligible
for a PPP loan? \19\
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\19\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 35550,
subsection III.1. (June 11, 2020) and has been modified for
readability.
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Yes. A telephone cooperative that is exempt from federal income
taxation under section 501(c)(12) of the Internal Revenue Code will be
considered to be ``a business entity organized for profit'' for
purposes of 13 CFR 121.105(a)(1). As a result, such entities are
eligible PPP borrowers, as long as other eligibility requirements are
met. To be eligible, a telephone cooperative must satisfy the employee-
based size standard established in the CARES Act, SBA's employee-based
size standard corresponding to its primary industry, if higher, or both
tests in SBA's ``alternative size standard.'' \20\
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\20\ Under the alternative size standard, a business concern,
including a telephone cooperative, can qualify for the PPP as a
small business concern if, as of March 27, 2020: (1) The maximum
tangible net worth of the business was not more than $15 million;
and (2) the average net income after Federal income taxes (excluding
any carry-over losses) of the business for the two full fiscal years
before the date of the application is not more than $5 million. For
a telephone cooperative that does not have net income, the telephone
cooperative's capital credits distributed to its owner-members will
be considered its net income.
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v. Are housing cooperatives as defined in section 216(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code eligible for PPP loans? \21\
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\21\ This subsection has been added to conform to section 316 of
the Economic Aid Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes. Housing cooperatives (as defined in section 216(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986) that employ not more than 300 employees
are eligible to apply for PPP loans as long as other eligibility
requirements are met. In addition, the provisions applicable to
affiliation, described in section 3, apply to housing cooperatives in
the same manner as with respect to a small business concern.
vi. Are nonprofit and tax-exempt news organizations eligible for
PPP loans? \22\
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\22\ This subsection has been added to conform to section 317 of
the Economic Aid Act.
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Yes. A public broadcasting entity (as defined in section 397(11) of
the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 397(11)) that is a nonprofit
organization or any organization otherwise subject to section
511(a)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and employs no more
than 500 employees (or, if applicable, the size standard in number of
employees established by SBA in 13 CFR 121.201 for the entity's
industry) per location is eligible for a PPP loan if the organization
has a trade or business that is assigned a NAICS code beginning with
511110 or 5151, and makes a good faith certification that proceeds of
the loan will be used to support expenses at the component of the
organization that produces or distributes locally focused or emergency
information.\23\ See subsection B.1.f. for information on how the 500
employee limit applies to news organizations with more than one
physical location. See section 3 for the applicability of SBA's
affiliation rules to news organizations.
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\23\ This subsection provides that an eligible nonprofit news
organization under section 317 of the Economic Aid Act must have no
more than 500 employees. (For those nonprofit news organizations
with more than one physical location, they must have no more than
500 employees per location.) This will make PPP loans available to
nonprofit news organizations, regardless of whether the organization
would be a business concern under SBA regulations, if the nonprofit
news organization satisfies the same general size standard
applicable under the PPP rules to other borrowers that are nonprofit
or tax-exempt organizations. The Administrator, in consultation with
the Secretary, has determined this requirement appropriately
implements section 317 of the Economic Aid Act by making PPP loans
available to nonprofit news organizations on the same terms as other
nonprofit organizations that have been made eligible for PPP loans.
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vii. Are destination marketing organizations eligible for PPP
loans? \24\
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\24\ This subsection has been added to conform to section 318 of
the Economic Aid Act.
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Yes. Under the Economic Aid Act, any destination marketing
organization \25\ is eligible to receive a PPP loan as long as other
eligibility requirements are met and if: (1) The destination marketing
organization does not receive more than 15 percent of its receipts from
lobbying activities; (2) the lobbying activities of the destination
marketing organization do not comprise more than 15 percent of the
total activities of the organization; (3) the cost of the lobbying
activities of the destination marketing organization did not exceed
$1,000,000 during the most recent tax year of the destination marketing
organization that ended prior to February 15, 2020; (4) the destination
marketing organization employs not more than 300 employees; and (5) the
destination marketing organization: (a) Is described in section 501(c)
of the Internal Revenue Code and is exempt from taxation under section
501(a) of such Code; or (b) is a quasi-governmental entity or is a
political subdivision of a State or local government, including any
instrumentality of those entities.\26\
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\25\ Section 318 of the Economic Aid Act added the following
definition to paragraph 7(a)(36)(A) of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 636(a)(36)(A)): ``(xv) the term 'destination marketing
organization' means a nonprofit entity that is--(I) an organization
described in section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and
exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code; or (II) a State,
or a political subdivision of a State (including any instrumentality
of such entities)--(aa) engaged in marketing and promoting
communities and facilities to businesses and leisure travelers
through a range of activities, including--(AA) assisting with the
location of meeting and convention sites; (BB) providing travel
information on area attractions, lodging accommodations, and
restaurants; (CC) providing maps; and (DD) organizing group tours of
local historical, recreational, and cultural attractions; or (bb)
that is engaged in, and derives the majority of the operating budget
of the entity from revenue attributable to, providing live events.
\26\ A destination marketing organization that is a quasi-
governmental entity or is a political subdivision of a State or
local government, including any instrumentality of those entities,
is eligible for a PPP loan notwithstanding the SBA regulation at 13
CFR 120.110(j), which states that government-owned entities (except
for businesses owned or controlled by a Native American tribe) are
not eligible for SBA financial assistance.
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viii. Are 501(c)(6) organizations eligible for PPP loans? \27\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\27\ This subsection has been added to conform to section 318 of
the Economic Aid Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes. Any organization that is described in section 501(c)(6) of the
Internal Revenue Code and that is exempt from taxation under section
501(a) of such Code (excluding professional sports leagues and
organizations with the purpose of promoting or participating in a
political campaign or other activity) shall be eligible to receive a
PPP loan as long as other eligibility requirements are met and if: (1)
The organization does not receive more than 15 percent of its receipts
from lobbying activities; (2) the lobbying activities of the
organization do not comprise more than 15 percent of the total
activities of the organization; (3) the cost of the lobbying activities
of the organization did not exceed $1,000,000 during the most recent
tax year of the organization that ended prior to February 15, 2020; and
(4) the organization employs not more than 300 employees.
2. What businesses, organizations, and individuals are ineligible?
a. Could I be ineligible even if I meet the eligibility
requirements in section 1? \28\
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\28\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 20811,
subsection III.2.a. (April 15, 2020), as amended by 85 FR 36308
(June 16, 2020), 85 FR 36717 (June 18, 2020), and 85 FR 38301 (June
26, 2020), and has been modified to conform to subsequent interim
final rules or guidance and the Economic Aid Act and for
readability.
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[[Page 3698]]
You are ineligible for a PPP loan if, for example:
i. You are engaged in any activity that is illegal under Federal,
state, or local law;
ii. You are a household employer (individuals who employ household
employees such as nannies or housekeepers);
iii. An owner of 20 percent or more of the equity of the applicant
is presently incarcerated or, for any felony, presently subject to an
indictment, criminal information, arraignment, or other means by which
formal criminal charges are brought in any jurisdiction; or has been
convicted of, pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to, or commenced any
form of parole or probation (including probation before judgment) for,
a felony involving fraud, bribery, embezzlement, or a false statement
in a loan application or an application for federal financial
assistance within the last five years or any other felony within the
last year;
iv. You, or any business owned or controlled by you or any of your
owners, has ever obtained a direct or guaranteed loan from SBA or any
other Federal agency that is currently delinquent or has defaulted
within the last seven years and caused a loss to the government;
v. Your business or organization was not in operation on February
15, 2020; \29\
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\29\ Added to conform to section 310 of the Economic Aid Act.
This provision is effective as if included in the CARES Act and
applies to any loan made pursuant to section 7(a)(36) of the Small
Business Act before, on, or after December 27, 2020, including
forgiveness of such a loan.
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vi. You or your business received or will receive a grant under the
Shuttered Venue Operator Grant program under section 324 of the
Economic Aid Act; \30\
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\30\ Added to conform to section 310 of the Economic Aid Act.
This provision applies to PPP loans made on or after December 27,
2020.
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vii. The President, the Vice President, the head of an Executive
Department, or a Member of Congress, or the spouse of such person as
determined under applicable common law, directly or indirectly holds a
controlling interest in your business; \31\
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\31\ Added to conform to section 322 of the Economic Aid Act.
This provision applies to any loan made on or after December 27,
2020. For any loan made under section 7(a)(36) to a covered entity
before December 27, 2020, see subsection B.16 of this interim final
rule.
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viii. Your business is an issuer, the securities of which are
listed on an exchange registered as a national securities exchange
under section 6 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78f)
\32\ (SBA will not consider whether a news organization that is
eligible under the conditions described in subsection 1.f. and 1.g.vi.
is affiliated with an entity, which includes any entity that owns or
controls such news organization, that is an issuer \33\); or
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\32\ Added to conform to section 342 of the Economic Aid Act,
which also added the following definitions to paragraph 7(a)(36)(A)
of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36)(A)): ``(xvi) the
terms `exchange', `issuer', and `security' have the meanings given
those terms in section 3(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(15 U.S.C. 78c(a)).'' This provision applies to loans made on or
after December 27, 2020.
\33\ See section 317 of the Economic Aid Act.
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ix. Your business has permanently closed.\34\
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\34\ This provision prohibits an entity that has gone out of
business and has no intention of reopening from receiving a PPP
loan. The Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary, has
determined this provision is necessary to maintain program
integrity, prevent abuse, and prevent PPP loans being made to
businesses that have permanently closed. Preserving funds for
businesses in operation is necessary because only businesses that
are still in operation will retain employees, which is a primary
purposes of the PPP. PPP was not intended to support businesses that
have permanently closed. A borrower that has temporarily closed or
temporarily suspended its business but intends to reopen remains
eligible for a PPP loan.
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b. Are businesses that are generally ineligible for 7(a) loans
under 13 CFR 120.110 eligible for a PPP loan? \35\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\35\ This subsection replaces the subsection originally
published at 85 FR 20811, subsection III.2.c. (``How do I determine
if I am ineligible'') (April 15, 2020) and modified to conform to
the Economic Aid Act.
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Paragraphs (a), (g), and (k), of 13 CFR 120.110 do not apply to PPP
loans. For PPP loans, the ineligibility restriction in 13 CFR
120.110(n) is superseded by subsection B.2.a.iii. of this interim final
rule. Otherwise, a business is not eligible for a PPP loan if it is a
type of business concern (or would be, if the entity were a business
concern) described in 13 CFR 120.110, except as permitted by
subsections B.1.d and B.1.g of this rule or otherwise permitted by PPP
rules. Businesses that are not generally eligible for a 7(a) loan under
13 CFR 120.110 are described further in SBA's Standard Operating
Procedure (SOP) 50 10 6, Part 2, Section A, Chapter 3.\36\
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\36\ SOP 50 10 6 can be found at https://www.sba.gov/document/sop-50-10-lender-development-company-loan-programs-0. For PPP loans
approved before December 27, 2020, see SOP 50 10 5(K), Subpart B,
Chapter 2 for ineligible types of businesses. SOP 50 10 5(K) can be
found at https://www.sba.gov/document/sop-50-10-5-lender-development-company-loan-programs.
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c. Will I be approved for a PPP loan if my business is in
bankruptcy? \37\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\37\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 23450,
subsection III.4. (April 28, 2020) and has been modified for
readability.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
No. If the applicant or the owner of the applicant is the debtor in
a bankruptcy proceeding, either at the time it submits the application
or at any time before the loan is disbursed, the applicant is
ineligible to receive a PPP loan. If the applicant or the owner of the
applicant becomes the debtor in a bankruptcy proceeding after
submitting a PPP application but before the loan is disbursed, it is
the applicant's obligation to notify the lender and request
cancellation of the application. Failure by the applicant to do so will
be regarded as a use of PPP funds for unauthorized purposes.
The Borrower Application Form for PPP loans (SBA Form 2483), which
reflects this restriction in the form of a borrower certification, is a
loan program requirement. Lenders may rely on an applicant's
representation concerning the applicant's or an owner of the
applicant's involvement in a bankruptcy proceeding.
d. Is a hedge fund or private equity firm eligible for a PPP loan?
\38\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\38\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 23450,
subsection III.2.a. (April 28, 2020) and has been modified for
readability.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
No. Hedge funds and private equity firms are primarily engaged in
investment or speculation, and such businesses are therefore ineligible
to receive a PPP loan.
3. Affiliation Rules Generally
a. Are affiliates considered together for purposes of determining
eligibility? \39\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\39\ The text of this subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20817 (April 15, 2020).
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In most cases, a borrower will be considered together with its
affiliates for purposes of determining eligibility for the PPP.\40\
Under SBA rules, entities
[[Page 3699]]
may be considered affiliates based on factors including but not limited
to stock ownership, overlapping management,\41\ and identity of
interest. See 13 CFR 121.301(f).
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\40\ Paragraph 7(a)(36)(D)(iv) of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 636(a)(36)(D)(iv), as added by the CARES Act and amended by
the Economic Aid Act, waives the affiliation rules contained in
Sec. 121.103 for (1) any business concern with not more than 500
employees that, as of the date on which the loan is disbursed, is
assigned a North American Industry Classification System code
beginning with 72; (2) any business concern operating as a franchise
that is assigned a franchise identifier code by the Administration;
(3) any business concern that receives financial assistance from a
company licensed under section 301 of the Small Business Investment
Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 681); and (4)(a) any business concern
(including any station which broadcasts pursuant to a license
granted by the Federal Communications Commission under title III of
the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) without
regard for whether such a station is a concern as defined in section
121.105 of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor
thereto) that employs not more than 500 employees, or the size
standard established by the Administrator for the North American
Industry Classification System code applicable to the business
concern, per physical location of such business concern and is
majority owned or controlled by a business concern that is assigned
a North American Industry Classification System code beginning with
511110 or 5151; or (b) any nonprofit organization that is assigned a
North American Industry Classification System code beginning with
5151. This interim final rule has no effect on these statutory
waivers, which remain in full force and effect. As a result, the
affiliation rules contained in section 121.301 also do not apply to
these types of entities. In addition, paragraph 7(a)(36)(D) of the
Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36)(D)), as amended by section
342 of the Economic Aid Act states that, with respect to a business
concern made eligible under paragraph 7(a)(36)(D)(iii)(II) or
(iv)(IV) (certain news organizations), the Administrator shall not
consider whether any affiliated entity, which for purposes of this
subclause shall include any entity that owns or controls such
business concern, is an issuer.
\41\ In order to help potential borrowers identify other
businesses with which they may be deemed to be affiliated under the
common management standard, the Borrower Application Form, SBA Form
2483, released on April 2, 2020, requires applicants to list other
businesses with which they have common management (including under a
management agreement). The information supplied by the applicant in
response to that information request should be used by applicants as
they assess whether they have affiliates that should be included in
their number of employees reported on SBA Form 2483.
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b. How do SBA's affiliation rules affect my eligibility and apply
to me under the PPP? \42\
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\42\ The text of this subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20817 (April 15, 2020) and has been modified to conform to the
Economic Aid Act.
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An entity generally is eligible for the PPP if it, combined with
its affiliates, (i) is a small business as defined in section 3 of the
Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632), (ii)(1) has 500 or fewer employees
\43\ or is a business that operates in a certain industry and meets
applicable SBA employee-based size standards for that industry, if
higher, and (2) is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization described in
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), a housing
cooperative, a tax-exempt veterans organization described in section
501(c)(19) of the IRC, a Tribal business concern described in section
31(b)(2)(C) of the Small Business Act, a section 501(c)(6)
organization, a destination marketing organization, or any other
business concern, or (iii) has 500 or fewer employees per location (or
an applicable SBA employee-based size standard for that industry, if
higher) and is either majority owned or controlled by a NAICS code
511110 or 5151 business or is a nonprofit public broadcasting entity
with a trade or business under NAICS code 511110 or 5151. Prior to the
CARES Act, the nonprofit organizations listed above were not eligible
for SBA Business Loan Programs under section 7(a) of the Small Business
Act; only for-profit small business concerns were eligible. The CARES
Act made such nonprofit organizations not only eligible for the PPP,
but also subjected them to SBA's affiliation rules. As amended, section
7(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)) now provides that the
provisions applicable to affiliations under 13 CFR 121.103 apply with
respect to nonprofit organizations, housing cooperatives, and veterans
organizations in the same manner as with respect to small business
concerns. However, the detailed affiliation standards contained in
Sec. 121.103 currently do not apply to PPP borrowers, because Sec.
121.103(a)(8) provides that applicants in SBA's Business Loan Programs
(which include the PPP) are subject to the affiliation rules contained
in 13 CFR 121.301.
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\43\ For housing cooperatives, section 501(c)(6) organizations,
and destination marketing organizations, the applicable size
standard is not more than 300 employees.
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c. Faith-Based Organizations \44\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\44\ The text of this subsection was originally published at 85
FR 20817 (April 15, 2020) and has been modified for readability.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
This rule exempts otherwise qualified faith-based organizations
from the SBA's affiliation rules, including those set forth in 13 CFR
part 121, where the application of the affiliation rules would
substantially burden those organizations' religious exercise. For the
reasons described in 85 FR 20817, the SBA's affiliation rules,
including those set forth in 13 CFR part 121, do not apply to the
relationship of any church, convention or association of churches, or
other faith-based organization or entity to any other person, group,
organization, or entity that is based on a sincere religious teaching
or belief or otherwise constitutes a part of the exercise of religion.
This includes any relationship to a parent or subsidiary and other
applicable aspects of organizational structure or form. A faith-based
organization seeking loans under this program may rely on a reasonable,
good faith interpretation in determining whether its relationship to
any other person, group, organization, or entity is exempt from the
affiliation rules under this provision, and SBA will not assess, and
will not require participating lenders to assess, the reasonableness of
the faith-based organization's determination.
d. Do the SBA affiliation rules prohibit a portfolio company of a
private equity fund from being eligible for a PPP loan? \45\
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\45\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 23450,
subsection III.2.b. (April 28, 2020).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Borrowers must apply the affiliation rules that appear in 13 CFR
121.301(f), as set forth in the Second PPP Interim Final Rule (85 FR
20817). The affiliation rules apply to private equity-owned businesses
in the same manner as any other business subject to outside ownership
or control.\46\ However, in addition to applying any applicable
affiliation rules, all borrowers should carefully review the required
certification on the Paycheck Protection Program Borrower Application
Form (SBA Form 2483) stating that ``[c]urrent economic uncertainty
makes this loan request necessary to support the ongoing operations of
the Applicant.''
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\46\ However, the CARES Act waives the affiliation rules if the
borrower receives financial assistance from an SBA-licensed Small
Business Investment Company (SBIC) in any amount. This includes any
type of financing listed in 13 CFR 107.50, such as loans, debt with
equity features, equity, and guarantees. Affiliation is waived even
if the borrower has investment from other non-SBIC investors.
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e. Does participation in an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
trigger application of the affiliation rules? \47\
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\47\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 23450,
section III.3. (April 28, 2020) and has been modified for
readability.
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No. For purposes of the PPP, a business's participation in an ESOP
(as defined in 15 U.S.C. 632(q)(6)) does not result in an affiliation
between the business and the ESOP.
4. I Have Determined That I Am Eligible. How much can I borrow?
48
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\48\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 20811,
subsection III.2.d. (April 15, 2020) and has been modified to
conform to additional interim final rules or guidance and the
Economic Aid Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under the PPP, the maximum loan amount for First Draw PPP Loans is
the lesser of $10 million or an amount that you will calculate using a
payroll-based formula authorized by the Act, as explained below.\49\
PPP loans approved in 2020 used 2019 or the 1-year before the date on
which the loan is made to calculate payroll costs for purposes of
calculating the maximum loan amount. Borrowers who apply for PPP loans
2021 and who are not self-employed (including sole proprietorships and
independent contractors) are also permitted to use the precise 1-year
period before the date on which the loan is made to calculate payroll
costs if they choose not to use 2019 or 2020. Since most borrowers will
use 2019 or 2020 the rule text refers only to 2019 or 2020 for
simplicity and readability.
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\49\ See subsection 4.d. for maximum loan amount applicable to
certain farmers and ranchers. For the maximum loan amount for Second
Draw PPP Loans, see the the interim final rule on Second Draw PPP
Loans that is being published separately.
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[[Page 3700]]
a. How do I calculate the maximum amount I can borrow? \50\
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\50\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 20811,
subsection III.2.d. (April 15, 2020) and has been modified to
conform to additional rules or guidance and the Economic Aid Act.
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The following methodology, which is one of the methodologies
authorized by the Act, will be most useful for many applicants.
i. Step 1: Aggregate payroll costs (defined in detail below in
subsections 4.g. and 4.h.) from 2019 or 2020 for employees whose
principal place of residence is the United States.
ii. Step 2: Subtract any compensation paid to an employee in excess
of $100,000 on an annualized basis, as prorated for the period during
which the payments are made or the obligation to make the payments is
incurred.\51\
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\51\ See subsection 4.j for treatment of amounts paid to
independent contractors.
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iii. Step 3: Calculate average monthly payroll costs (divide the
amount from Step 2 by 12).
iv. Step 4: Multiply the average monthly payroll costs from Step 3
by 2.5.
v. Step 5: Add the outstanding amount of an Economic Injury
Disaster Loan (EIDL) made between January 31, 2020 and April 3, 2020
that you seek to refinance. Do not include the amount of any
``advance'' under an EIDL COVID-19 loan (because it does not have to be
repaid).
The examples below illustrate this methodology.
i. Example 1--No employees make more than $100,000
Annual payroll: $120,000
Average monthly payroll: $10,000
Multiply by 2.5 = $25,000
Maximum loan amount is $25,000
ii. Example 2--Some employees make more than $100,000
Annual payroll: $1,500,000
Subtract compensation amounts in excess of an annual salary of
$100,000: $1,200,000
Average monthly qualifying payroll: $100,000
Multiply by 2.5 = $250,000
Maximum loan amount is $250,000
iii. Example 3--No employees make more than $100,000, outstanding EIDL
loan of $10,000.
Annual payroll: $120,000
Average monthly payroll: $10,000
Multiply by 2.5 = $25,000
Add EIDL loan of $10,000 = $35,000
Maximum loan amount is $35,000
iv. Example 4--Some employees make more than $100,000, outstanding EIDL
loan of $10,000
Annual payroll: $1,500,000
Subtract compensation amounts in excess of an annual salary of
$100,000: $1,200,000
Average monthly qualifying payroll: $100,000
Multiply by 2.5 = $250,000
Add EIDL loan of $10,000 = $260,000
Maximum loan amount is $260,000
You must provide your Form 941 (or other tax forms containing
similar information) and state quarterly wage unemployment insurance
tax reporting forms from each quarter in 2019 or 2020 (whichever you
used to calculate loan amount), or equivalent payroll processor
records, along with evidence of any retirement and health insurance
contributions. A payroll statement or similar documentation from the
pay period that covered February 15, 2020 must be provided to establish
you were in operation on February 15, 2020.\52\
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\52\ This subsection clarifies the documentation that must be
submitted with an applicant's loan application to substantiate the
borrower's payroll costs. This requirement applies to loans made
after December 27, 2020. For documentation requirements for PPP
loans made before December 27, 2020, see 85 FR 20811, subsection
III.1.e. (April 15, 2020).
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b. I have income from self-employment and file a Form 1040,
Schedule C, how do I calculate the maximum amount I can borrow and what
documentation is required?\53\
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\53\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 21747,
subsection III.1.b. (April 20, 2020) and has been modified to
conform to additional rules or guidance and the Economic Aid Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
How you calculate your maximum loan amount depends upon whether or
not you employ other individuals. If you have no employees, the
following methodology should be used to calculate your maximum loan
amount:
i. Step 1: Find your 2019 or 2020 IRS Form 1040 Schedule C line 31
net profit amount (if you are using 2020 to calculate payroll costs and
have not yet filed a 2020 return, fill it out and compute the value).
If this amount is over $100,000, reduce it to $100,000. If this amount
is zero or less, you are not eligible for a PPP loan.
ii. Step 2: Calculate the average monthly net profit amount (divide
the amount from Step 1 by 12).
iii. Step 3: Multiply the average monthly net profit amount from
Step 2 by 2.5.
iv. Step 4: Add the outstanding amount of any Economic Injury
Disaster Loan (EIDL) made between January 31, 2020 and April 3, 2020
that you seek to refinance. Do not include the amount of any advance
under an EIDL COVID-19 loan (because it does not have to be repaid).
You must provide the 2019 or 2020 (whichever you used to calculate
loan amount) Form 1040 Schedule C with your PPP loan application to
substantiate the applied-for PPP loan amount and a 2019 or 2020
(whichever you used to calculate loan amount) IRS Form 1099-MISC
detailing nonemployee compensation received (box 7), invoice, bank
statement, or book of record that establishes you are self-employed. If
using 2020 to calculate loan amount, this is required regardless of
whether you have filed a 2020 tax return with the IRS. You must provide
a 2020 invoice, bank statement, or book of record to establish you were
in operation on or around February 15, 2020.
If you have employees, the following methodology should be used to
calculate your maximum loan amount:
i. Step 1: Compute 2019 or 2020 payroll (using the same year for
all items) by adding the following:
a. Your 2019 or 2020 Form 1040 Schedule C line 31 net profit amount
(if you are using 2020 and have not yet filed a 2020 return, fill it
out and compute the value), up to $100,000 on an annualized basis, as
prorated for the period during which the payments are made or the
obligation to make the payments is incurred, if this amount is over
$100,000, reduce it to $100,000, if this amount is less than zero, set
this amount at zero;
b. 2019 or 2020 gross wages and tips paid to your employees whose
principal place of residence is in the United States computed using
2019 or 2020 IRS Form 941 Taxable Medicare wages & tips (line 5c--
column 1) from each quarter plus any pre-tax employee contributions for
health insurance or other fringe benefits excluded from Taxable
Medicare wages & tips; subtract any amounts paid to any individual
employee in excess of $100,000 on an annualized basis, as prorated for
the period during which the payments are made or the obligation to make
the payments is incurred and any amounts paid to any employee whose
principal place of residence is outside the United States; and
c. 2019 or 2020 employer contributions to employee group health,
life, disability, vision and dental insurance (portion of IRS Form 1040
Schedule C line 14 attributable to those contributions); retirement
contributions (Form 1040 Schedule C line 19), and state and local taxes
assessed on employee compensation (primarily under state laws commonly
referred to as the State Unemployment Tax Act or SUTA from state
quarterly wage reporting forms).
ii. Step 2: Calculate the average monthly amount (divide the amount
from Step 1 by 12).
[[Page 3701]]
iii. Step 3: Multiply the average monthly amount from Step 2 by
2.5.
iv. Step 4: Add the outstanding amount of any EIDL made between
January 31, 2020 and April 3, 2020 that you seek to refinance. Do not
include the amount of any advance under an EIDL COVID-19 loan (because
it does not have to be repaid).
You must supply your 2019 or 2020 (whichever you used to calculate
loan amount) Form 1040 Schedule C, Form 941 (or other tax forms or
equivalent payroll processor records containing similar information)
and state quarterly wage unemployment insurance tax reporting forms
from each quarter in 2019 or 2020 (whichever you used to calculate loan
amount) or equivalent payroll processor records, along with evidence of
any retirement and health insurance contributions, if applicable. A
payroll statement or similar documentation from the pay period that
covered February 15, 2020 must be provided to establish you were in
operation on February 15, 2020.
c. How does a seasonal employer calculate the maximum PPP loan
amount? \54\
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\54\ This subsection has been added to conform to section 336 of
the Economic Aid Act. Except for loans made pursuant to section
7(a)(36) of the Small Business Act for which SBA has remitted a loan
forgiveness payment to the lender before December 27, 2020, it is
effective as if included in the CARES Act and applies to any loan
made before, on, or after December 27, 2020, including forgiveness
of such a loan. Previous guidance issued for seasonal employers
stated as follows: ``Under section 1102 of the CARES Act, a seasonal
employer may determine its maximum loan amount for purposes of the
PPP by reference to the employer' average total monthly payments for
payroll `the 12-week period beginning February 15, 2019, or at the
election of the eligible [borrower], March 1, 2019, and ending June
30, 2019.' Under this interim final rule issued pursuant to section
1109 of the Act, a seasonal employer may alternatively elect to
determine its maximum loan amount as the average total monthly
payments for payroll during any consecutive 12-week period between
May 1, 2019 and September 15, 2019.'' 85 FR 23917 (April 30, 2020).
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As defined by section 315 of the Economic Aid Act, a borrower is a
seasonal employer if it does not operate for more than 7 months in any
calendar year or, during the preceding calendar year, it had gross
receipts for any 6 months of that year that were not more than 33.33
percent of the gross receipts for the other 6 months of that year.
Under section 336 of the Economic Aid Act, a seasonal employer must
determine its maximum loan amount for purposes of the PPP by using the
employer's average total monthly payments for payroll for any 12-week
period selected by the seasonal employer beginning February 15, 2019,
and ending February 15, 2020.
d. How do farmers and ranchers calculate the maximum PPP loan
amount? \55\
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\55\ This subsection has been added to conform to section 313 of
the Economic Aid Act. This provision applies to a farmer or rancher
who (1) operates as a sole proprietorship, an independent
contractor, or is an eligible self-employed individual; (2) reports
farm income or expenses on a Schedule F (or any equivalent successor
schedule); and (3) was in business as of February 15, 2020. This
provision is effective as if included in the CARES Act and applies
to any loan made before, on, or after December 27, 2020, unless SBA
has remitted a loan forgiveness payment to the lender on the PPP
loan.
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How you calculate your maximum loan amount depends upon whether you
employ other individuals. If you have no employees, the following
methodology should be used to calculate your maximum loan amount:
i. Step 1: Find your 2019 or 2020 IRS Form 1040 Schedule F line 9
gross income (if you are using 2020 and you have not yet filed a 2020
return, fill it out and compute the value). If this amount is over
$100,000, reduce it to $100,000. If this amount is zero or less, you
are not eligible for a PPP loan.
ii. Step 2: Divide the amount from Step 1 by 12.
iii. Step 3: Multiply the average monthly gross income amount from
Step 2 by 2.5.
iv. Step 4: Add the outstanding amount of any Economic Injury
Disaster Loan (EIDL) made between January 31, 2020 and ending on April
3, 2020 that you seek to refinance. Do not include the amount of any
advance under an EIDL COVID-19 loan (because it does not have to be
repaid).
You must provide the 2019 or 2020 (whichever you used to calculate
loan amount) Form 1040 Schedule F with your PPP loan application to
substantiate the applied-for PPP loan amount and a 2019 or 2020
(whichever you used to calculate loan amount) IRS Form 1099-MISC
detailing nonemployee compensation received (box 7), invoice, bank
statement, or book of record that establishes you are self-employed.
You must provide a 2020 invoice, bank statement, or book of record to
establish you were in operation on or around February 15, 2020.
If you have employees, the following methodology should be used to
calculate your maximum loan amount:
i. Step 1: Compute 2019 or 2020 payroll (using the same year for
all items) by adding the following:
a. The difference between your 2019 or 2020 Form 1040 Schedule F
line 9 gross income amount (if you are using 2020 and you have not yet
filed a 2020 return, fill it out and compute the value), and the sum of
Schedule F lines 15, 22 and 23, up to $100,000 on an annualized basis,
as prorated for the period during which the payments are made or the
obligation to make the payments is incurred, if this amount is over
$100,000, reduce it to $100,000, if this amount is less than zero, set
this amount at zero; \56\
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\56\ Any employee payroll costs should be subtracted from the
farmer's or rancher's gross income to avoid double-counting amounts
that represent pay to the employees of the farmer or rancher.
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b. 2019 or 2020 gross wages and tips paid to your employees whose
principal place of residence is in the United States computed using
2019 or 2020 IRS Form 941 Taxable Medicare wages & tips (line 5c--
column 1) from each quarter plus any pre-tax employee contributions for
health insurance or other fringe benefits excluded from Taxable
Medicare wages & tips; subtract any amounts paid to any individual
employee in excess of $100,000 on an annualized basis, as prorated for
the period during which the payments are made or the obligation to make
the payments is incurred and any amounts paid to any employee whose
principal place of residence is outside the United States; and
c. 2019 or 2020 employer contributions for employee group health,
life, disability, vision and dental insurance (portion of IRS Form 1040
Schedule F line 15 attributable to those contributions), employer
contributions for employee retirement contributions (Form 1040 Schedule
F line 23, and state and local taxes assessed on employers for employee
compensation (primarily under state laws commonly referred to as the
State Unemployment Tax Act or SUTA from state quarterly wage reporting
forms).
ii. Step 2: Calculate the average monthly amount (divide the amount
from Step 1 by 12).
iii. Step 3: Multiply the average monthly amount from Step 2 by
2.5.
iv. Step 4: Add the outstanding amount of any EIDL made between
January 31, 2020 and April 3, 2020 that you seek to refinance. Do not
include the amount of any advance under an EIDL COVID-19 loan (because
it does not have to be repaid).
You must supply your 2019 or 2020 (whichever you used to calculate
loan amount) Form 1040 Schedule F, Form 941 (or other tax forms or
equivalent payroll processor records containing similar information)
and state quarterly wage unemployment insurance tax reporting forms
from each quarter in 2019 or 2020 (whichever you used to calculate loan
amount) or equivalent
[[Page 3702]]
payroll processor records, along with evidence of any retirement and
health insurance contributions, if applicable. A payroll statement or
similar documentation from the pay period that covered February 15,
2020 must be provided to establish you were in operation on February
15, 2020.
A farmer or rancher who received a PPP loan before December 27,
2020 may request a recalculation of the maximum loan amount based on
the formula described above regarding gross income, if doing so would
result in a larger covered loan amount and may receive an increase in
its PPP loan based on the recalculation.
e. How do partnerships calculate the maximum loan amount?
The following methodology should be used to calculate the maximum
amount that partnerships can borrow:
(i) Step 1: Compute 2019 or 2020 payroll (using the same year for
all items) by adding (1) net earnings from self-employment of
individual general partners in 2019 or 2020, as reported on IRS Form
1065 K-1, reduced by section 179 expense deduction claimed,
unreimbursed partnership expenses claimed, and depletion claimed on oil
and gas properties, multiplied by 0.9235,\57\ that is not more than
$100,000 per partner; (2) 2019 or 2020 gross wages and tips paid to
your employees whose principal place of residence is in the United
States, if any, which can be computed using 2019 or 2020 IRS Form 941
Taxable Medicare wages and tips (line 5c--column 1) from each quarter
plus any pre-tax employee contributions for health insurance or other
fringe benefits excluded from Taxable Medicare wages and tips,
subtracting any amounts paid to any individual employee in excess of
$100,000 and any amounts paid to any employee whose principal place of
residence is outside the U.S.; (3) 2019 or 2020 employer contributions
for employee group health, life, disability, vision and dental
insurance, if any (portion of IRS Form 1065 line 19 attributable to
those contributions); (4) 2019 or 2020 employer contributions to
employee retirement plans, if any (IRS Form 1065 line 18); and (5) 2019
or 2020 employer state and local taxes assessed on employee
compensation, primarily state unemployment insurance tax (from state
quarterly wage reporting forms), if any.
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\57\ This treatment follows the computation of self-employment
tax from IRS Form 1040 Schedule SE Section A line 4 and removes the
``employer'' share of self-employment tax, consistent with how
payroll costs for employees in the partnership are determined.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(ii) Step 2: Calculate the average monthly payroll costs (divide
the amount from Step 1 by 12).
(iii) Step 3: Multiply the average monthly payroll costs from Step
2 by 2.5.
(iv) Step 4: Add any outstanding amount of any EIDL made between
January 31, 2020 and April 3, 2020 that you seek to refinance. Do not
include the amount of any advance under an EIDL COVID-19 loan (because
it does not have to be repaid).
You must supply 2019 or 2020 (whichever you used to calculate loan
amount) IRS Form 1065 (including K-1s) and other relevant supporting
documentation if the partnership has employees, including the 2019 or
2020 (whichever you used to calculate loan amount) IRS Form 941 and
state quarterly wage unemployment insurance tax reporting form from
each quarter (or equivalent payroll processor records or IRS Wage and
Tax Statements) along with records of any retirement or health
insurance contributions. If the partnership has employees, a payroll
statement or similar documentation from the pay period that covered
February 15, 2020 must be provided to establish the partnership was in
operation and had employees on that date. If the partnership has no
employees, an invoice, bank statement, or book of record establishing
the partnership was in operation on February 15, 2020 must instead be
provided.
f. Can a single corporate group receive unlimited PPP loans? \58\
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\58\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 26324,
subsection III.1. (May 4, 2020).
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No. To preserve the limited resources available to the PPP program,
and in light of the previous lapse of PPP appropriations and the high
demand for PPP loans, businesses that are part of a single corporate
group shall in no event receive more than $20,000,000 of PPP loans in
the aggregate.\59\ For purposes of this limit, businesses are part of a
single corporate group if they are majority owned, directly or
indirectly, by a common parent.
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\59\ The Administrator has authority to issue ``such rules and
regulations as [the Administrator] deems necessary to carry out the
authority vested in [her] by or pursuant to'' 15 U.S.C. Chapter 14A,
including authorities established under section 1102 of the CARES
Act. Section 1102 provides that the Administrator ``may'' guarantee
loans under the terms and conditions set forth in section 7(a) of
the Small Business Act, and those conditions specify a ``maximum''--
but not a minimum--loan amount. See 15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36)(B), (E);
see also CARES Act section 1106(k) (authorizing SBA to issue
regulations to govern loan forgiveness). To preserve finite
appropriations for PPP loans and ensure broad access for eligible
borrowers, the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary,
has determined that an aggregate limitation on loans to a single
corporate group is necessary and appropriate.
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It is the responsibility of an applicant for a PPP loan to notify
the lender if the applicant has applied for or received PPP loans in
excess of the amount permitted by this interim final rule and withdraw
or request cancellation of any pending PPP loan application or approved
PPP loan not in compliance with the limitation set forth in this rule.
Failure by the applicant to do so will be regarded as a use of PPP
funds for unauthorized purposes, and the loan will not be eligible for
forgiveness. A lender may rely on an applicant's representation
concerning the applicant's compliance with this limitation.
The Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary, determined
that limiting the amount of PPP loans that a single corporate group may
receive will promote the availability of PPP loans to the largest
possible number of borrowers, consistent with the CARES Act. The
Administrator has concluded that a limitation of $20,000,000 strikes an
appropriate balance between broad availability of PPP loans and program
resource constraints.
SBA's affiliation rules, which relate to an applicant's eligibility
for PPP loans, and any waiver of those rules under the CARES Act,
continue to apply independent of this limitation. Businesses are
subject to this limitation even if the businesses are eligible for the
waiver-of-affiliation provision under the CARES Act or are otherwise
not considered to be affiliates under SBA's affiliation rules.\60\
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\60\ See Section 7(a)(36)(D)(iv) of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 636(a)(36)(D)(iv), as added by the CARES Act; 13 CFR
121.103(b).
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This rule has no effect on lender obligations required to obtain an
SBA guarantee for PPP loans.
g. What qualifies as ``payroll costs? '' \61\
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\61\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 20811,
subsection III.2.f. (April 15, 2020) and has been modified to
conform to the Economic Aid Act.
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Payroll costs consist of compensation to employees (whose principal
place of residence is the United States) in the form of salary, wages,
commissions, or similar compensation; cash tips or the equivalent
(based on employer records of past tips or, in the absence of such
records, a reasonable, good-faith employer estimate of such tips);
payment for vacation, parental, family, medical, or sick leave;
allowance for separation or dismissal; payment for the provision of
employee benefits consisting of group health care or group life,
disability, vision, or dental
[[Page 3703]]
insurance,\62\ including insurance premiums, and retirement; payment of
state and local taxes assessed on compensation of employees; and for an
independent contractor or sole proprietor, wages, commissions, income,
or net earnings from self-employment, or similar compensation.
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\62\ This provision has been modified to conform to section 308
of the Economic Aid Act. This revision is effective as if included
in the CARES Act and applies to any loan made before, on, or after
December 27, 2020, including forgiveness of such a loan.
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h. Is there anything that is expressly excluded from the definition
of payroll costs? \63\
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\63\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 20811,
subsection III.2.g. (April 15, 2020) and has been modified to
conform to section 344 the Economic Aid Act.
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Yes. The Act expressly excludes the following:
i. Any compensation of an employee whose principal place of
residence is outside of the United States;
ii. The compensation of an individual employee in excess of
$100,000 on an annualized basis, as prorated for the period during
which the payments are made or the obligation to make the payments is
incurred;
iii. Federal employment taxes imposed or withheld during the
applicable period, including the employee's and employer's share of
FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) and Railroad Retirement Act
taxes, and income taxes required to be withheld from employees; and
iv. Qualified sick and family leave wages for which a credit is
allowed under sections 7001 and 7003 of the Families First Coronavirus
Response Act (Pub. L. 116-127).
i. May fishing boat owners include payroll costs in their PPP loan
applications that are attributable to crewmembers described in section
3121(b)(20) of the Internal Revenue Code? \64\
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\64\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 39066,
subsection III.1. (June 30, 2020) and has been modified to conform
to section 344 the Economic Aid Act and for readability.
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Yes. A fishing boat owner may include compensation reported on Box
5 of IRS Form 1099-MISC and paid to a crewmember described in section
3121(b)(20) of the Code, up to $100,000 on an annualized basis, as
prorated for the period during which the payments are made or the
obligation to make the payments is incurred, as a payroll cost in its
PPP loan application.
j. Do independent contractors count as employees for purposes of
PPP loan calculations? \65\
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\65\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 20811,
subsection III.2.h. (April 15, 2020).
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No, independent contractors have the ability to apply for a PPP
loan on their own so they do not count for purposes of a borrower's PPP
loan calculation.\66\
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\66\ See subsection 4.i. regarding fishing boat owners including
payroll costs for their crewmembers in the calculation of the PPP
loan amount.
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k. Do student workers count when determining the number of
employees for PPP loan eligibility? \67\
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\67\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 27287,
section III.2. (May 8, 2020) and has been modified for readability.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes. Student workers generally count as employees, unless (a) the
applicant is an institution of higher education, as defined in the
Department of Education's Federal Work-Study regulations, 34 CFR 675.2,
and (b) the student worker's services are performed as part of a
Federal Work-Study Program (as defined in those regulations \68\) or a
substantially similar program of a State or political subdivision
thereof. Institutions of higher education must exclude work study
students when determining the number of employees for PPP loan
eligibility, and must also exclude payroll costs for work study
students from the calculation of payroll costs used to determine their
PPP loan amount.
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\68\ The Department of Education's Federal Work-Study Programs
described at 34 CFR part 675 are (1) the Federal Work-Study Program,
(2) the Job Location and Development Program, and (3) Work Colleges
Program.
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5. What is the interest rate on a PPP loan? 69
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\69\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 20811,
subsection III.2.i. (April 15, 2020) and has been modified to
conform to additional interim final rules or guidance and the
Economic Aid Act.
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The interest rate will be 100 basis points or one percent,
calculated on a non-compounding, non-adjustable basis.\70\
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\70\ Revised to conform to section 339 of the Economic Aid Act.
The revision applies to PPP loans made on or after December 27,
2020, but may apply with respect to a PPP loan made before that date
upon the mutual agreement of the lender and the borrower. A one
percent interest rate provides low cost funds to borrowers to meet
eligible payroll costs and other eligible expenses during this
temporary period of economic dislocation caused by the coronavirus.
Second, for lenders, the 100 basis points offers an attractive
interest rate relative to the cost of funding for comparable
maturities.
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6. What will be the maturity date on a PPP loan? 71
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\71\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 36308,
subsection III.1.b. (June 16, 2020) and has been modified for
readability.
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The maturity is five years.
7. Can I apply for more than one First Draw PPP Loan? 72
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\72\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 20811,
subsection III.2.i. (``Can I apply for more than one PPP loan?'')
(April 15, 2020) and has been modified to conform to the Economic
Aid Act and for readability. PPP borrowers may be eligible for a
loan under section 7(a)(37) of the Small Business Act, ``Paycheck
Protection Program Second Draw Loans,'' see interim final rule on
Second Draw PPP Loans that is being published separately.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
No. Except as set forth in subsection D.8, the Administrator, in
consultation with the Secretary, determined that no eligible borrower
may receive more than one First Draw PPP Loan. This means that if you
apply for a PPP loan you should consider applying for the maximum
amount. Any borrower who received a PPP loan in 2020 received a First
Draw PPP Loan and is not eligible to receive another First Draw PPP
Loan, but may be eligible for a second draw PPP loan.\73\
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\73\ See interim final rule on Second Draw PPP Loans for
eligibility criteria for Second Draw PPP Loans, which is being
published separately.
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8. Can I use e-signatures or e-consents if a borrower has multiple
owners? 74
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\74\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 20811,
subsection III.2.l. (April 15, 2020).
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Yes, e-signature or e-consents can be used regardless of the number
of owners.
9. When will I have to begin paying principal and interest on my PPP
loan? 75
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\75\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 20811,
subsection III.2.n. (April 15, 2020), as amended by 85 FR 36038
(June 16, 2020), and has been modified to conform to the Economic
Aid Act.
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If you submit to your lender a loan forgiveness application within
10 months after the end of your loan forgiveness covered period, you
will not have to make any payments of principal or interest on your
loan before the date on which SBA remits the loan forgiveness amount on
your loan to your lender (or notifies your lender that no loan
forgiveness is allowed).
Your ``loan forgiveness covered period'' is the period beginning on
the date the lender disburses the PPP loan and ending on any date
selected by the borrower that occurs during the period (i) beginning on
the date that is 8 weeks after the date of disbursement and (ii) ending
on the date that is 24 weeks after the date of disbursement. Your
lender must notify you of remittance by SBA of the loan forgiveness
amount (or notify you that SBA determined that no loan forgiveness is
allowed) and the date your first payment is due. Interest continues to
accrue during the deferment period.
If you do not submit to your lender a loan forgiveness application
within 10
[[Page 3704]]
months after the end of your loan forgiveness covered period, you must
begin paying principal and interest after that period. For example, if
a borrower's PPP loan is disbursed on January 25, 2021, the 24-week
period ends on July 12, 2021. If the borrower does not submit a loan
forgiveness application to its lender by May 12, 2022, the borrower
must begin making payments on or after May 12, 2022.
10. What forms do I need and how do I submit an application for a PPP
loan? 76
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\76\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 20811,
subsection III.2.q. (April 15, 2020).
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The applicant must submit Paycheck Protection Program Borrower
Application Form (SBA Form 2483), or lender's equivalent form, and
payroll documentation, as described above. The lender must submit SBA
Form 2484, Paycheck Protection Program Lender's Application for 7(a)
Loan Guaranty, electronically in accordance with program requirements
and maintain the forms and supporting documentation in its files.
11. How can PPP loans be used? 77
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\77\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 20811,
subsection III.2.r. (April 15, 2020), as amended by 85 FR 36308
(June 16, 2020) and has been modified to conform to the Economic Aid
Act.
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a. The proceeds of a PPP loan are to be used for:
i. Payroll costs (as defined in the CARES Act, Economic Aid Act and
this interim final rule);
ii. costs related to the continuation of group health care, life,
disability, vision, or dental benefits during periods of paid sick,
medical, or family leave, and group health care, life, disability,
vision, or dental insurance premiums;
iii. mortgage interest payments (but not mortgage prepayments or
principal payments);
iv. rent payments;
v. utility payments;
vi. interest payments on any other debt obligations that were
incurred before February 15, 2020;
vii. refinancing an SBA EIDL loan made between January 31, 2020 and
April 3, 2020; \78\
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\78\ Under paragraph 7(a)(36)(Q) of the Small Business Act, as
amended by section 341 of the Economic Aid Act, an EIDL loan used
for purposes other than paying payroll costs and other eligible PPP
expenditures is not considered a duplication of the assistance
available under the PPP.
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viii. covered operations expenditures (payments for any business
software or cloud computing service that facilitates business
operations, product or service delivery, the processing, payment, or
tracking of payroll expenses, human resources, sales and billing
functions, or accounting or tracking of supplies, inventory, records
and expenses); \79\
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\79\ Items viii. through xi. were added to conform to section
304 of the Economic Aid Act. These provisions are effective as if
included in the CARES Act and apply to any loan made before, on, or
after December 27, 2020, including forgiveness of such loan, unless
SBA has remitted a loan forgiveness payment to the lender on the PPP
loan. Section 1106 of the CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9005) was
redesignated as section 7A, transferred to the Small Business Act
(15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.), and inserted so as to appear after section
7 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636) in section 304(b) of the
Economic Aid Act.
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ix. covered property damage costs (costs related to property damage
and vandalism or looting due to public disturbances that occurred
during 2020 that was not covered by insurance or other compensation);
x. covered supplier costs (expenditures made by a borrower to a
supplier of goods for the supply of goods that--(A) are essential to
the operations of the borrower at the time at which the expenditure is
made; and (B) is made pursuant to a contract, order, or purchase
order--(i) in effect at any time before the covered period with respect
to the applicable covered loan; or (ii) with respect to perishable
goods, in effect before or at any time during the covered period with
respect to the applicable covered loan); and
xi. covered worker protection expenditures ((A) operating or a
capital expenditures to facilitate the adaptation of the business
activities of an entity to comply with requirements established or
guidance issued by the Department of Health and Human Services, the
Centers for Disease Control, or the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, or any equivalent requirements established or guidance
issued by a State or local government, during the period beginning on
March 1, 2020 and ending the date on which the national emergency with
respect to the COVID-19 expires related to the maintenance of standards
for sanitation, social distancing, or any other worker or customer
safety requirement related to COVID-19; (B) such expenditures may
include--(i) the purchase, maintenance, or renovation of assets that
create or expand--(I) a drive-through window facility; (II) an indoor,
outdoor, or combined air or air pressure ventilation or filtration
system; (III) a physical barrier such as a sneeze guard; (IV) an
expansion of additional indoor, outdoor, or combined business space;
(V) an onsite or offsite health screening capability; or (VI) other
assets relating to the compliance with the requirements or guidance
described in subparagraph (A), as determined by the Administrator in
consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the
Secretary of Labor; and (ii) the purchase of--(I) covered materials
described in section 328.103(a) of title 44, Code of Federal
Regulations, or any successor regulation; (II) particulate filtering
facepiece respirators approved by the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health, including those approved only for
emergency use authorization; or (III) other kinds of personal
protective equipment, as determined by the Administrator in
consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the
Secretary of Labor; and (C) such expenditures do not include
residential real property or intangible property).
At least 60 percent of the PPP loan proceeds shall be used for
payroll costs. For purposes of determining the percentage of use of
proceeds for payroll costs, the amount of any EIDL refinanced will be
included. For purposes of loan forgiveness, however, the borrower will
have to document the proceeds used for payroll costs in order to
determine the amount of forgiveness. While the Act provides that PPP
loan proceeds may be used for the purposes listed above and for other
allowable uses described in section 7(a) of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 636(a)), the Administrator believes that finite appropriations
and the structure of the Act warrant a requirement that borrowers use a
substantial portion of the loan proceeds for payroll costs, consistent
with Congress' overarching goal of keeping workers paid and employed.
This percentage is consistent with the limitation on the forgiveness
amount set forth in the Flexibility Act. This limitation on use of the
loan funds will help to ensure that the finite appropriations available
for these loans are directed toward payroll protection, as each loan
that is issued depletes the appropriation, regardless of whether
portions of the loan are later forgiven.
b. How can PPP loans be used by individuals with income from self-
employment who file a Form 1040, Schedule C? \80\
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\80\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 21747,
subsection III.1.d. (April 20, 2020) and has been modified to
conform to the Economic Aid Act.
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The proceeds of a PPP loan are to be used for the following.
i. Owner compensation replacement, calculated based on 2019 or 2020
(using the same year that was used to calculate the loan amount) net
profit as described in subsection 4.b.
ii. Employee payroll costs (as defined in this interim final rule)
for employees whose principal place of residence is in
[[Page 3705]]
the United States, if you have employees.
iii. Mortgage interest payments (but not mortgage prepayments or
principal payments) on any business mortgage obligation on real or
personal property (e.g., the interest on your mortgage for the
warehouse you purchased to store business equipment or the interest on
an auto loan for a vehicle you use to perform your business), business
rent payments (e.g., the warehouse where you store business equipment
or the vehicle you use to perform your business), and business utility
payments (e.g., the cost of electricity in the warehouse you rent or
gas you use driving your business vehicle). You must have claimed or be
entitled to claim a deduction for such expenses on your 2019 or 2020
(whichever you used to calculate loan amount) Form 1040 Schedule C for
them to be a permissible use. For example, if you did not claim or are
not entitled to claim utilities expenses on your 2019 or 2020 Form 1040
Schedule C, you cannot use the proceeds for utilities.
iv. Interest payments on any other debt obligations that were
incurred before February 15, 2020 (such amounts are not eligible for
PPP loan forgiveness).
v. Refinancing an SBA EIDL loan made between January 31, 2020 and
April 3, 2020 (maturity will be reset to PPP's maturity of two years
for PPP loans made before June 5, 2020 unless the borrower and lender
mutually agree to extend the maturity of such loans to five years, or
PPP's maturity of five years for PPP loans made on or after June
5).\81\
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\81\ Under section 7(a)(36)(Q) of the Small Business Act, as
amended by section 341 of the Economic Aid Act, an EIDL loan used
for purposes other than paying payroll costs and other eligible PPP
expenditures is not considered a duplication of the assistance
available under the PPP.
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vi. Covered operations expenditures, as defined in section 7A(a) of
the Small Business Act, to the extent they is deductible on Form 1040
Schedule C.
vii. Covered property damage costs, as defined in section 7A(a) of
the Small Business Act, to the extent they is deductible on Form 1040
Schedule C.
viii. Covered supplier costs, as defined in section 7A(a) of the
Small Business Act, to the extent they is deductible on Form 1040
Schedule C.
ix. Covered worker protection expenditures, as defined in section
7A(a) of the Small Business Act, to the extent they is deductible on
Form 1040 Schedule C.\82\
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\82\ Items vi. through ix. were added to conform to section 304
of the Economic Aid Act. These provisions are effective as if
included in the CARES Act and apply to any loan made before, on, or
after December 27, 2020, including forgiveness of such loan, unless
SBA has remitted a loan forgiveness payment to the lender on the PPP
loan.
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The Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary, determined
that it is appropriate to limit self-employed individuals' (who file a
Form 1040 Schedule C) use of loan proceeds to those types of allowable
uses for which the borrower made expenditures in 2019 or 2020 or that
were used on covered property damage, as defined in section 7A(a). The
Administrator has determined that this limitation on self-employed
individuals who file a Form 1040 Schedule C is consistent with the
borrower certification required by the Act; specifically, that the PPP
loan is necessary ``to support the ongoing operations'' of the
borrower. The Administrator and the Secretary thus believe that this
limitation is consistent with the structure of the Act to maintain
existing operations and payroll and not for business expansion. This
limitation on the use of PPP loan proceeds will also help to ensure
that the finite appropriations available for these loans are directed
toward maintaining existing operations and payroll, as each loan that
is made depletes the appropriation.
c. Can PPP proceeds be used for lobbying activities or
expenditures? \83\
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\83\ This subsection has been added to conform to section 319 of
the Economic Aid Act.
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No. None of the proceeds of a PPP loan may be used for (1) lobbying
activities, as defined in section 3 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of
1995 (2 U.S.C. 1602); (2) lobbying expenditures related to a State or
local election; or (3) expenditures designed to influence the enactment
of legislation, appropriations, regulation, administrative action, or
Executive order proposed or pending before Congress or any State
government, State legislature, or local legislature or legislative
body.
d. What happens if PPP loan funds are misused? \84\
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\84\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 20811,
subsection III.2.s. (April 15, 2020).
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If you use PPP funds for unauthorized purposes, SBA will direct you
to repay those amounts. If you knowingly use the funds for unauthorized
purposes, you will be subject to additional liability such as charges
for fraud. If one of your shareholders, members, or partners uses PPP
funds for unauthorized purposes, SBA will have recourse against the
shareholder, member, or partner for the unauthorized use.
12. What certifications need to be made? \85\
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\85\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 20811,
subsection III.2.s. (April 15, 2020), as amended by 85 FR 36308
(June 16, 2020) and has been modified to conform to the Economic Aid
Act and the revised PPP Borrower Application Form (SBA Form 2483).
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On the PPP borrower application, an authorized representative of
the applicant must certify in good faith to all of the below: \86\
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\86\ A representative of the applicant can certify for the
business as a whole if the representative is legally authorized to
do so. The certifications have been revised to conform to the
Economic Aid Act and the revised PPP Borrower Application Form (SBA
Form 2483).
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i. The Applicant was in operation on February 15, 2020, has not
permanently closed, and was either an eligible self-employed
individual, independent contractor, or sole proprietorship with no
employees, or had employees for whom it paid salaries and payroll taxes
or paid independent contractors, as reported on a Form 1099-MISC.
ii. Current economic uncertainty makes this loan request necessary
to support the ongoing operations of the applicant.
iii. The funds will be used to retain workers and maintain payroll;
or make payments for mortgage interest, rent, utilities, covered
operations expenditures, covered property damage costs, covered
supplier costs, and covered worker protection expenditures as specified
under the Paycheck Protection Program Rules; I understand that if the
funds are knowingly used for unauthorized purposes, the federal
government may hold me legally liable such as for charges of fraud. (As
explained above, not more than 40 percent of loan proceeds may be used
for nonpayroll costs.)
iv. I understand that loan forgiveness will be provided for the sum
of documented payroll costs, covered mortgage interest payments,
covered rent payments, covered utilities, covered operations
expenditures, covered property damage costs, covered supplier costs,
and covered worker protection expenditures, and not more than 40% of
the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs. If required, the
Applicant will provide to the Lender and/or SBA documentation verifying
the number of full-time equivalent employees on the Applicant's payroll
as well as the dollar amounts of eligible expenses for the covered
period following this loan.
v. The Applicant has not and will not receive another loan under
the Paycheck Protection Program, section 7(a)(36) of the Small Business
Act (15 U.S.C.
[[Page 3706]]
636(a)(36)) (this does not include Paycheck Protection Program second
draw loans, section 7(a)(37) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
636(a)(37)).
vi. The Applicant has not and will not receive a Shuttered Venue
Operator grant from SBA.
vii. The President, the Vice President, the head of an Executive
department, or a Member of Congress, or the spouse of such person as
determined under applicable common law, does not directly or indirectly
hold a controlling interest in the Applicant, with such terms having
the meanings provided in section 322 of the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit
Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act.
viii. The Applicant is not an issuer, the securities of which are
listed on an exchange registered as a national securities exchange
under section 6 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78f).
ix. I further certify that the information provided in this
application and the information provided in all supporting documents
and forms is true and accurate in all material respects. I understand
that knowingly making a false statement to obtain a guaranteed loan
from SBA is punishable under the law, including under 18 U.S.C. 1001
and 3571 by imprisonment of not more than five years and/or a fine of
up to $250,000; under 15 U.S.C. 645 by imprisonment of not more than
two years and/or a fine of not more than $5,000; and, if submitted to a
federally insured institution, under 18 U.S.C. 1014 by imprisonment of
not more than thirty years and/or a fine of not more than $1,000,000.
x. I acknowledge that the Lender will confirm the eligible loan
amount using required documents submitted. I understand, acknowledge,
and agree that the Lender can share the tax information with SBA's
authorized representatives, including authorized representatives of the
SBA Office of Inspector General, for the purpose of compliance with SBA
Loan Program Requirements and all SBA reviews.
13. Limited Safe Harbor With Respect to Certification Concerning Need
for PPP Loan Request 87
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\87\ This subsection has been added to codify the safe harbor
contained in FAQ 46 (posted May 13, 2020).
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The CARES Act requires each applicant applying for a PPP loan to
certify in good faith ``that the uncertainty of current economic
conditions makes necessary the loan request to support the ongoing
obligations'' of the applicant. SBA, in consultation with the
Department of the Treasury, issued additional guidance on May 13, 2020
concerning how SBA will review the required good-faith certification.
See FAQ 46 (posted May 13, 2020). This guidance included a safe harbor
providing that any PPP borrower, together with its affiliates, that
received PPP loans with an original principal amount of less than $2
million will be deemed to have made the required certification
concerning the necessity of the loan request in good faith.
14. Can my PPP loan be forgiven in whole or in part? 88
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\88\ This subsection replaces the rule originally published at
85 FR 20811, subsection III.2.o (April 15, 2020), as amended by 85
FR 36308 (June 16, 2020) and has been modified to conform to the
Economic Aid Act.
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Yes. The amount of loan forgiveness can be up to the full principal
amount of the loan and any accrued interest. An eligible borrower will
not be responsible for any loan payment if the borrower uses all of the
loan proceeds for forgivable purposes and employee and compensation
levels are maintained or, if not, an applicable safe harbor or
exemption applies. The actual amount of loan forgiveness will depend,
in part, on the total amount of payroll costs (including employer
contributions for group health, life, disability, vision and dental
insurance), payments of interest on mortgage obligations incurred
before February 15, 2020, rent payments on leases dated before February
15, 2020, utility payments for service that began before February 15,
2020, covered operations expenditures, covered property damage costs,
covered supplier costs, and covered worker protection expenditures over
the loan forgiveness covered period.\89\ Payroll costs that are
qualified wages taken into account in determining the Employer
Retention Credit are not eligible for loan forgiveness. The ``loan
forgiveness covered period'' is the period beginning on the date the
lender disburses the PPP loan and ending on any date selected by the
borrower that occurs during the period (i) beginning on the date that
is 8 weeks after the date of disbursement and (ii) ending on the date
that is 24 weeks after the date of disbursement.
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\89\ Covered operations expenditures, covered property damage
costs, covered supplier costs, and covered worker protection
expenditures were added as eligible expenses in section 304 of the
Economic Aid Act. Except for loans made pursuant to section 7(a)(36)
of the Small Business Act for which SBA has remitted a loan
forgiveness payment to the lender before December 27, 2020, these
eligible expenses apply to any loan made before, on, or after
December 27, 2020, including forgiveness of such a loan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
To receive full loan forgiveness, a borrower must use at least 60
percent of the PPP loan for payroll costs, and not more than 40 percent
of the loan forgiveness amount may be attributable to nonpayroll costs.
For example, if a borrower uses 59 percent of its PPP loan for payroll
costs, it will not receive the full amount of loan forgiveness it might
otherwise be eligible to receive. Instead, the borrower will receive
partial loan forgiveness, based on the requirement that 60 percent of
the forgiveness amount must be attributable to payroll costs. For
example, if a borrower receives a $100,000 PPP loan, and during the
covered period the borrower spends $54,000 (or 54 percent) of its loan
on payroll costs, then because the borrower used less than 60 percent
of its loan on payroll costs, the maximum amount of loan forgiveness
the borrower may receive is $90,000 (with $54,000 in payroll costs
constituting 60 percent of the forgiveness amount and $36,000 in
nonpayroll costs constituting 40 percent of the forgiveness amount).
Because the Economic Aid Act changed the loan forgiveness covered
period from either an 8- or 24-week period to a covered period between
8 and 24 weeks at the election of the borrower, SBA is eliminating the
``alternative covered period'' as defined in the interim final rule
published at 85 FR 33004, 33006 (June 1, 2020), as amended.
Additionally, an eligible borrower that received a loan of $150,000
or less shall not, at the time of its application for loan forgiveness,
be required to submit any application or documentation in addition to
the certification and information required by paragraph 7A(l)(1)(A) of
the Small Business Act. Such borrowers must retain records relevant to
the form that prove compliance with the PPP requirements--with respect
to employment records, for the 4-year period following submission of
the loan forgiveness application, and with respect to other records,
for the 3-year period following submission of the loan forgiveness
application. All other borrowers must follow the existing requirements
for loan forgiveness applications and records retention. SBA may review
and audit PPP loans of $150,000 or less and access any records the
borrower is required to retain. All borrowers with loans of any size
must provide documentation independently to a lender to satisfy
relevant Federal, State, local or other statutory or regulatory
requirements or in connection with an SBA loan review.
The Economic Aid Act repealed the CARES Act provision requiring SBA
to deduct EIDL Advance Amounts received by borrowers from the
forgiveness payment amounts remitted
[[Page 3707]]
by SBA to the lender. The EIDL Advance Amount received by the borrower
will not reduce the amount of forgiveness to which the borrower is
entitled and will not be deducted from the forgiveness payment amount
that SBA remits to the lender. Any EIDL Advance Amounts previously
deducted from a borrower's forgiveness amount will be remitted to the
lender, together with interest to the remittance date.
15. Do independent contractors count as employees for purposes of PPP
loan forgiveness? 90
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\90\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 20811,
subsection III.2.p. (April 15, 2020).
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No, independent contractors have the ability to apply for a PPP
loan on their own so they do not count for purposes of a borrower's PPP
loan forgiveness.
16. For loans made prior to December 27, 2020, what additional
documentation must a borrower submit when the President of the United
States, Vice President of the United States, the head of an Executive
department, or a Member of Congress, or the spouse of any of the
preceding, directly or indirectly holds a controlling interest in the
borrower?
For PPP loans made before December 27, 2020, if the President of
the United States, Vice President of the United States, the head of an
Executive department, or a Member of Congress, or the spouse of such
person as determined under applicable common law, directly or
indirectly holds a controlling interest in the borrower, the principal
executive officer, or individual performing a similar function, of the
borrower must disclose that information to SBA. Such disclosure must be
made not later than January 26, 2021, if the borrower submitted an
application for forgiveness before December 27, 2020, or not later than
30 days after submitting an application for forgiveness.
C. What do lenders need to know and do?
1. Who is eligible to make PPP loans? 91
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\91\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 20811,
subsection III.3.a. (April 15, 2020) and has been modified to
conform to additional interim final rules or guidance and sections
323 and 343 of the Economic Aid Act.
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a. All SBA 7(a) lenders are automatically approved to make PPP
loans on a delegated basis.
b. The Act provides that the authority to make PPP loans can be
extended to additional lenders determined by the Administrator and the
Secretary to have the necessary qualifications to process, close,
disburse, and service loans made with the SBA guarantee. Since SBA is
authorized to make PPP loans (and loans under section 7(a)(37) of the
Small Business Act) up to $806.45 billion by March 31, 2021, the
Adminstrator and the Secretary have jointly determined that authorizing
additional lenders is necessary to achieve the purpose of allowing as
many eligible borrowers as possible to receive loans by the March 31,
2021 deadline.
c. The following types of lenders have been determined to meet the
criteria and are eligible to make PPP loans unless they currently are
designated in Troubled Condition by their primary Federal regulator or
are subject to a formal enforcement action with their primary Federal
regulator that addresses unsafe or unsound lending practices:
i. Any federally insured depository institution or any federally
insured credit union;
ii. Any Farm Credit System institution \92\ (other than the Federal
Agricultural Mortgage Corporation) as defined in 12 U.S.C. 2002(a) that
applies the requirements under the Bank Secrecy Act and its
implementing regulations (collectively, BSA) as a federally regulated
financial institution, or functionally equivalent requirements that are
not altered by this rule; and
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\92\ Section 314 of the Economic Aid Act contains the following
information related to Farm Credit System Institutions: ``(1)
APPLICABLE RULES.--Solely with respect to loans under paragraphs
(36) and (37) of section 7(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
636(a)), Farm Credit Administration regulations and guidance issued
as of July 14, 2020, and compliance with such regulations and
guidance, shall be deemed functionally equivalent to requirements
referenced in section 3(a)(iii)(II) of the interim final rule of the
Administration entitled `Business Loan Program Temporary Changes;
Paycheck Protection Program' (85 FR 20811 (April 15, 2020)) or any
similar requirement referenced in that interim final rule in
implementing such paragraph (37).''
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iii. Any depository or non-depository financing provider that
originates, maintains, and services business loans or other commercial
financial receivables and participation interests; has a formalized
compliance program; applies the requirements under the BSA as a
federally regulated financial institution, or the BSA requirements of
an equivalent federally regulated financial institution; has been
operating since at least February 15, 2019, and has originated,
maintained, or serviced more than $50 million in business loans or
other commercial financial receivables during a consecutive 12 month
period in the past 36 months, or is a service provider to any insured
depository institution that has a contract to support such
institution's lending activities in accordance with 12 U.S.C. 1867(c)
and is in good standing with the appropriate Federal banking
agency.\93\
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\93\ This subsection c.iii. was modified to implement the rule
originally published at 85 FR 26324, subsection III.2.a. (May 4,
2020).
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d. Qualified institutions described in 1.c.i. and ii. will be
automatically qualified under delegated authority by the SBA upon
transmission of CARES Act Section 1102 Lender Agreement (SBA Form 3506)
unless they currently are designated in Troubled Condition by their
primary Federal regulator or are subject to a formal enforcement action
by their primary Federal regulator that addresses unsafe or unsound
lending practices.
e. A non-bank lender may be approved to make PPP loans if it has
originated, maintained, or serviced more than $10 million in business
loans or other commercial financial receivables during a 12-month
period in the past 36 months, if the non-bank lender is (1) a community
development financial institution (other than a federally insured bank
or federally insured credit union) or (2) a majority minority-, women-,
or veteran/military-owned lender.\94\
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\94\ Lenders described in this subsection (e.) should follow the
special instructions in footnote 1 of the 1102 Lender Agreement--
Non-Bank and Non-Insured Depository Institution Lenders (SBA Form
3507). This subsection (e.) was adapted from the rule originally
published at 85 FR 26324, subsection III.2.b. (May 4, 2020).
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2. Do lenders have to register in SAM.gov to make PPP loans?
95
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\95\ This subsection adds a new requirement that all PPP lenders
must register in SAM.gov. See 2 CFR 25.110(c)(2)(iii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes. Given the exigent circumstances in which small businesses and
lenders currently find themselves due to the COVID-19 pandemic, PPP
lenders will have thirty (30) days from the date of the first PPP loan
disbursement made by them after December 27, 2020 to complete SAM
registration and provide SBA with the lender's unique entity
identifier.
3. What do lenders have to do in terms of loan underwriting?
96
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\96\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 20811,
subsection III.3.b. (April 15, 2020) and has been modified to
conform to additional rules or guidance and the Economic Aid Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Each lender shall:
a. Confirm receipt of borrower certifications contained in Paycheck
Protection Program Borrower Application Form (SBA Form 2483) issued by
the Administration or lender's equivalent form;
b. Confirm receipt of information demonstrating that a borrower was
either an eligible self-employed individual, independent contractor, or
[[Page 3708]]
sole proprietorship with no employees or had employees for whom the
borrower paid salaries and payroll taxes on or around February 15,
2020;
c. Confirm the dollar amount of average monthly payroll costs for
2019 or 2020 by reviewing the payroll documentation submitted with the
borrower's application; \97\ and
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\97\ See PPP FAQ 1 (April 3, 2020) for further information on
this step.
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d. Follow applicable BSA requirements:
i. Federally insured depository institutions and federally insured
credit unions should continue to follow their existing BSA protocols
when making PPP loans to either new or existing customers who are
eligible borrowers under the PPP. PPP loans for existing customers will
not require re-verification under applicable BSA requirements, unless
otherwise indicated by the institution's risk-based approach to BSA
compliance.
ii. Entities that are not presently subject to the requirements of
the BSA, should, prior to engaging in PPP lending activities, including
making PPP loans to either new or existing customers who are eligible
borrowers under the PPP, establish an anti-money laundering (AML)
compliance program equivalent to that of a comparable federally
regulated institution. Depending upon the comparable federally
regulated institution, such a program may include a customer
identification program (CIP), which includes identifying and verifying
their PPP borrowers' identities (including e.g., date of birth,
address, and taxpayer identification number), and, if that PPP borrower
is a company, following any applicable beneficial ownership information
collection requirements. Alternatively, if available, entities may rely
on the CIP of a federally insured depository institution or federally
insured credit union with an established CIP as part of its AML
program. In either instance, entities should also understand the nature
and purpose of their PPP customer relationships to develop customer
risk profiles. Such entities will also generally have to identify and
report certain suspicious activity to the U.S. Department of the
Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). If such
entities have questions with regard to meeting these requirements, they
should contact the FinCEN Regulatory Support Section at [email protected].
In addition, FinCEN has created a COVID-19-specific contact channel,
via a specific drop-down category, for entities to communicate to
FinCEN COVID-19-related concerns while adhering to their BSA
obligations. Entities that wish to communicate such COVID-19-related
concerns to FinCEN should go to www.FinCEN.gov, click on ``Need
Assistance,'' and select ``COVID19'' in the subject drop-down list.
Each lender's underwriting obligation under the PPP is limited to
the items above and reviewing the ``Paycheck Protection Borrower
Application Form.'' Borrowers must submit such documentation as is
necessary to establish eligibility such as payroll records, payroll tax
filings, or Form 1099-MISC, Schedule C or F, income and expenses from a
sole proprietorship, or bank records. For borrowers that do not have
any such documentation, the borrower must provide other supporting
documentation, such as bank records, sufficient to demonstrate the
qualifying payroll amount.
A lender may rely on any certification or documentation submitted
by an applicant for a PPP loan or an eligible recipient or eligible
entity that (A) is submitted pursuant to all applicable statutory
requirements, regulations, and guidance related to a PPP loan,
including under paragraph 7(a)(36) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
636(a)(36)); and (B) attests that the applicant, eligible recipient, or
eligible entity, as applicable, has accurately provided the
certification or documentation to the lender in accordance with the
statutory requirements, regulations, and guidance related to PPP loans.
With respect to a lender that relies on such a certification or
documentation related to a PPP loan, an enforcement action may not be
taken against the lender, and the lender shall not be subject to any
penalties relating to loan origination or forgiveness of the PPP loan,
if--(A) the lender acts in good faith relating to loan origination or
forgiveness of the PPP loan based on that reliance; and (B) all other
relevant Federal, State, local, and other statutory and regulatory
requirements applicable to the lender are satisfied with respect to the
PPP loan.\98\
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\98\ This paragraph was added to conform to section 305 of the
Economic Aid Act. This shall be effective as if included in the
CARES Act and shall apply to any loan made before, on, or after
December 27, 2020, including forgiveness of such a loan.
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4. Can lenders rely on borrower documentation for loan forgiveness?
99
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\99\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 20811,
subsection III.3.c. (April 15, 2020) and has been modified for
readability. SBA also intends to issue a consolidated interim final
rule governing all aspects of loan forgiveness and the loan review
process.
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Yes. The lender does not need to independently verify the
borrower's reported information if the borrower submits documentation
supporting its request for loan forgiveness and attests that it
accurately verified the payments for eligible costs.
5. What fees will lenders be paid? 100
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\100\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 20811,
subsection III.3.d. (April 15, 2020) and has been modified to
conform to section 340 of the Economic Aid Act.
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For PPP loans made on or after December 27, 2020, SBA will pay
lenders fees, based on the balance of the financing outstanding at the
time of disbursement of the loan, for processing PPP loans in the
following amounts:
i. For loans of not more than $50,000, an amount equal to the
lesser of fifty (50) percent or $2,500;
ii. Five (5) percent for loans of more than $50,000 and not more
than $350,000;
iii. Three (3) percent for loans of more than $350,000 and less
than $2,000,000; and
iv. One (1) percent for loans of at least $2,000,000.
SBA will pay the fee not later than 5 days after the reported
disbursement of the PPP loan and, as required by the Economic Aid Act,
may not require the fee to be repaid by the lender unless the lender is
found guilty of an act of fraud in connection with the PPP loan.
6. Can PPP loans be sold into the secondary market? 101
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\101\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 20811,
subsection III.4.d (April 15, 2020) and modified to reflect that
advance purchases are not available.
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Yes. A PPP loan may be sold on the secondary market after the loan
is fully disbursed. A PPP loan may be sold on the secondary market at a
premium or a discount to par value.
7. Do the requirements for loan pledges under 13 CFR 120.434 apply to
PPP loans pledged for borrowings from a Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) or
advances by a Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB)? 102
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\102\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 21747,
subsection III.3. (April 20, 2020).
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No. Pursuant to SBA regulations at 13 CFR 120.435(d) and (e), a
pledge of 7(a) loans to a FRB or FHLB does not require SBA's prior
written consent or notice to SBA. SBA, in consultation with Treasury,
has determined that for purposes of loans made under the PPP, the
additional requirements set forth in 120.434 shall also not apply. This
would mean, for example, that SBA would not have to approve loan
[[Page 3709]]
documents or require a multi-party agreement among SBA, the lender, and
others.
8. Are lenders required to use a promissory note provided by SBA or may
they use their own? 103
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\103\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 23450,
subsection III.1.a. (April 28, 2020).
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Lenders may use their own promissory note or an SBA form of
promissory note.
9. Are lenders required to use a separate SBA Authorization document to
issue PPP loans? 104
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\104\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 23450,
subsection III.1.b. (April 28, 2020) and has been modified to
conform to the Economic Aid Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
No. A lender does not need a separate SBA Authorization for SBA to
guarantee a PPP loan. However, lenders must have executed SBA Form 2484
(the Lender Application Form--Paycheck Protection Program Loan
Guaranty) \105\ to issue PPP loans and receive a loan number for each
originated PPP loan. Lenders may include in their promissory notes for
PPP loans any terms and conditions, including relating to amortization
and disclosure, that are not inconsistent with section 1102 of the
CARES Act and section 7A of the Small Business Act, the PPP Interim
Final Rules and guidance, and SBA Form 2484. See FAQ 21 (posted April
13, 2020). The decision not to require a separate SBA Authorization in
order to ensure that critical PPP loans are disbursed as efficiently as
practicable.
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\105\ This requirement is satisfied by a lender when the lender
completes the process of submitting a loan through the E-Tran
system; no transmission or retention of a physical copy of Form 2484
is required.
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10. By when must a lender electronically submit an SBA Form 1502
indicating that PPP loan funds have been disbursed? 106
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\106\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 26321,
subsection III.1.b. (May 4, 2020) and has been modified to conform
to the Economic Aid Act and for readability.
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SBA has made available a specific SBA Form 1502 reporting process
through which PPP lenders report on PPP loans and collect the
processing fee on fully disbursed loans to which they are entitled.
Lenders must electronically upload SBA Form 1502 information within 20
calendar days after a PPP loan is approved. The lender must report on
SBA Form 1502 whether it has fully disbursed PPP loan proceeds. A
lender will not receive a processing fee: (1) Prior to full
disbursement of the PPP loan; (2) if the PPP loan is cancelled before
disbursement; or (3) if the PPP loan is cancelled or voluntarily
terminated and repaid after disbursement (including if a borrower
repays the PPP loan proceeds to conform to the borrower's certification
regarding the necessity of the PPP loan request). If the lender has
received a processing fee on a loan that was cancelled or voluntarily
terminated and repaid after disbursement (including if a borrower
repaid the PPP loan proceeds to conform to the borrower's certification
regarding the necessity of the PPP loan request), SBA will not require
the lender to repay the processing fee unless the lender is found
guilty of an act of fraud in connection with the PPP loan. In addition
to providing ACH credit information to direct payment of the requested
processing fee, lenders will be required to confirm that all PPP loans
for which the lender is requesting a processing fee have been fully
disbursed on the disbursement dates and in the loan amounts reported. A
lender must report through either E-Tran Servicing or the SBA Form 1502
report any PPP loans that have been cancelled before disbursement or
that have been cancelled or voluntarily terminated and repaid after
disbursement.
11. How do lenders report disbursements on PPP loans that are approved
for loan increases due to the Economic Aid Act? 107
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\107\ This subsection was added to conform to the Economic Aid
Act.
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Lenders must submit the SBA Form 1502 information within 20
calendar days after a PPP loan increase is approved following the SBA
Form 1502 reporting process. See subsection C.10. for more information.
D. What do both borrowers and lenders need to know and do?
1. What are the loan terms and conditions? 108
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\108\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 20811,
subsection III.4.a. (April 15, 2020) and modified to conform to the
Economic Aid Act.
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Loans will be guaranteed under the PPP under the same terms,
conditions and processes as other 7(a) loans, with certain changes
including but not limited to:
a. The guarantee percentage is 100 percent.
b. No collateral will be required.
c. No personal guarantees will be required.
d. The interest rate will be 100 basis points or one percent,
calculated on a non-compounding, non-adjustable basis.\109\
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\109\ This subsection (d) was revised to conform to section 339
of the Economic Aid Act. The revision applies to PPP loans made on
or after December 27, 2020, but may apply with respect to a PPP loan
made before that date upon the mutual agreement of the lender and
the borrower.
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e. All loans will be processed by all lenders under delegated
authority and lenders will be permitted to rely on certifications of
the borrower in order to determine eligibility of the borrower and the
use of loan proceeds.
2. Do lenders have to apply the ``credit elsewhere test''?
110
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\110\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 20811,
subsection III.3.e. (April 15, 2020).
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No. When evaluating an applicant's eligibility lenders will not be
required to apply the ``credit elsewhere test'' (as set forth in
section 7(a)(1)(A) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636) and SBA
regulations at 13 CFR 120.101).
3. Are there any fee waivers? 111
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\111\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 20811,
subsection III.4.a. (April 15, 2020).
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a. There will be no up-front guarantee fee payable to SBA by the
borrower;
b. There will be no lender's annual service fee (``on-going
guaranty fee'') payable to SBA;
c. There will be no subsidy recoupment fee; and
d. There will be no fee payable to SBA for any guarantee sold into
the secondary market.
4. Who pays the fee to an agent who provides assistance in connection
with a PPP loan? 112
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\112\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 20811,
subsection III.4.c. (April 15, 2020) and modified to conform to
section 340 of the Economic Aid Act. This revision is effective as
if included in the CARES Act and applies to PPP loans made before,
on, or after December 27, 2020, including forgiveness of such a
loan.
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Agent fees may not be paid out of the proceeds of a PPP loan. If a
borrower has knowingly retained an agent, such fees will be paid by the
borrower. A lender is only responsible for paying fees to an agent for
services for which the lender directly contracts with the agent. The
total amount that an agent may collect from the lender for assistance
in preparing an application for a PPP loan (including referral to the
lender) may not exceed:
a. One (1) percent for loans of not more than $350,000;
b. 0.50 percent for loans of more than $350,000 and less than $2
million; and
c. 0.25 percent for loans of at least $2 million.
The Act authorizes the Administrator to establish limits on agent
fees. The Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary, determined
that the agent fee limits set forth above are reasonable based upon the
application
[[Page 3710]]
requirements and the fees that lenders receive for making PPP loans.
5. Can a borrower take multiple draws from a PPP loan and thereby delay
the start of the covered period? 113
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\113\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 26321,
subsection III.1.a. (May 4, 2020), as amended by 85 FR 26321 (June
19, 2020), and has been modified for readability.
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No. The lender must make a one-time, full disbursement of the PPP
loan within ten calendar days of loan approval; for the purposes of
this rule, a loan is considered approved when the loan is assigned a
loan number by SBA.\114\
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\114\ If the tenth calendar day is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal
holiday, the period continues to run until the end of the next
business day.
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Notwithstanding this limitation, lenders are not responsible for
delays in disbursement attributable to a borrower's failure to timely
provide required loan documentation, including a signed promissory
note. Loans for which funds have not been disbursed because a borrower
has not submitted required loan documentation within 20 calendar days
of loan approval shall be cancelled by the lender. When disbursing
loans, lenders must send any amount of loan proceeds designated for the
refinance of an EIDL loan directly to SBA and not to the borrower.
6. If a partnership received a PPP loan that did not include any
compensation for its partners, can the loan amount be increased to
include partner compensation? 115
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\115\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 29842,
subsection III.1.a. (May 19, 2020) and has been revised to conform
to sections 312 and 344 of the Economic Aid Act.
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Yes. If a partnership received a PPP loan that only included
amounts necessary for payroll costs of the partnership's employees and
other eligible operating expenses, but did not include any amount for
partner compensation,\116\ the lender may electronically submit a
request through SBA's E-Tran Servicing site to increase the PPP loan
amount to include appropriate partner compensation, even if the loan
has been fully disbursed and even if the lender's first SBA Form 1502
report to SBA on the PPP loan has already been submitted. In no event
can the increased loan amount exceed the maximum loan amount allowed
under the PPP Program, which is $10 million for an individual borrower
or $20 million for a corporate group. Additionally, the borrower must
provide the lender with required documentation to support the
calculation of the increase. Any request for an increase must be
submitted electronically in E-Tran on or before March 31, 2021, and is
subject to the availability of funds.
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\116\ A partner in a partnership may not submit a separate PPP
loan application as a self-employed individual. Instead, the self-
employment income of general active partners may be reported as a
payroll cost, up to $100,000 on an annualized basis, as prorated for
the period during which the payments are made or the obligation to
make the payments is incurred, on a PPP loan application filed by or
on behalf of the partnership.
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As described in subsection B.1.c., partnerships, rather than
individual partners, are eligible for a PPP loan. As described in
subsection B.4.e., self-employment income of general active partners
could be reported as a payroll cost, up to $100,000 on an annualized
basis, as prorated for the period during which the payments are made or
the obligation to make the payments is incurred, on a PPP loan
application filed by or on behalf of the partnership. For guidance
describing how to calculate partnership PPP loan amounts and defining
the self-employment income of partners, see How to Calculate Maximum
Loan Amounts, Question 4 at https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/How-to-Calculate-Loan-Amounts.pdf (April 20, 2020).
7. If a seasonal employer received a PPP loan before December 27, 2020,
can the loan amount be increased based on a revised calculation of the
maximum loan amount? 117
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\117\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 29842,
subsection III.1.b. (May 19, 2020) and has been revised to conform
to sections 312 and 336 of the Economic Aid Act.
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Yes. If a seasonal employer received a PPP loan before December 27,
2020, and such employer would be eligible for a higher maximum loan
amount under section 336 of the Economic Aid Act, as described in
subsection B.4.c., the lender may electronically submit a request
through SBA's E-Tran Servicing site to increase the PPP loan amount,
even if the loan has been fully disbursed and even if the lender's
first SBA Form 1502 report to SBA on the PPP loan has already been
submitted. In no event can the increased loan amount exceed the maximum
PPP loan amount ($10 million for an individual borrower or $20 million
for a corporate group). Additionally, the borrower must provide the
lender with required documentation to support the calculation of the
increase. Any request for an increase must be submitted electronically
in E-Tran on or before March 31, 2021, and is subject to the
availability of funds.
8. Which other PPP borrowers can reapply or request an increase in
their PPP loan amount? 118
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\118\ This subsection was added to conform to section 312 of the
Economic Aid Act. See also recalculation available under subsection
B.4.d. above for farmers and ranchers.
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The following borrowers can reapply or request an increase in their
PPP loan amount:
a. If a borrower returned all of a PPP loan, the borrower may
reapply for a PPP loan in an amount the borrower is eligible for under
current PPP rules.
b. If a borrower returned part of a PPP loan, the borrower may
reapply for an amount equal to the difference between the amount
retained and the amount previously approved.
c. If a borrower did not accept the full amount of a PPP loan for
which it was approved, the borrower may request an increase in the
amount of the PPP loan up to the amount previously approved.
Any request for an increase must be submitted electronically in E-
Tran on or before March 31, 2021, and is subject to the availability of
funds. SBA will issue additional guidance on the process to reapply or
request a loan increase under subsections D.6, D.7, and D.8.
9. If a borrower's PPP loan has already been fully disbursed, can the
lender make an additional disbursement for the increased loan proceeds?
119
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\119\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 29842,
subsection III.2.a. (May 19, 2020) and revised to conform to section
312 of the Economic Aid Act.
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Yes. Notwithstanding the requirement set forth in paragraph 1.a. of
the interim final rule on disbursements posted on April 28, 2020, i.e.,
that lenders make a one-time, full disbursement of the PPP loan within
ten calendar days of loan approval, if a PPP loan is increased under
subsections D.6., D.7., or D.8., the lender may make a single
additional disbursement of the increased loan proceeds.
10. Are recipients of PPP loans entitled to exemptions on the grounds
provided in Federal nondiscrimination laws for sex-specific admissions
practices, sex-specific domestic violence shelters, coreligionist
housing, or Indian tribal preferences in connection with adoption or
foster care practices? 120
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\120\ This subsection was originally published at 85 FR 27287,
section III.1. (May 8, 2020).
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Yes. With respect to any loan or loan forgiveness under the PPP,
the nondiscrimination provisions in the applicable SBA regulations
incorporate the limitations and exemptions provided in corresponding
Federal statutory or regulatory
[[Page 3711]]
nondiscrimination provisions for sex-specific admissions practices at
preschools, non-vocational elementary or secondary schools, and private
undergraduate higher education institutions under Title IX of the
Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.), for sex-specific
emergency shelters and coreligionist housing under the Fair Housing Act
of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.), and for adoption or foster care
practices giving child placement preferences to Indian tribes under the
Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.).
In addition, for purposes of the PPP, SBA regulations do not bar a
religious nonprofit entity from making decisions with respect to the
membership or the employment of individuals of a particular religion to
perform work connected with the carrying on by such nonprofit of its
activities.
E. Additional Information
All loans guaranteed by the SBA pursuant to the CARES Act and the
Economic Aid Act will be made consistent with constitutional,
statutory, and regulatory protections for religious liberty, including
the First Amendment to the Constitution, the Religious Freedom
Restoration Act, 42 U.S.C. 2000bb-1 and bb-3, and SBA regulation at 13
CFR 113.3-1h, which provides that nothing in SBA nondiscrimination
regulations shall apply to a religious corporation, association,
educational institution or society with respect to the membership or
the employment of individuals of a particular religion to perform work
connected with the carrying on by such corporation, association,
educational institution or society of its religious activities.
SBA may provide further guidance, if needed, through SBA notices
and a program guide which will be posted on SBA's website at
www.sba.gov.
Questions on the Paycheck Protection Program 7(a) Loans may be
directed to the Lender Relations Specialist in the local SBA Field
Office. The local SBA Field Office may be found at https://www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance/districtoffices.
Compliance With Executive Orders 12866, 12988, 13132, 13563, and 13771,
the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Ch. 35), and the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612)
Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and 13771
This interim final rule is economically significant for the
purposes of Executive Orders 12866 and 13563, and the Office of
Management and Budget's Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs
(OIRA) has determined that this is a major rule under the Congressional
Review Act (5 U.S.C. 804(2)). SBA, however, is proceeding under the
emergency provision at Executive Order 12866 section 6(a)(3)(D) based
on the need to move expeditiously to mitigate the current economic
conditions arising from the COVID-19 emergency. This rule's designation
under Executive Order 13771 will be informed by public comment.
This rule is necessary to implement the Economic Aid Act in order
to provide economic relief to small businesses nationwide adversely
impacted under the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration. We anticipate that
this rule will result in substantial benefits to small businesses,
their employees, and the communities they serve. However, we lack data
to estimate the effects of this rule.
The Administrator of OIRA has determined that this is a major rule
for purposes of the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.)
(CRA). Under section 801(3) of the CRA, a major rule takes effect 60
days after the rule is published in the Federal Register.
Notwithstanding this requirement, section 808(2) of the CRA allows
agencies to dispense with the requirements of section 801 when the
agency for good cause finds that such procedure would be impracticable,
unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest and the rule shall take
effect at such time as the agency promulgating the rule determines.
Pursuant to section 808(2) of the CRA, SBA finds, for good cause, that
a 60-day delay in the effective date is unnecessary and contrary to the
public interest.
As discussed elsewhere in this interim final rule, the last day to
apply for and receive a PPP loan is March 31, 2021. Given the short
duration of this program, and the urgent need to issue loans quickly,
the Administrator in consultation with the Secretary has determined
that it is impractical and not in the public interest to provide a
delayed effective date. An immediate effective date will give small
businesses the maximum amount of time to apply for loans and lenders
the maximum amount of time to process applications before the program
ends.
Executive Order 12988
SBA has drafted this rule, to the extent practicable, in accordance
with the standards set forth in section 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive
Order 12988, to minimize litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce
burden. The rule has no preemptive effect but does have some
retroactive effect consistent with specific applicability provisions of
the Economic Aid Act (such provisions are identified in the footnotes).
Executive Order 13132
SBA has determined that this rule will not have substantial direct
effects on the States, on the relationship between the National
Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various layers of government. Therefore, SBA
has determined that this rule has no federalism implications warranting
preparation of a federalism assessment.
Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35
SBA has determined that this rule requires revisions to existing
recordkeeping or reporting requirements of the Paycheck Protection
Program (PPP) information collection (OMB Control Number 3245-0407) as
a result of amendments made to the PPP by the Economic Aid Act and
implemented in this interim final rule. The revisions will affect the
PPP Borrower Application Form (SBA Form 2483), the PPP Lender
Application Form (SBA Form 2484), the Lender Application Form for
Federally Insured Depository Institutions, Federally Insured Credit
Unions, and Farm Credit System Institutions (SBA Form 3506), and the
Lender Application Form for Non-Bank and Non-Insured Depository
Institution Lenders (SBA Form 3507).
SBA Form 2483 has been revised to add housing cooperatives, section
501(c)(6) organizations, destination marketing organizations, and
certain news organizations to the categories of eligible entities; to
collect the NAICS code of the applicant; to add additional eligible use
of proceeds; and to add or revise the certifications to incorporate the
Economic Aid Act amendments. Changes were made to SBA Form 2484 to
conform to the changes made to SBA Form 2483. SBA Forms 3506 and 3507
were revised to extend the term through March 31, 2021; restate the way
interest rate is calculated; and make clarifying changes for
consistency with program requirements.
SBA is developing a process to collect the information necessary
for eligible borrowers to reapply or request an increase in their PPP
loan amount as described in this interim final rule.
SBA has requested emergency approval of the revisions to this PPP
information collection to enable the Agency to resume the reauthorized
PPP as quickly as possible. Without such emergency approval, the
authority for
[[Page 3712]]
the program would expire before the procedural steps, including the
comment periods generally required by the Paperwork Reduction Act,
could be completed.
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) generally requires that when
an agency issues a proposed rule, or a final rule pursuant to section
553(b) of the APA or another law, the agency must prepare a regulatory
flexibility analysis that meets the requirements of the RFA and publish
such analysis in the Federal Register. 5 U.S.C. 603, 604. Specifically,
the RFA normally requires agencies to describe the impact of a
rulemaking on small entities by providing a regulatory impact analysis.
Such analysis must address the consideration of regulatory options that
would lessen the economic effect of the rule on small entities. The RFA
defines a ``small entity'' as (1) a proprietary firm meeting the size
standards of the Small Business Administration (SBA); (2) a nonprofit
organization that is not dominant in its field; or (3) a small
government jurisdiction with a population of less than 50,000. 5 U.S.C.
601(3)-(6). Except for small government jurisdictions with a population
of less than 50,000, neither State nor local governments are ``small
entities.''
The requirement to conduct a regulatory impact analysis does not
apply if the head of the agency ``certifies that the rule will not, if
promulgated, have a significant economic impact on a substantial number
of small entities.'' 5 U.S.C. 605(b). The agency must, however, publish
the certification in the Federal Register at the time of publication of
the rule, ``along with a statement providing the factual basis for such
certification.'' If the agency head has not waived the requirements for
a regulatory flexibility analysis in accordance with the RFA's waiver
provision, and no other RFA exception applies, the agency must prepare
the regulatory flexibility analysis and publish it in the Federal
Register at the time of promulgation or, if the rule is promulgated in
response to an emergency that makes timely compliance impracticable,
within 180 days of publication of the final rule. 5 U.S.C. 604(a),
608(b).
Rules that are exempt from notice and comment are also exempt from
the RFA requirements, including conducting a regulatory flexibility
analysis, when among other things the agency for good cause finds that
notice and public procedure are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary
to the public interest. Small Business Administration's Office of
Advocacy guide: How to Comply with the Regulatory Flexibility Ac. Ch.1.
p.9. Since this rule is exempt from notice and comment, SBA is not
required to conduct a regulatory flexibility analysis.
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36); Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
Economic Security Act, Pub. L. 116-136, section 1114 and Economic
Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act (Pub.
L. 116-260), section 303.
Jovita Carranza, Michael Faulkender,
Assistant Secretary for Economic Policy.
[FR Doc. 2021-00451 Filed 1-12-21; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 8026-03-P