Payroll tax deferral

The CARES Act was crafted to provide liquidity for businesses suffering from the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak. One provision postpones the employer portion of certain payroll taxes imposed in 2020. These will then be paid back in two installments:

  • 50% due on December 31, 2021
  • 50% due on December 31, 2022

R&D tax credit

For companies that opt to defer payroll taxes, R&D payroll tax incentives add value since excess credit amounts can reduce future obligations. Companies with SBA loans that are not eligible for COVID-19 payroll tax relief can still use R&D credits to offset FICA. Businesses that will soon age out of R&D payroll tax credits may opt to use them now and forgo the CARES Act deferral entirely.

R&D payroll tax incentives add value to maximize cash savings.

To maximize cash savings, companies should consider R&D tax credits as a part of their payroll relief options with COVID-19 aid packages. Certain eligibility requirements must be met to take advantage of the payroll tax incentive. Arvo can help you navigate recent legislation to ensure you capture all available cash savings opportunities.