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Baker Signs Bill Addressing Forgiven PPP Loans, Unemployment Income, Unemployment Insurance Rates and More

April 2, 2021

The much-anticipated COVID-19 Relief bill is signed into law

On April 1, 2021, Governor Baker signed a COVID-19 relief bill into law. 


For Businesses:

  • The new legislation makes the Massachusetts tax treatment conform to the federal tax treatment of
  • PPP Loans forgiven in 2020
  • EIDL Advance grants received in 2020
  • Small Business Administration (SBA) debt relief payments made in 2020;

  • Freezes the unemployment insurance rate for 2021 and 2022;

  • Provides a $75million COVID-19 emergency paid sick time program. (Requiring employers to pay about one week's sick leave for employees who are infected with COVID-19, must quarantine due to the virus, is getting vaccinated, or is caring for a family member in one of these situations);

  • Authorizes the state to issue bonds to repay advances from the federal unemployment account and help pay benefits and related expenses. 


For Individuals:

The bill includes forgiveness for up to $10,200 in unemployment income for Massachusetts residents whose household incomes are at or below the 200% federal poverty level.  (Note that this threshold is different from the federal guidance.).


“This legislation takes a thoughtful and comprehensive approach in delivering critical relief to facilitate economic recovery for the people of Massachusetts,” Baker said in a letter to lawmakers.



For more information, Click Here


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