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Did You Know that Certain Expenses May Not Be Deductible if You Received a PPP Loan?

Client Alert

On April 30, 2020, the IRS issued a Notice stating that for Federal income tax purposes, certain expenses that would otherwise be deductible in a taxpayer’s trade or business may not be deductible if the taxpayer received a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”).

Specifically, the IRS states that no deduction is allowed for an otherwise deductible expense if the expense’s payment resulted in forgiveness of the PPP loan pursuant to Section 1106(b) of the CARES Act. The income associated with the PPP loan forgiveness is also excluded from gross income pursuant to Section 1106(i) of the CARES Act.

For example, if a business received $400,000 in PPP loan proceeds and used the proceeds to pay $350,000 in payroll expense, $50,000 in qualifying rent and utility payments, and met all other applicable terms and conditions within the 8-week applicable period, the entire $400,000 would be forgiven. Therefore, the $400,000 PPP loan proceeds are not included in gross income. However, the $400,000 in payroll, rent, and utility expenses would also not be deductible for Federal income tax purposes.

For additional questions related to the taxability of specific income and expenses in relation to the PPP loan forgiveness, please contact BMD Tax Law Attorney Tracy Albanese at tlalbanese@bmdllc.com or (330) 253-9195.


Client Alert: AAA Introduces AI-Assisted Arbitrator for Certain Disputes

The American Arbitration Association has introduced an AI-assisted arbitration platform designed to streamline certain document-based disputes. While a human arbitrator still makes the final decision, the technology can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate case resolution. Companies should weigh these benefits against considerations such as transparency, risk, and contractual requirements before adopting AI-assisted arbitration.

Quiet Hours Texts and TCPA Claims: Consent Remains King as Courts Divide on Text Messages

Businesses face increasing TCPA lawsuits over off-hours marketing texts, but recent court decisions highlight strong defenses. Clear consumer consent and updated terms and conditions can defeat many claims, while a growing number of courts are finding that text messages are not “telephone calls” under the statute. Proactive compliance measures, including clickwrap agreements and forum-selection clauses, are critical to reducing risk.

New Ohio Reporting Requirements for Non-Residential Contractors

Ohio’s E-Verify Workforce Integrity Act, effective March 19, 2026, requires all nonresidential construction companies, subcontractors, and labor brokers to use E-Verify to confirm employee work eligibility on projects across the state. The law applies regardless of company size and carries financial penalties and potential restrictions on future state contracts for noncompliance. Some uncertainty remains around requirements for existing employees, making early compliance planning important.

DOT Non-Domiciled CDL Rule

A new rule from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will significantly narrow eligibility for non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) beginning March 16, 2026. The rule limits eligibility to holders of H-2A, H-2B, and E-2 visas and eliminates Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) as qualifying proof of work authorization. As a result, many lawfully present and work-authorized immigrants, including refugees, asylees, DACA recipients, and Temporary Protected Status holders, will no longer be able to obtain or renew a non-domiciled CDL. The change is expected to affect roughly 194,000 drivers nationwide and has prompted multiple legal challenges, including a pending emergency stay request before the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule Now in Effect

FinCEN’s new Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule, effective March 1, 2026, requires certain real estate transfers to be reported to combat financial crimes. Transfers of residential property to entities or trusts without financing may require a Real Estate Report.