NerdWallet: How to apply for the second round of PPP loans for small businesses

This article is reprinted by permission from NerdWallet. 

Small businesses hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic can soon receive a second forgivable loan under the newly revived Paycheck Protection Program. Congress designated $137 billion for “second-draw” loans as part of a larger funding and relief package. The bill, signed into law on Dec. 27, includes a total of $284.5 billion for PPP loans.

Businesses that need help beyond their initial loan will be able to apply for a second loan, provided they can show substantial revenue decline and meet other requirements detailed below. The SBA has not yet provided an exact date for when the program will reopen, but it will close on March 31, 2021. Business owners who plan to apply for a second PPP loan should gather the necessary information as soon as possible.

Learn more: ‘New and improved’ PPP loans help small businesses hard hit by COVID-19 — but there’s a deadline to get the money

In an attempt to give priority to underserved businesses, including minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses, only loan applications from community financial institutions will be accepted for the first two days when the PPP loan portal initially reopens.

Here’s everything we know now about second-draw PPP loans.

Who qualifies for second-draw PPP loans

If you or your business received an initial PPP loan, you may qualify for a second round of funding, provided you meet the following requirements:

• Have no more than 300 employees.
• Have used or will use the full amount of your first PPP loan.
• Can show a drop of at least 25% in annual gross receipts or for any quarter of 2020, compared with the same quarter in 2019.
• Have not permanently closed. Businesses that have temporarily closed or suspended operations can receive a second-draw loan.

Second-draw PPP loans are available to businesses, certain nonprofits, self-employed individuals, independent contractors, sole proprietors, housing cooperatives, small agricultural cooperatives, veterans’ organizations and tribal businesses.

More: Latest round of PPP funding targets mom-and-pop businesses

Businesses that receive a Save Our Stages grant cannot receive additional PPP loans.

How much you can receive for a second PPP loan

The formula for second-draw PPP loans is similar to that of initial loans: Borrowers can receive up to 2.5 times their average monthly payroll costs. Average monthly payroll costs can be calculated using one of the following:

• The 12 months prior to the loan.
• Calendar year 2019.
• Calendar year 2020.

Seasonal businesses (typically operating for less than seven months in a calendar year) and new businesses in operation on Feb. 15, 2020, but not open for a full 12 months, will use a separate formula to calculate average monthly payroll.

• Seasonal businesses: Average total monthly payroll for any 12-week period between Feb. 15, 2019, and Feb. 15, 2020.
• New businesses: Total payroll costs divided by the number of months those costs were paid out.

Hotels, restaurants and other accommodation and food service businesses can borrow up to 3.5 times their average monthly payroll costs.

Unlike initial loans, the maximum amount for second-draw PPP loans is just $2 million. First-time PPP loans max out at $10 million.

How the money can be used

Second-draw funds are forgivable, provided they are spent on covered costs, including:

• Payroll costs, including paid sick leave and group insurance benefits provided by the employer.
• Operating costs, including payments for mortgage, rent, utilities, software, and human resources and accounting needs.
• Property damage sustained during protests and disturbances in 2020, unless covered by insurance.
• Payments to a supplier covering contracts and purchase orders in effect before taking out the second-draw loan.
• Personal protective equipment and modification made to meet health and safety requirements.

At least 60% of the total loan amount must be used on payroll expenses to qualify for full loan forgiveness.

How to apply

To apply for a second-draw PPP loan, businesses will need to submit documents to verify payroll costs and revenue loss, such as tax forms or bank statements.

You can avoid some paperwork by using the same lender for first- and second-draw loans, provided you use payroll figures from calendar year 2019 when applying for the second loan. Check with your lender to see if it is planning to offer second-draw loans.

Borrowers seeking $150,000 or less don’t need to prove revenue loss when they apply for a second-draw loan but will need to do so to apply for loan forgiveness.

Loan forgiveness

Second-draw loan funds can be forgiven if they are used on covered costs within 8 to 24 weeks of receiving your loan. The exact time frame is determined when you apply for your loan. At least 60% of the total second-draw loan must be used on payroll expenses to qualify for full loan forgiveness. Up to 40% can be used on other covered expenses detailed above.

Related: A cruel winter: New York City restaurants struggle for survival amid second indoor dining ban

Business owners who borrow $150,000 or less can submit a one-page certification that details the following:

• The number of employees they retained as a result of the loan.
• An estimate of how much of the loan was spent on payroll costs.
• The total loan amount.
• Proof of qualifying revenue loss, if not already provided to the lender.

Business owners who borrow more than $150,000 will complete the same forgiveness process required for their first PPP loan. If you fall into that category, you’ll need documentation to show how the money was spent. This could include:

• Payroll expenses and head count: Tax forms, canceled checks, bank statements, payment receipts and third-party payroll reports.
• Operating costs: Receipts for business software, accounting services, utility payments and rental, lease or mortgage payments.
• Supplier costs: Purchase orders, contracts and receipts for payments made to vendors.
• Other covered expenses: Proof of payment for health and safety modifications, such as sneeze guards, ventilation systems, expanded outdoor space and equipment to perform health screening; receipts for the purchase of face masks and other personal protective equipment.

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Kelsey Sheehy writes for NerdWallet. Email: ksheehy@nerdwallet.com.

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