How Many Active Users Are Required for CARES Act Relief?

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides relief for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the criteria for eligibility is the number of active users a business has. However, many businesses are unsure of how many active users they need to qualify for CARES Act relief. In this blog post, we’ll explore this topic and provide expert guidance.

Introduction

The CARES Act Relief is a federal program that provides funding to small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. To qualify for this relief, businesses must meet certain criteria, including the number of active users.

What is the CARES Act Relief?

The CARES Act Relief provides funding to small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding is designed to help businesses cover expenses such as payroll, rent, and utilities. To qualify for this relief, businesses must meet certain criteria, including having a certain number of active users.

CARES Act Relief

How Many Active Users Are Required?

To qualify for CARES Act Relief, a business must have no more than 500 employees or meet the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) size standards for its industry. In addition, the business must have been operational on February 15, 2020, and have paid employee salaries and payroll taxes or paid independent contractors.

For businesses in the accommodation and food services industry, the CARES Act Relief provides additional criteria for eligibility. These businesses must have no more than 500 employees per physical location.

Real-Life Scenarios

Here are two real-life scenarios that demonstrate how the number of active users can impact a business’s eligibility for CARES Act Relief:

Scenario 1: ABC Company is a software company with 400 employees. The company meets all other criteria for CARES Act Relief but is unsure if it has the required number of active users. After consulting with a tax advisor, ABC Company determines that it has 200 active users and is eligible for CARES Act Relief.

Scenario 2: XYZ Company is a hotel chain with 800 employees. While the company meets the size standards for its industry, it has more than 500 employees per physical location in the accommodation and food services industry. XYZ Company is not eligible for CARES Act Relief.

Conclusion

The number of active users is an important factor in determining a business’s eligibility for CARES Act Relief. By understanding the criteria and consulting with a tax advisor, businesses can determine if they qualify for this relief and take advantage of the funding available to them.

Schedule a no-obligation, no cost call with the professional experts at Occams to help drive solutions for your business. 

Sources and Citations

1.Small Business Administration. “Coronavirus Relief Options.” https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options  

2. Internal Revenue Service. “Coronavirus Tax Relief for Businesses and Tax-Exempt Entities.” https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/coronavirus-tax-relief-for-businesses-and-tax-exempt-entities 

3. U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist.” https://www.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/023595_comm_corona_virus_smallbiz_loan_final.pdf 

FAQ

What is the CARES Act Relief?

The CARES Act Relief is a federal program that provides funding to small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding is designed to help businesses cover expenses such as payroll, rent, and utilities. 

How many employees can a business have to qualify for CARES Act Relief?

To qualify for CARES Act Relief, a business must have no more than 500 employees or meet the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) size standards for its industry. 

What is the additional eligibility criteria for accommodation and food services businesses?

Accommodation and food services businesses must have no more than 500 employees per physical location to qualify for CARES Act Relief. 

What is an active user?

An active user is a customer who has used a company’s product or service within a certain period of time. The specific definition of an active user may vary depending on the industry and the company.