Customer Support during COVID-19
Updated: January 5, 2020
We at Paychex remain dedicated to serving you, your employees, and your business. We’re continually monitoring the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and are adjusting our COVID-19 contingency plans as necessary to continue providing the same high level of service as always.
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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
How can I maximize PPP loan forgiveness?
As part of the CARES Act, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is designed to help small businesses keep workers on payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To learn how much of your PPP loan may be forgiven, please see our PPP Loan Forgiveness Estimator.
PPP Loan Forgiveness Application Process
The PPP loan forgiveness application process is complicated. We've created an instructional sheet to help make it easier, including details on how Paychex Flex clients can use our Loan Forgiveness Estimator to pull together preliminary data required to complete the 11-page loan forgiveness application for the SBA, as well as save and print their own signature-ready loan forgiveness application. Check out the instruction sheet and this short video below. Updated 1/5/2021: we've created a PPP Forgiveness Data Report Explainer for Paychex Flex® and Paychex Preview® customers to help you better understand these reports.
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Executive Memorandum on Employee Payroll Tax Deferral
Executive Memorandum on Employee Payroll Tax Deferral
What is this payroll tax deferral?
An Executive Memorandum issued by the president on Aug. 8, 2020, instructed the Secretary of the Treasury to defer the withholding, deposit, and payment of the tax imposed on the employee portion (6.2%) of the Social Security tax. It also directed the Secretary to issue guidance of how this should be implemented.
Read the article in our WORX library
What did the guidance on the payroll tax deferral indicate?
The guidance left the final decision to the employers on whether to offer this option to their employees. Whether you should make the deferral available or not depends on the facts and circumstances of your business.
Is it mandatory for employers to offer the deferral?
No, employers are not required to choose to defer the employee share (6.2%) of the Social Security tax, and, in fact, should consult with their trusted advisor to understand the risks to their business before making a decision.
What do I need to know if I elect to offer this deferral to my employees?
- Employers are responsible to pay any tax amounts deferred, even if the employer cannot withhold or collect the deferred amounts from employees.
- For example, the employee could be on leave. Also, an individual who took the deferral may no longer be employed by the business.
- While you may be able to arrange for alternative methods of collecting the tax due from the employee, additional guidance is required to determine what you can do.
- This is only a deferral and current guidance does not indicate any forgiveness.
How long does the deferral period last?
The deferral period runs from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, 2020.
When would deferred taxes need to be repaid?
Employers will be required to withhold and remit any deferred employee Social Security tax ratably between Jan. 1 and April 30, 2021 from its employees who took the deferral.
- Employees who defer will therefore have the 6.2% Social Security tax obligation and the deferred amount withheld from their checks for four months. To withhold ratably means that if the employee deferred $800 and there are eight pay periods between Jan. 1 and April 30, the employee will see an extra $100 withheld (in addition to their required Social Security tax) from their paycheck for eight straight pay periods.
Are there any penalties if the deferred tax is not repaid in time?
Yes, penalties and interest begin to accrue May 1, 2021, on any unpaid amounts.
What is Paychex doing to help?
Employers are not required to offer the option of the Social Security payroll tax deferral and remain liable for the deferred taxes even if they cannot collect them from their employees. Paychex recommends that businesses consult with their trusted advisors before making a decision. If you are interested in more information on offering the option, please speak with your representative.
- Employers are responsible to pay any tax amounts deferred, even if the employer cannot withhold or collect the deferred amounts from employees.
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Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
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Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
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Employee Retention Credit
Employee Retention Credit
What is the Employee Retention Credit under the CARES Act?
Summary: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), enacted on March 27, 2020, is designed to encourage Eligible Employers to keep employees on their payroll, despite experiencing economic hardship related to COVID-19, with an employee retention tax credit (Employee Retention Credit). The Employee Retention Credit is a fully refundable tax credit for employers equal to 50 percent of qualified wages (including allocable qualified health plan expenses) that Eligible Employers pay their employees.
Guidelines: An Eligible Employer for purposes of the Employee Retention Credit are those that carry on a trade or business during calendar year 2020, including a tax-exempt organization, that either
- Fully or partially suspend business operations during any calendar quarter in 2020 due to orders from an appropriate governmental authority limiting commerce, travel, or group meetings (for commercial, social, religious or other purposes) due to COVID-19. For more detail on this requirement go to IRS website COVID-19-Related Employee Retention Credits: Determining When an Employer’s Trade or Business Operations are Considered to be Fully or Partially Suspended Due to a Governmental Order FAQs,
or
- Experiences a significant decline in gross receipts during the calendar quarter. A significant decline in gross receipts begins with the first quarter in which an employer’s gross receipts for a calendar quarter in 2020 are less than 50 percent of its gross receipts for the same calendar quarter in 2019. The significant decline in gross receipts ends with the first calendar quarter that follows the first calendar quarter for which the employer’s 2020 gross receipts for the quarter are greater than 80 percent of its gross receipts for the same calendar quarter during 2019. For more detail on this requirement go to IRS website COVID-19-Related Employee Retention Credits: Determining When an Employer is Considered to have a Significant Decline in Gross Receipts and Maximum Amount of an Eligible Employer’s Employee Retention Credit FAQs.
Notes:
- The IRS also qualified rules for new businesses that allow them to use the gross receipts for the quarter they started business as a reference for any quarter which they do not have 2019 figures because they were not in business, using estimates if they started mid-quarter
- If you or any member of the aggregate group got a PPP loan that is not returned by May 14, 2020, under the safe harbor for returning the loans you do not qualify for the retention credit, regardless how much of the loan is forgiven.
The refundable tax credit is equal to 50% of qualified wages paid to employees after March 12, 2020, and before January 1, 2021.
The credit equals 50% of the qualified wages (including qualified health plan expenses) that an Eligible Employer pays in a calendar quarter. The maximum amount of qualified wages for each employee for all calendar quarters is $10,000 so that the maximum credit for qualified wages paid to any employee is $5,000.
Qualified wages are wages and compensation paid by an Eligible Employer to employees after March 12, 2020, and before January 1, 2021. Qualified wages include the Eligible Employer’s qualified health plan expenses that are properly allocable to the wages. The definition of qualified wages depends, in part, on the average number of full-time employees (as defined in section 4980H of the Code) employed by the Eligible Employer during 2019.
Employers with 100 or fewer employees: If an Eligible Employer averaged 100 or fewer full-time employees in 2019, the Employee Retention Credit is based on qualified wages paid to any employees, regardless of whether they worked or not during any period of economic hardship (1) a full or partial suspension of operations as described above, or (2) a significant decline in gross receipts (i.e., employees who were and were not working, but were still paid).
Employers with more than 100 employees: If an Eligible Employer averaged more than 100 full-time employees on average in 2019, then the credit is allowed only for wages paid to employees who did not work during the calendar quarter due to either (1) a full or partial suspension of operations as described above, or (2) a significant decline in gross receipts. For these employers, qualified wages taken into account for an employee may not exceed what the employee would have been paid for working an equivalent duration during the 30 days immediately preceding the period of economic hardship
Note: For employers with more than 100 employees, paid time off (PTO), sick, and other time away from work as a result of existing employer leave policies do not count towards qualified wages. For more information on qualified wages and full-time employee definitions go to COVID-19-Related Employee Retention Credits: Determining Qualified Wages FAQs.
Application of the Employee Retention Credit. The credit is allowed against the employer portion of social security taxes under section 3111(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”), the credits are fully refundable because the Eligible Employer may get a refund if the amount of the credit is more than certain federal employment taxes the Eligible Employer owes.
How Do I Receive the Employee Retention Credit?
Paychex updated our software to include earnings codes that automatically take half of the wages entered and apply this amount to the credit up to $10,000 in wages for each employee. The credit is calculated at 50% of the eligible wages, up to a maximum of $5,000 per employee.
By reporting amounts through the earnings codes set up, we’ll calculate the credit and reduce your federal tax liability. Any excess amount will be carried over and applied as a credit to the next payroll. Any excess credit at the end of the quarter will be marked for a refund by the IRS on Form 941.
Are all wages eligible for the employee retention credit?
No. The following wages aren’t eligible for the employee retention credit:
- Paid Leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
- Paid family and medical leave credit (section 45S of the Internal Revenue Code)
- FICA exempt portion of employee wages (see example below)
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) (section 51 of the Internal RevenueCode) If this credit is claimed on a worker, none of their wages are eligible for the employee retention credit.
FICA Exempt Wages Shouldn’t be Included in the Employee Retention Credit
When you’re reporting the retention credit, only the FICA taxable portion of the wages should be entered in the information pay component.
For example, if a you paid $1000 to an employee for wages that are eligible for the credit, but there was a $100 FICA exempt deduction withheld from that payment, only $900 should be reported, as you’re only eligible to claim $900 in credit for those wages.
When reporting your payroll to Paychex, make sure you don’t include these wages in the Employee Retention Credit earnings codes.
For more information about interaction with other tax credits, go to COVID-19-Related Employee Retention Credits: Interaction with Other Credit and Relief Provisions FAQs.
Can I receive the Employee Retention Credit Using Form 7200?
Paychex will apply the amount of the credit to the federal tax liability, which in most cases is the quickest way to use the credit. If the amount of the credit exceeds the federal liability, and you choose not to carry the credit forward to the liability for the next check date, you can complete a Form 7200 to apply for an accelerated credit from the IRS.
Note: You must inform Paychex if you are filing a Form 7200. If you do not inform Paychex, we will continue to apply the credits to your next payroll, which may result in potential liability for your business and incorrect reporting on form 941.
Can I receive both the Paycheck Protection Plan Loan and the Employee Retention Credit under the CARES Act?
No. An Eligible Employer may not receive the Employee Retention Credit if the Eligible Employer receives a Small Business Interruption Loan under the Paycheck Protection Program that is authorized under the CARES Act (“Paycheck Protection Loan”). An Eligible Employer that receives a Paycheck Protection Loan cannot claim the Employee Retention Credits.
Can I receive Employee Retention Credits after the PPP loan is forgiven?
No. If you receive a PPP loan you may not receive an Employee Retention Credit, regardless of whether and when the loan is forgiven.
May I receive both the paid family and medical leave credit (section 45S of the Internal Revenue Code) and the Employee Retention Credit?
Note: Internal Revenue Code Section 45S provides a tax credit for employers who provide paid family and medical leave to their employees. Eligible employers may claim the credit, which is equal to a percentage of wages they pay to qualifying employees while they’re on family and medical leave.
Yes, but not for the same wage payments.
Any qualified wages for which an Eligible Employer claims the Employee Retention Credit may not be taken into account for purposes of determining a section 45S credit. You may not claim a credit under section 45S for wages you claimed the Employee Retention Credit on; however, you may be able to take the 45S Credit on additional wages paid.
Can I take health plan expenses as qualified wages for the employee retention credit?
Yes, but the requirements vary based on if the eligible employer has 100 or fewer full-time employees or more than 100 full-time employees in 2019.
- 100 or fewer full-time employees in 2019 – Yes, An Eligible Employer may treat its health plan expenses paid or incurred, after March 12, 2020, and before January 1, 2021, during any period in a calendar quarter in which the employer’s business operations are fully or partially suspended due to a governmental order or a calendar quarter in which the employer experiences a significant decline in gross receipts as qualified wages, subject to the maximum of $10,000 per employee for all calendar quarters for all qualified wages. Eligible Employers may treat health plan expenses allocable to the applicable periods as qualified wages even if the employees are not working and the Eligible Employer does not pay the employees any wages for the time they are not working.
- More than 100 full-time employees in 2019 - Yes. An Eligible Employer that averaged more than 100 full-time employees in 2019 may treat its health plan expenses paid or incurred, after March 12, 2020, and before January 1, 2021, allocable to the time that the employees are not providing services during any period in a calendar quarter in which the employer’s business operations are fully or partially suspended due to a governmental order or a calendar quarter in which the employer experiences a significant decline in gross receipts as qualified wages, subject to the maximum of $10,000 per employee for all calendar quarters for all qualified wages.
However, an Eligible Employer may not treat health plan expenses allocable to the time for which the employees are receiving wages for providing services as qualified wages; only the portion of health plan expenses allocable to the time that the employees are not providing services are treated as qualified wages.
Notes:
- If you are paying for health insurance for your employees without paying wages, you can still report those amounts as qualified wages under the Employee Retention Credit.
- If reported under the employee retention credit earning codes, Paychex systems are handling these amounts correctly.
For examples of both scenarios, you can go to to COVID-19-Related Employee Retention Credits: Amount of Allocable Qualified Health Plan Expenses FAQs
Where can I get additional information on COVID-19 Employee Retention Credits?
- Paychex WORX article: What is the Employee Retention Credit? How It Works and What Businesses Qualify
- The IRS published extensive FAQs about these credits on their website at FAQs: Employee Retention Credit under the CARES Act
- IRS Publication: New Employee Retention Credit helps employers keep employees on payroll
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Form 7200
Form 7200
When would a 7200 form be necessary?
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act both provide refundable tax credits for qualifying wages. There are three reasons you might file a Form 7200:
- Employee Retention Tax Credit (CARES Act)
- Refund of wages paid for qualified sick leave ((FFCRA)
- Refund of wages paid for qualified family leave (FFCRA)
Paychex will apply the amount of the credit to the federal tax liability, which in most cases is the quickest way to use the credit. If the amount of the credit exceeds the federal liability, and you choose not to carry the credit forward to the liability for the next check date, you can complete a Form 7200 to apply for an accelerated credit from the IRS. NOTE – you must inform Paychex if you are filing a Form 7200. If you do not inform Paychex, we will continue to apply the credits to their next payroll which may result in potential liability for your business.
Is Paychex processing the 7200 form for clients?
Yes, after you let us know that you’ve filed one or more Form(s) 7200.
To correctly report Form 7200 information on your second quarterly returns (941 returns and Schedule R for PEO clients) as required by the IRS, you must report the following information to Paychex as soon as possible, but no later than Tuesday, June 30, 2020:
- A copy of all Forms 7200 as soon as possible
- Contact name, phone number, and email address
- Date you filed the Form 7200
- Quarter Form 7200 was filed for
Important
You are not required to file Form 7200; Paychex will apply the amount of the credits to your federal tax liability, which in most cases is the quickest way to use the credit
If you file Form 7200, you must inform Paychex. If you do not inform Paychex, that you filed these forms, we may apply credits that you’ve already requested; you most likely will incur penalties assessed by the IRS.
Where can I get the Form 7200?
You can find Form 7200 and the instructions on the IRS website.
Does Paychex need to know if I submit a Form 7200?
Yes, Paychex will need to know of each Form 7200 that you submit so that we don’t also apply a credit that was requested, and so that we reflect it properly on the 941.
Can I file more than one Form 7200?
Yes. You can file as many Form 7200s as necessary to request excess credit amounts as an expedited refund through December 31, 2020.
How should I complete the Form 7200?
Please refer to the IRS instructions for completing Form 7200.
Is the Form 7200 related to both FFCRA and CARES?
Yes. Form 7200 can be used to apply for expedited refunds of credits related to sick leave wages and family leave wages (FFCRA) and also for the credits related to employee retention (CARES).
How can I submit a Form 7200?
You can fax the form to 855-248-0552.
Is there a minimum amount I can request on Form 7200?
Yes. The Internal Revenue Service (IRs) released new guidance stating that after July 2, 2020, Forms 7200, Advance Payment of Employer Credits Due to COVID-19, that are filed must request a minimum credit amount of $25.00. Any credit advance requested on the form that totals less than $25.00 will not be processed by the IRS. Any credit advance under $25 can be claimed by reducing a future deposit or claimed on Form 941 at the end of the quarter.
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Paychex operations
Paychex operations
Is Paychex still open?
Yes. Paychex is open for business even though some of our locations are closed.
For your health and safety as well as our employees, and to stay aligned with changing government regulations during the COVID-19 (also referred to as “coronavirus”) pandemic, some of our locations have temporarily closed.
We have instituted our Business Continuity Plan (BCP) so we can continue to help you with one of your top priorities – keeping your business running and paying your employees.
Are first quarter payroll taxes being delayed as a result of COVID-19?
According to our sources in Washington, DC, first quarter 2020 federal payroll tax filing and payments will not be delayed; therefore, we’re moving forward with our normal federal tax filing plans. If we learn otherwise, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
We are actively monitoring changes at the state level as well. As these changes are solidified, we will communicate them to you as soon as possible.
Please note that because of COVID-19, you cannot pick up your Quarter-End package at a Paychex branch location as our offices are temporarily closed. Be sure to contact your Paychex representative to verify or change your delivery method and mailing address if necessary.
What is Paychex's plan if some areas of the country are more impacted by COVID-19 than others?
With a national presence of more than 100 U.S. locations, our experienced emergency response team has detailed workflows in place to flexibly shift business functions to unimpacted locations should the need arise.
Can I still pick up my payroll at the Paychex office?
We have temporarily suspended pick up in our offices. We have alternatives – access all your payroll information online, get overnight delivery from a courier service, set up direct deposit or other payment methods, or receive your package through the U.S Mail. Contact your Paychex service representative for more information about these services.
Now more than ever, you and your employees need the security of knowing that payroll wages will be deposited on time as expected. This is the perfect time for you to set up employees without direct deposit for this service.
Additionally, we have flexible payroll payment options, such as Pay On Demand that allows employees easy access to earned wages, in advance of payday, at no cost to you.
Contact your Paychex service representative for more information about these services.
What if I can’t get through to my Paychex service representative?
We are actively mobilizing our teams to ensure that we are well-positioned to continue to provide best in class support during this crisis while protecting the health and safety of our employees.
We’ll make every effort to connect you with your assigned representative if you have one. We have a highly-qualified team in place to assist you with your payroll and HR questions, 24 hours a day.
Will someone call me for payroll like they normally do?
Your payroll reporting is “business as usual.” If you normally receive a call from Paychex to report your payroll, expect to receive a call on your regular day. If you normally call us at a regularly scheduled time, then continue to do so. Our call volume may be higher than normal, but we’ll attempt to call you at your usual time.
Is Paychex considered an “essential business”? Will you be able to stay open during any government restrictions?
We are committed to being there for you and will make necessary accommodations so that we can provide service to you and your employees while still following government regulations.
How are your systems being set up to handle sick leave under COVID-19?
We’re in the process of developing and testing software to support the leave that can be taken by eligible employees for qualifying reasons under FFCRA.
- Emergency Sick Leave – Employee Self-Care
- Emergency Sick Leave – Family Care
- Expanded Family Medical Leave
If circumstances require you to pay wages before software changes are implemented, we’ll work with you to pay the wages now and manually update our systems.
We’ll send another message closer to the release of the software changes to give you additional detail about how these earnings will be reported in our systems.
Will I still be able to get my Quarter-End package?
Yes. However, because of COVID-19, you cannot pick up your Quarter-End package at a Paychex branch location as our offices are closed to the public until further notice. Be sure to contact your Paychex representative to verify or change your delivery method and mailing address if necessary. We can also convert you to paperless reports, which is a fast and easy way to receive your reports each quarter. (To receive paperless reports for the first quarter, you must contact us by April 2.)
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Payroll processing
Payroll processing
Can I run payroll while working remotely?
You can easily run payroll from anywhere through Paychex Flex® and our mobile app while saving time on payroll-related tasks. This gives you time to focus on other things, such as checking on your employees’ well-being.
You’ll be able to:
- Enter and submit payroll using self-service functionality in as few as two clicks
- View critical data at a glance, such as check dates and cash required for your next payroll
- Set up direct deposit, so your business can pay employees on time
- Track hours for employees working remotely
- Run reports, such as your payroll journal, cash requirements, and tax deposit notices
You can also give your employees the freedom to:
- View paystubs online
- Set up or change direct deposit
- Update their banking information
- Update their personal contact information (phone, email, address) to help with contingency planning
- Check time-off balances
I would like to start using the Paychex online application to report payroll, what do I need to do?
Contact your Paychex service representative, they’ll work with you to set up our online payroll application, Paychex Flex.
How do I set up direct deposit for my employees who don’t currently use it?
If you use our Paychex Flex online payroll service, you can add/change employee direct deposit information using these instructions. Employees can add/modify their direct deposit accounts through their self-service Paychex Flex account.
If you don’t use Paychex Flex, contact your payroll service representative.
How can I track time for employees working remotely?
Paychex Flex Time includes functionality that can automate time-and-attendance tracking for remote employees.
You’ll get help with:
- Staying compliant with overtime laws and regulations
- Quickly assessing operational needs through manager dashboard updates in real-time
- Allowing employees to easily record time, check schedules, approve and review time cards through employee self-service
- Offering punch in options that meet your employee’s needs, such as mobile, web, and talent
- Determining how resources and time are spent with greater precision
I need to pay an employee for a pay period that crosses over April 1, 2020. How do I handle that?
For any wages for March 31, 2020, and before, employees should be paid for worked time as usual. If they were unable to work for any reason, including reasons attributed to COVID-19 (personal health, to care for a child impacted by school and daycare closures, or under quarantine), employees are to be paid using available sick and paid time off (PTO) time.
For example: Weekly pay period that starts on Sunday, March 29, 2020, and ends on Saturday, April 4, 2020, with a check dated Wednesday, April 8:
- The pay for Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday (March 31) should be paid as sick, PTO, or earned work hours.
- Pay for Wednesday (April 1) through Saturday (April 4) should be paid under the new earnings.
This is applicable only to eligible employees unable to work or telework due to a qualifying reason stated in the FFCRA.
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Quarter-End/Tax Returns
Quarter-End/Tax Returns
Are first quarter payroll taxes being delayed as a result of COVID-19?
According to our sources in Washington, DC, first quarter 2020 federal payroll tax filing and payments will not be delayed; therefore, we’re moving forward with our normal federal tax filing plans. If we learn otherwise, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
We are actively monitoring changes at the state level as well. As these changes are solidified, we will communicate them to you as soon as possible.
Please note that because of COVID-19, you cannot pick up your Quarter-End package at a Paychex branch location as our offices are temporarily closed. Be sure to contact your Paychex representative to verify or change your delivery method and mailing address if necessary.
Will I still be able to get my Quarter-End package?
Yes. However, because of COVID-19, you cannot pick up your Quarter-End package at a Paychex branch location as our offices are closed to the public until further notice. Be sure to contact your Paychex representative to verify or change your delivery method and mailing address if necessary. We can also convert you to paperless reports, which is a fast and easy way to receive your reports each quarter.
Will the second quarter Form 941 be updated to report the COVID-19 related employer tax credits?
The IRS is in the process of updating the second quarter 2020 Form 941 return to include COVID-19 related employer tax credits. The IRS released a draft copy of the return. Paychex is in the process of updating our software and we’ll be ready to report your wages and tax liability correctly on the return.
I’m not on your Taxpay service and I normally file my Form 941 on paper, can I do that for first quarter 2020?
In a continuing effort to protect employees, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has closed Service Centers and has very limited services available. As a result of these closures, the IRS will not be processing paper returns until the centers reopen. The IRS is directing all taxpayers to use electronic means for filing and communicating with the agency
As a result, any Forms 941 sent on paper for first quarter 2020 will not be processed until the IRS reopens. The IRS is not expecting to issue any notices relating to these returns. Until the returns are processed, they will not appear on any transcripts for employers.
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Financial assistance tools and resources
Financial assistance tools and resources
What tools or resources are available to help with cash flow or financial assistance?
Paychex gives customers access to many financial wellness tools to help employees receive the financial assistance they need when they need it.
For employees
- Pay-on-Demand gives employees on-demand, real-time access to earned income with no fees to employees for transactions as of the article publication date
- Through our financial wellness program available to all clients at no cost, FinFit offers short-term employee loans for emergencies along with financial consulting and other services
- Access to retirement savings in a crisis through either a loan or hardship withdrawal
For customers:
- Federal Disaster Loans for Businesses through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Several states have now declared COVID-19 as a disaster to provide eligibility for these loans.
- Small Business Loan Center offers access to working capital loans for your business with funds in as fast as 72 hours.
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Health insurance, HSAs, and FSAs
Health insurance, HSAs, and FSAs
How may the Families First Coronavirus Response Act affect my business and employees?
The federal government has passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act into law in response to the public health emergency created by COVID-19. This legislation covers family and medical leave, paid sick leave, and payroll taxes. For specific details, read the Families First Coronavirus Response Act FAQs and read the Paychex WORX article, Funding, tax credits, and paid leave laws expanded to respond to COVID-19 pandemic.
Is COVID-19 screening and diagnostic testing covered by my health benefits package?
Many health insurers are responding to the threat of COVID-19 by offering members no-cost screening and diagnostic testing. Please contact your insurance provider or visit their website for detailed information.
Several of our carrier partners have specific COVID-19 information and policies. A few of them are listed here. Be sure to check your carrier’s website for more detail:
Is there anything employees currently without health insurance can do?
Certain states have recently announced an individual market special enrollment period for qualified individuals currently without health insurance. Other states may soon follow. Paychex has a team that specializes in helping employees find coverage that fits their individual insurance needs.
- California
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Nevada
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Washington
Do Medicare and Medicaid provide COVID-19 coverage?
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued FAQs that intend to clarify how COVID-19 coverage applies to Essential Health Benefits. Note that EHBs may vary by state, and cost-sharing requirements may vary by plan.
Can HSA participants use their funds to pay for testing and treatment?
HSA participants can use their accounts to pay for qualified medical costs, such as COVID-19 treatment. Regarding carriers and what’s allowed to maintain an HSA-qualified plan, the IRS has announced that high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) can pay for COVID-19-related treatment before the deductible applies without jeopardizing their plan status. This means that an individual with an HDHP that covers these costs may continue to contribute to a health savings account (HSA).
If I am forced to close my business does my General Liability policy or Business owner policy cover business interruption costs?
Please contact your insurance carrier directly for specific coverage information.
If I am ordered to self-quarantine, is that covered under New York State Disability?
Please contact your insurance carrier directly for specific coverage information.
How is Paychex handling the IRS COVID-19 Guidance from the IRS on Close Out Periods for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)?
Closeout Period - To comply with the IRS guidance and help ensure participants can use their 2019 balances for claim reimbursement, Paychex automatically updated clients' plans 2019 closeout period to end August 31, 2020, rather than March 31, 2020. For your convenience, we’ve included this email for you to communicate the closeout period extension to your employees
How is Paychex handling the IRS COVID-19 Guidance from the IRS on Mid-Year Election Changes for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)?
Mid-Year Election Changes - The new guidance permits mid-year plan election changes in 2020 for health flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) and dependent care assistance programs. The changes, which would require an amendment to your FSA plan, are intended to help employees who may see an increase or decrease in dependent care costs or medical expenses due to the pandemic and its related events.
Please note: Elections can’t be decreased to less than the year-to-date claims paid amount.
In accordance with the IRS notice, you have the option to amend your 2020 plan to allow for mid-year election changes. If you elect to do so, you will need to complete this form and return it to Paychex using the contact information indicated. Paychex will then send you amendment paperwork by year's end to formally adopt the election changes.
Note: You must use Google Chrome as your internet browser to open this form.
How is Paychex handling the IRS COVID-19 Guidance from the IRS on Mid-Year Election Changes for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)?
Grace Period - In accordance with the notice, we are enabling clients who have FSA grace periods to amend their 2019 plan to extend the 2019 Grace Period to December 31, 2020, with a closeout period of January 15, 2021.
If you elect to extend your grace period, you will need to complete this form and return it to Paychex using the contact information indicated. Paychex will then send you amendment paperwork by year's end to formally adopt the Grace Period extension and election changes.
Note: You must use Google Chrome as your internet browser to open this form.
How is Paychex handling the economic stimulus provisions available for Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) plans based on The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021, signed into law in December 2020?
The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 (the Act), signed into law in December, provides economic stimulus provisions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We wanted to make you aware of provisions included in this spending bill that are available for your Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) plans.
Options Available
- FSA Medical Carryover - According to our records, your plan offers the Carryover Provision which allows participants to carryover up to $550 in contributions to the next plan year. In accordance with the Act, we are enabling you to amend your plan to allow participants to carryover any unused benefits from 2020 to 2021 and from 2021 to 2022 plan years.
- Dependent Care Assistance Carryover- You can elect to amend your plan so that participants may now carryover any unused funds from their 2020 Dependent Care Assistance account to the 2021 plan year and from the 2021 to the 2022 plan year.
- Dependent Care Assistance Age Extension- You may amend your plan so that participants who had a dependent who attained age 14 during the pandemic (typically reimbursements would cease after attaining age 13) may continue to receive reimbursements of any unspent funds for childcare for plan year 2020, and any unspent funds at the end of the 2020 plan year may be carried over to 2021.
- Mid-Year Election Changes - The Act continues to permit mid-year plan election changes in 2021 for health flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) and dependent care assistance programs. The changes, which would require an amendment to your FSA plans, are intended to help employees who may see an increase or decrease in dependent care costs or medical expenses due to the pandemic and its related events.
Please Note: Elections cannot be decreased to less than the year-to-date claims paid amount. - Post-termination Reimbursement from Unreimbursed Medical FSA- The Act will allow you to amend your plan so that participants who have ceased participation during 2020 or 2021 may continue to receive reimbursements through the end of the plan year in which they ceased participation. This extends their ability to submit claims from the typical 90-day closeout period until the end of the plan year.
- Grace Period - Per our records, your FSA plan offers a Grace Period and has participants who have leftover 2020 balances. In accordance with the Act, we are enabling you to amend your 2020 and 2021 plans to allow the extension of the grace period for both plan years 2020 and 2021 to 12 months after the end of the plan year (typically 2½ months following the end of the plan year) for any amounts unspent at the end of the plan year.
Please review the options above, complete the attached type form link, and submit it to Paychex to indicate which options you would like to implement for your FSA plan.
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Once we receive the form, Paychex will update our system with the changes, and send you plan amendment paperwork by the end of 2021 to formally adopt the election changes.
If you have any questions, please email us at PaychexBenefitAccount@paychex.com
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Workers' Compensation
Workers' Compensation
Will workers’ compensation cover COVID-19 illness if contracted at work or during work-related travel?
Please contact your insurance carrier directly for specific coverage information. Some of our partner links are listed here:
Is there any change to workers’ compensation insurance for businesses with employees who begin to work remotely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic?
The proposed California regulations would apply when employees’ job duties change as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. If an employee begins to work remotely in California and the job duties remain unchanged, there is no need to change job classification. However, if an employee’s job duties change or if an employee ceases working, but continues to be paid, then the job classification may need to be changed, subject to state regulations.
If an employee begins to work remotely from a different state, the employer should work with their insurance representative to ensure that their workers’ compensation insurance extends to that location.
What happens if an employee who is being paid, but isn’t working, files a workers’ compensation claim during this time?
It is important for employers to be aware that claims may not be paid in cases where payroll was excluded from premium payments.
Is there anything businesses need to do now to prepare?
It will be important to keep excellent records that track this information. Businesses may want to consider beginning to track employees and wages that fall into these categories now, so that if/when these changes go into effect, they will be prepared.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic and related regulations affected workers’ compensation insurance premiums?
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many states have announced changes or proposed changes that may affect workers’ compensation insurance class codes. These vary, but most include the ability for businesses to temporarily reclassify for the purposes of workers’ compensation coverage employees who are being paid but not working, and some states allow businesses to reclassify employees temporarily reassigned to clerical roles.
How have California workers' compensation insurance regulations changed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic?
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state of California has announced proposed changes that may affect workers’ compensation insurance class codes and premium payments:
Allow exclusion of payroll of employees who are not working but still receiving pay from the premium calculation.
- For businesses that continue to pay employees while they are not working as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the affected employees’ payroll could be excluded from workers’ compensation premium charges. The class code for these employees would be temporarily changed to 0012. This will stay in place until 30 days after the stay-at-home order has been lifted.
Allow assignment of classification 8810 for a temporary change in duties.
- For businesses that reassign employees to a clerical job, the employees’ payroll could be reclassified to the clerical class code of 8810. The payroll that is reclassified will be charged at the lower workers’ compensation rate the state has assigned to this class code. This does not apply to employees already in a class code that includes clerical work in the description. This is a one-time change and will remain in place until 60 days after the stay-at-home order has been lifted.
Which businesses would these changes apply to?
These changes would apply to businesses with employees who work in California. Businesses should contact their insurance representative for details on how this legislation affects them and to ensure their employees are properly coded.
These changes are retroactive to the date when the stay-at-home order began (March 19, 2020), or when the business was first affected, whichever is later. For example, when employees ceased working, but continued to be paid wages, or when employees were reclassified to a new class code. Employers should work with their insurance representative to identify when their exposure began and keep separate, accurate and verifiable records to track this information.
How have Delaware workers’ compensation insurance regulations changed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic?
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Delaware Compensation Rating Bureau has announced changes that may affect workers’ compensation insurance class codes and premium payments:
- Allow exclusion of payroll of employees who are not working but still receiving pay from the premium calculation.
For businesses that continue to pay employees while they are not working as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the payroll of affected employees may be excluded from workers’ compensation premium charges. The class code for these employees would be temporarily changed to 1212. - Allow assignment of classification 953 for a temporary change in duties.
For businesses that reassign employees to a clerical job, the employees’ payroll may be reclassified to the class code of 953. This class code includes telecommuting. The change also allows for reclassification to other codes as appropriate due to temporary COVID-related job changes. The payroll that is reclassified will be charged at the lower workers’ compensation rate the state has assigned to this class code.
These changes are retroactive to April 1, 2020, or when the business was first affected, whichever is later. For example, when employees ceased working, but continued to be paid wages, or when employees were reclassified to a new class code. It will be important for businesses to keep separate, accurate, and verifiable records that track this information.
These exceptions will remain in effect until December 31, 2020. This expiration date is subject to change as circumstances warrant. However, once normal business operations resume, appropriate class codes should be used.
Businesses should reach out to their insurance representative for information on their specific situation.
How have New Jersey workers’ compensation insurance regulations changed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic?
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state of New Jersey has announced changes that may affect workers’ compensation insurance class codes and premium payments:
- Allow exclusion of payroll of employees who are not working but still receiving pay from the premium calculation.
For businesses that continue to pay employees while they are not working as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the affected employees’ payroll may be excluded from workers’ compensation premium charges. The class code for these employees would be temporarily changed to 0012. - Allow assignment of classification 8810 for a temporary change in duties.
For businesses that reassign employees to a clerical job, the employees’ payroll may be reclassified to the clerical class code of 8810. The payroll that is reclassified will be charged at the lower workers’ compensation rate the state has assigned to this class code. This does not apply to employees already in a class code that includes clerical work in the description.
These changes are retroactive to March 21, 2020, or when the business was first affected, whichever is later. For example, when employees ceased working but continued to be paid wages, or when employees were reclassified to a new class code. Clients should work with their insurance representative to identify when their exposure began. It will be important to keep separate, accurate, and verifiable records that track this information.
The changes will remain in effect during the stay-at-home emergency order, and, if appropriate, for such limited time thereafter as is necessary for the employer to return to standard business operations, not to exceed 45 days after the emergency order has been lifted.
Businesses should reach out to their insurance representative for information on their specific situation.
How have New York state workers’ compensation insurance regulations changed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic?
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the New York Compensation Insurance Rating Board issued a bulletin with changes effective May 1, 2020, for new and renewal policies, and effective March 16, 2020, for in-force policies, that will remain in effect for up to 30 days after the New York state stay-at-home order is lifted.
The Board has established a new class code, 8873, Telecommuter Reassigned Employees, that can be applied to the payroll of workers who have been temporarily reassigned to clerical duties, as well as to those who continue to be paid while home not working. The rate of this new class code will mirror that of 8810, Clerical, which has the lowest associated premium rate.
The order also clarifies that workers who are currently classified under 8871, Telecommuter Clerical Employees, are to remain there as the new code is designed to address temporary situations due to COVID-19 only.
Businesses should reach out to their insurance representative for information on their specific situation.
How have Pennsylvania workers’ compensation insurance regulations changed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic?
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pennsylvania Compensation Rating Bureau announced changes that may affect workers’ compensation insurance class codes and premium payments:
- Allow exclusion of payroll of employees who are not working but still receiving pay from the premium calculation.
For businesses that continue to pay employees while they are not working as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the payroll of affected employees may be excluded from workers’ compensation premium charges. The class code for these employees would be temporarily changed to 1212. - Allow assignment of classification 953 for a temporary change in duties.
For businesses that reassign employees to a clerical job, the employees’ payroll may be reclassified to the class code of 953. This class code includes telecommuting. The change also allows for reclassification to other codes as appropriate due to temporary COVID-related job changes. The payroll that is reclassified will be charged at the lower workers’ compensation rate the state has assigned to this class code.
These changes are retroactive to April 1, 2020, or when the business was first affected, whichever is later. For example, when employees ceased working but continued to be paid wages, or when employees were reclassified to a new class code. It will be important for businesses to keep separate, accurate, and verifiable records that track this information.
These exceptions will remain in effect until December 31, 2020. This expiration date is subject to change as circumstances warrant. However, once normal business operations resume, appropriate class codes should be used.
Businesses should reach out to their insurance representative for information on their specific situation.
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Human resources
Human resources
Where can I find support for human resources?
For customers using our HR Services offerings, please contact your Paychex HR professional.
I will be furloughing some or all my employees. How will Paychex PEO handle this?
Consider leaving furloughed employees as active in payroll – we do not currently have a Leave of Absence (LOA) status that would apply to this scenario, so it is not recommended to place employees on leave.
If you offer PEO benefits, these will continue to be offered for active employees. See "I am furloughing my employees and keeping their PEO account active. What happens to their benefits?" for more information on the monthly Benefit True-Up process.
I will be running payroll in March/April, but it will include a lower employee count. How will the PEO handle this?
If you can process at least one payroll in April, the PEO account will remain open – then again into May, and so on. We will be as accommodating as possible. We understand this payroll may include significantly fewer employees than your typical payroll.
I have given my notice to leave Paychex PEO. What should I do?
We believe you will need us now more than ever, so our goals continue to be, showing value and retaining your business. Call us and give us an opportunity to talk to you.
As the end of a co-employment relationship is not a COBRA-eligible event, active employees at the time the PEO account is ended will not be eligible for COBRA.
I’m letting-go employees, what happens to their benefits?
PEO benefits for employees who are let go will run through the last day of the month in which they are let go. COBRA notices will automatically be sent within 14 days of the discontinued employment being entered in payroll. Example: if an employee is let go on 3/20, benefits will terminate on 3/31. If you self-retain benefits, you should contact your broker/administrator for direction.
I am furloughing my employees and keeping their PEO account active. What happens to their benefits?
If you leave the employees active and continue running payroll, benefits will remain active and you would be responsible for the missed premiums through the monthly Benefit True-Up process.
The March Benefit True-Up will run on 4/7 and deduct on 4/17. The April Benefit True-Up will run on 5/5 and deduct on 5/15 (and so on). You can determine if you will require employees to pay back missed premiums or if you will cover those costs. This would provide a “float” of the premiums while keeping benefits in place. This is the most common way to continue benefits for furloughed employees.
When I’m ready to rehire employees that were let go, would the benefits waiting period still apply?
If the employee is reinstated within 30 days of the date employment is discontinued, benefits are automatically reinstated without a waiting period, effective the first of the month following the date employment is discontinued to avoid a lapse in coverage. If there is a break in service of more than 30 days, the employee would serve a new waiting period.
Example: an employee is let go on 3/20 and rehired on 4/5; benefits would be reinstated 4/1, missed premiums would be deducted on the monthly Benefit True-Up statement, if applicable.
I will be reducing employees’ hours, potentially to below 30 hours/week. How will my benefits be affected?
You are responsible for determining Full Time (FT)/Part Time (PT) status, tracking changes to employee average hours worked and making updates to FT/PT status in payroll. Under the benefit plans offered through the PEO, if you change an employee from FT to PT, their benefits will terminate on the last day of the month in which the change is effective. An employee who works at least 30 hours a week is full-time under the PEO plan. A small dip in average hours worked does not necessarily require a change to FT/PT status. We recommended that you use discretion when making changes to an EE’s FT/PT status during this time. If you self-retain benefits, you should contact your broker/administrator for direction.
Keep in mind that Applicable Large Employer (ALE) under the Affordable Care Act’s Employer Shared Responsibility (ESR) provisions have additional considerations. An ALE that utilizes the Look-Back Measurement Method must offer adequate and affordable coverage to employees determined to be full-time employees for the duration of the stability period or risk potentially being assessed a penalty if a full-time employee receives a premium tax credit when purchasing insurance in a government marketplace. An offer of COBRA coverage qualifies as an offer of coverage for ESR purposes but is less likely to be affordable under ESR provisions, putting the ALE at risk of an assessment.
Note: If employees don’t have enough gross wages to cover their benefit premiums, they will not be deducted. Premiums will be captured on your monthly Benefit True-Up statement. See "When I’m ready to rehire employees that were let go, would the benefits waiting period still apply?"
How will the pending regulations (Families First Coronavirus Response Act – HB6021, etc.) affect me?
We will continue to monitor the progression of regulations through development and enactment. We do not anticipate the co-employment relationship to have an impact on your requirement and/or ability to comply. You should determine if you are required to comply with any current or future COVID-19 regulations. Please work with your HR Coach on these matters.
Will PEO-sponsored short- and long-term disability plans work in coordination with any other pay (state disability, proposed PSL/FMLA, etc.)?
No, Short-Term Disability (STD)/Long-Term Disability (LTD) plans do not coordinate with any other benefits.
If I need to lay off my employees, would they still be covered for health insurance?
Termination and a reduction in hours are considered COBRA qualifying events. If employees are no longer be eligible for the group health plan because of termination or reduction in hours, they would likely be eligible for COBRA or state continuation of health insurance coverage. Note that in the case of a layoff that is intended to be temporary, employers should review their plan documents or speak with their account manager or insurance agent to determine if and how long employees may stay on their group health plan before coverage is terminated.
- If you process payroll through Paychex and you subscribe to our COBRA administration service, entering a termination in our payroll system will trigger sending your affected employees a notification from us of their right to enroll in COBRA or state continuation of coverage.
- If you don’t subscribe to our COBRA administration service, please consult your COBRA administrator for information on how to notify your affected employees.
- If you are a Paychex Insurance Agency client, please contact your account manager with any questions. If you are a PaychexOne, Oasis, or HROi client, please contact your HR representative with any questions. If you are a BeneTrac client, please contact your account manager or account executive with any questions.
How do I file a claim for unemployment insurance (UI)?
Eligible workers must file claims through their applicable state’s unemployment insurance website.
For information on state-specific eligibility requirements, how to apply for, and how to file unemployment insurance claims, please visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s website.
What type of information do I need in order to file for unemployment benefits?
Specific information that is required to apply for unemployment benefits may vary by state, however, the information that is generally required includes:
- Up-to-date personal contact information
- Name and dates of previous employment
- Most recent paystubs
- Amount of any separation pay (severance, vacation, etc.)
- A specific reason for filing for unemployment
For more information, please visit your applicable state’s unemployment insurance website.
Is unemployment insurance a state or federal program?
Unemployment insurance is a shared state and federal program. Although each state has its own unemployment insurance program, all states abide by the same general guidelines set by federal law.
What is the typical turnaround time for a SUI Claim?
It generally takes two to three weeks to receive the first benefit check after filing a claim. Due to the increased number of claims filed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, turnaround times may be longer than normal.
Please visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s website or your applicable state’s unemployment insurance website for more information.
Is there a resource for my employees that describes where to go and how to file for unemployment?
Employees must file claims through their applicable state’s unemployment insurance website or by phone. We’ve created a state-by-state breakdown to help direct you to your applicable state’s COVID-19 resource pages.
Can my employees work partial hours and be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits at the same time?
Yes, employees working reduced or partial hours may be eligible to receive supplemental unemployment benefits. Eligible employees must meet specific state requirements before receiving unemployment benefits.
For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s website, or check with your applicable state's unemployment insurance office or website.
Will Paychex be sending out updates on how to apply for emergency unemployment that might become available in the different states?
Yes, that’s why we’ve created a state-by-state breakdown to help direct you to your applicable state’s COVID-19 resource pages. These resources contain up-to-date information on unemployment insurance benefits, as well as general FAQs, on other programs available during this time.
What do I need to do to help my employees that were partially or fully laid off (temporarily or permanently) apply for unemployment insurance?
Any employee who has been partially or fully laid off (temporarily or permanently) should be directed to your applicable state’s unemployment website, with instructions on how to file an unemployment claim and what information is required. Our state-by-state breakdown was created to help direct individuals to their applicable state’s COVID-19 resource pages.
When partially or fully laying off (temporarily or permanently), it is important to remember that, when terminating an employee from the system, that the process is completed in a timely manner. This will help provide us with important information required to respond to unemployment claims timely and accurately. Such information includes the employee’s first and last day worked, job title, rate of pay and the reason for the separation.
Ensuring we have up-to-date contact information is also important when utilizing Paychex for administrative support with claims processing.
What is my Paychex PEO account number?
Paychex PEO account numbers are not provided to our clients. We understand that some states are requiring PEO account numbers when a claimant is filing, however, we advise employees to put “on file” when the account number is requested.
Is paid time off (PTO) considered disqualifying pay?
Disqualifying income varies by state. To determine what types of payments are considered disqualifying, please visit your applicable state’s unemployment insurance website.
The CARES Act now provides eligible individuals with an additional $600 a week on top of normal weekly unemployment benefits. Will this affect the unemployment assistance currently awarded to me by the state?
The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program (FPUC) under the CARES Act provides an eligible individual with $600 per week in addition to the weekly benefit amount received from certain other unemployment compensation programs and is administered through a voluntary agreement between the state and the department. The cost of these additional $600 payments to eligible individuals is 100% federally funded and states may not charge employers for any of the FPUC benefits paid as to impact the employer's experience rating.
Are over-the-counter medications eligible for reimbursement through a flexible spending account (FSA)?
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications purchased after December 31, 2019, no longer require a prescription to be eligible for reimbursement through an FSA, Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), or Health Savings Account (HSA). The new CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act) passed on March 27, 2020, overturned the section of the Affordable Care Act that prohibited FSAs, HRAs, and HSAs from reimbursing expenses for OTC medical products. The new law also allows menstrual care products purchased after December 31, 2019, to be treated as qualified medical expenses. Menstrual care products include: tampons, pads, liners, cups, sponges, or other similar products used for menstruation.
The preceding information is considered accurate as of April 9, 2020, but is subject to change.
Where can I find training resources on COVID-19 for my company and employees?
We’ve added training courses to the Paychex Learning solution in Paychex Flex, including topics such as important precautionary and prevention measures, business continuity, and communication strategies.
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401(k) and retirement
401(k) and retirement
Where can I find support for my retirement plan?
For customers using Paychex Retirement Services offerings, please contact a Paychex representative or visit our customer support page.
How do I know if an employee is eligible for 401(k) relief under the CARES Act?
To qualify for CARES Act 401(k) loan and distribution relief, the request must be related to Coronavirus (COVID-19), self-certified by the participant, and confirmed by the plan administrator. A participant will be a qualifying individual if any of the following conditions are met:
- He or she, a spouse, or dependent was diagnosed with COVID-19.
- He or she experienced adverse financial consequences because of quarantine, furlough, lay off, reduced work hours, or lack of child care due to COVID-19.
- The participant's own business was closed or had to reduce operating hours because of COVID-19.
Note: COVID-19 related distribution relief (not a hardship distribution) is available for employees who are active, terminated, or on leave of absence.
How do I confirm or certify that an employee is eligible for CARES Act relief?
The Plan Administrator must sign a self-certification statement that will be included in all Paychex COVID-19 related distribution or loan paperwork. Your plan participant will receive an electronic form from Paychex via DocuSign. Once the participant completes and signs the form it will be automatically forwarded to you through email, from DocuSign, to sign electronically.
How does the CARES Act Impact Retirement Plan Loans?
If your retirement plan offers loans and the participant qualifies for CARES Act relief, the following changes apply:
- The maximum loan amount for loans issued between March 27 and September 23, 2020, was increased to the lesser of 100% of a participant’s vested account balance or $100,000 (minus any outstanding loan balances).
- Participants who have new loan balances between March 27 and December 31, 2020, can defer repayments for up to one year.
Can a participant stop repayments on an existing loan?
Participants who qualify for CARES Act relief and held a retirement plan loan balance between March 27 and December 31, 2020, can defer existing loan repayments for up to one year. The delayed timeframe will be disregarded from the loan amortization schedule.
How does the CARES Act Impact Retirement Plan Distributions?
Qualifying participants can take a distribution of up to $100,000, between January 1 and December 31, 2020, from a qualified retirement plan.
The CARES Act waives the 10% early withdrawal penalty for anyone under age 59 ½. Also, participants can request reduced or 0% tax withholding from the distribution and spread the tax liability over a three-year period. Without specific election, the standard withholding is 10% federal tax. All relevant information will be included on their Paychex paperwork.
Does COVID-19 qualify as an eligible hardship expense?
If your retirement plan offers hardship withdrawals, and the state in which the qualifying plan participant resides (or is employed) is declared a federal disaster area by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the participant may be eligible for a 401(k) hardship withdrawal for expenses and losses incurred because of the disaster. FEMA is updating the state list regularly at fema.gov/disasters.
How does the CARES Act Impact Required Minimum Distributions (RMD)?
RMDs are suspended for 2020 for all qualifying RMD retirement plan and IRA participants required to withdraw funds from such retirement accounts between January 1 and December 31, 2020 (including required beginning date distributions for April 1, 2020).
Can a 401(k) plan participant refinance an existing plan loan?
Paychex does not allow for refinancing or increasing existing loan amounts. The plan would have to allow for two loans, and the participant would need to take a second loan if desired.
Can an employer suspend retirement plan participant contributions for 401(k) temporarily?
Plan administrators can notify their plan participants that they can update their payroll deferrals to 0% via the Paychex Retirement Services website. Participants can then adjust that deferral any time they see fit.
Can an employer suspend 401(k) plan match contributions temporarily? Is it different for safe harbor and non-safe harbor?
If the 401(k) plan employer match is not a Safe Harbor match, the plan administrator can amend the plan to stop the employer match immediately and restart at a later time. If the plan is Safe Harbor, participants will need 30 days advance notice of the change that the match and Safe Harbor will be discontinued. The plan will also be subject to ADP/ACP compliance testing for the plan year. Safe Harbor plans cannot restart the match until the following plan year.
Look for Updates
Paychex is here, ready, and able to support you through the COVID-19 pandemic. Look for updates from us as new information becomes available.
For more about how you can respond to COVID-19 and other disruptive scenarios, please contact your Paychex representative, visit our Coronavirus Help Center, or reach out to us through one of the following support options.