CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program1 FAQs

Updated January 15, 2021

Supplement to New PPP Loan Program (Barack Ferrazzano Client Alert, January 2021) and FAQs on the PPP (Barack Ferrazzano Client Alert, April 2020)

When Will The SBA Resume Authorizing PPP Loans?

The SBA has reopened the PPP program, as authorized by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act, which was signed into law on December 27, 2020 (the “Economic Aid Act” ). On January 6, 2021, the SBA issued the following schedule for when new PPP loan requests can submitted on the SBA’s platform:

How Does Economic Aid Act Amend The PPP Program?

NOTE: This section provides updates to certain PPP program terms highlighted throughout the remainder of this FAQ, and should be read in conjunction with the remainder of this FAQ.

The Economic Aid Act amends the original CARES Act to update the terms of the PPP program to make the terms of the program more favorable to borrowers who take (or have taken) PPP loans. The SBA issued an Interim Final Rule effective as of January 6, 2021, which provides information relating to these updates. The Interim Final Rule applies to all PPP loans made after the enactment of the Economic Aid Act, as well as PPP loans for which loan forgiveness applications were submitted prior to the enactment of the Economic Aid Act, but for which the SBA has not remitted the forgiveness amount.

The biggest change is that the Economic Aid Act provides for two types of PPP loans – “First Draw PPP loans” and “Second Draw PPP loans.” In particular, the Economic Aid Act provides for the following changes to the PPP program:

$284.45 Billion In New Funding

New First Draw PPP Loans

Second Draw PPP Loans

EIDL Forgiveness

Simplified Forgiveness

Lender Hold Harmless Provisions

Agent Fees

How Does The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act Of 2020 Amend The PPP Program?

NOTE: This section provides updates to certain PPP program terms highlighted throughout the remainder of this FAQ, and should be read in conjunction with the remainder of this FAQ. Additionally, some of the updates (e.g., the forgiveness period described in the first bullet below) have been superseded by the Economic Aid Act.

On June 5, 2020, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 (PPPFA) was signed into law to provide relief to borrowers under the PPP program. The PPPFA amends the original CARES Act to update the terms of the PPP program to make the terms of the program more favorable to borrowers who take (or have taken) PPP loans. In particular, the PPPFA provides for the following changes to the PPP program:

The SBA and the Treasury Department have issued rules and guidance implementing the PPPFA terms above, and provided additional clarity on such terms that include the following:

Who Is Eligible For A PPP Loan?

First Draw PPP Loan Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility criteria for First Draw PPP loans generally remains unchanged under the Economic Aid Act, however certain additional borrower types are now eligible, as described further below.

General Criteria:

Industry Specific Eligibility Criteria:

Second Draw PPP Loan Eligibility Criteria

The Economic Aid Act narrows eligibility criteria for Second Draw PPP loans as compared to eligibility criteria for First Draw PPP loans. Generally, a borrower will be eligible for a Second Draw PPP loan if the borrower was eligible for and previously received a First Draw PPP loan and can further satisfy the following criteria.

General Criteria

Industry Specific Eligibility Criteria:

Who Can Qualify As A Lender?

Initially, all existing SBA 7(a) certified lenders (apparently even those designated in “Troubled Condition” or subject to formal enforcement actions) will be given delegated authority to speedily process PPP loans. All other federally insured depository institutions, federally insured credit unions, and Farm Credit System institutions are eligible to participate in this program (as long as they are not designated in “Troubled Condition” or are subject to a formal enforcement action with their primary federal regulator that addresses unsafe or unsound lending practices) upon submission of SBA Form 3506 to delegatedauthority@sba.gov. Once the form is submitted, a lender is automatically approved. Other non-deposit insured financial institutions may be eligible if they meet certain conditions as set forth in the Interim Final Rule issued on January 6, 2021.

Is There An SBA-Approved Form Of Incumbency Certificate That Should be Used In Connection With The Lender Application?

No. Lenders can use their own form or FS Form 1014. We recommend that banks use their own forms of incumbency certificate. Please contact us with any questions regarding this requirement for your bank’s lender application.

What Is The Loan Application Deadline?

Loans must be originated by March 31, 2021.

How May The Loan Be Used?

Proceeds of a loan may only be used for:

At least 60% of the PPP loan proceeds must be used for payroll costs.

The amount of the EIDL loan to be refinanced does not include the amount of any EIDL “advance” (also referred to as an EIDL “grant”) received by the borrower, because the EIDL advance does not need to be repaid. For PPP loans where SBA Form 2484, “Lender Application Form – Paycheck Protection Program Loan Guaranty,” Section D, Loan Amount Information, included an amount for the “Refinance of Eligible Economic Injury Disaster Loan, net of Advance,” banks must disburse and remit loan proceeds used to refinance an EIDL loan directly to the SBA (not to the borrower). If the bank already has disbursed the loan proceeds allocated to refinance an EIDL loan directly to the borrower, the bank is responsible for notifying the borrower of the amount of PPP loan proceeds that must be remitted by the borrower to the SBA.

What Is The Maximum PPP Loan Size?

First Draw PPP Loans

For First Draw PPP Loans, the maximum loan size is generally:

A seasonal employer (those that do not operate for more than 7 months in any calendar year or that during the preceding calendar year, had gross receipts for any 6 months of that year that were not more than 33.33 percent of the gross receipts of the employer for the other 6 months of that year) may determine its maximum First Draw PPP Loan amount by using the employer’s average total monthly payments for payroll for any 12-week period selected by the seasonal employer beginning February 15, 2019, and ending February 15, 2020. In calculating monthly payroll costs, borrowers should subtract any compensation paid to an employee in excess of $100,000 on an annualized basis, as prorated for the period during which the payments are made or the obligation to make payments is incurred. If the borrower took out an EIDL loan between January 31, 2020 – April 3, 2020 and wants to refinance that EIDL loan into a First Draw PPP Loan, the outstanding amount of the EIDL loan should be added to payroll amounts.

Additionally, PPP borrowers that did not receive loan forgiveness by December 27, 2020 may reapply for a First Draw PPP Loan if they have returned some or all of their First Draw PPP Loan, or they may request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount if they previously did not accept the full amount for which they are eligible.

Second Draw PPP Loans

For Second Draw PPP Loans, the maximum loan size is generally:

For businesses with a NAICS code beginning with 72 (the Accommodation and Food Services sector) at the time of the loan, the maximum loan size is:

For seasonal employers, the maximum loan size is:

For businesses or organizations that did not exist during the 1-year period preceding February 15, 2020, but were in operation on February 15, 2020, the maximum loan size is:

Can A Single Corporate Group Receive Unlimited PPP Loans?

No. To preserve the limited resources available to the PPP program, businesses that are part of a single corporate group are limited in the aggregate amount of First Draw and/or Second Draw PPP loans they can receive. For purposes of this limit, businesses are part of a single corporate group if they are majority owned, directly or indirectly, by a common parent.

First Draw PPP Loans

Businesses that are part of a single corporate group cannot receive more than $20 million of First Draw PPP loans in the aggregate.

Second Draw PPP Loans

Businesses that are part of a single corporate group cannot receive more than $4 million of Second Draw PPP loans in the aggregate.

It is the responsibility of an applicant for a PPP loan to notify the bank if the applicant has applied for or received PPP loans in excess of the respective caps on First Draw and Second Draw PPP Loans, and withdraw or request cancellation of any pending PPP loan application or approved PPP loan that is not in compliance with these limitations. Failure by the applicant to do so will be regarded as a use of PPP funds for unauthorized purposes, and the loan will not be eligible for forgiveness.

Can The PPP Loan Be Deferred?

Banks are required to provide complete payment deferment relief, including payment of principal, interest, and fees, through the date on which the approved PPP loan forgiveness amount is remitted to the bank, provided that if a borrower does not submit its PPP loan forgiveness request within 10 months after the end of the applicable PPP loan forgiveness period, then that borrower will be required to begin making principal and interest payments after the 10-month period. If the borrower does not submit a loan forgiveness application to the bank by May 12, 2022, the borrower must begin making payments on or after May 12, 2022.

Can The PPP Loan Be Forgiven?

NOTE: The SBA intends to issue a consolidated rule governing all aspects of loan forgiveness, but such rule has not been issued to date.

Principal Forgiveness: The portion of the PPP loan principal used to fund the following covered costs incurred and payments made during the applicable “covered period” following the date of PPP loan origination are eligible for complete forgiveness:

No more than 40% of the forgiven amount may be used for non-payroll costs. Payroll costs that are qualified wages taken into account in determining the Employer Retention Credit are not eligible for loan forgiveness.

Reduction in Forgiveness: The amount of principal eligible for forgiveness is reduced for borrowers that lay off employees and/or reduce wages as follows:

Re-Hires: FTEE and wage reductions that occur from February 15, 2020 - April 26, 2020 will be disregarded for purposes of reducing the forgiveness amount, to the extent that the borrower has completely eliminated such FTEE or wage reductions prior to June 30, 2020. Additionally, if the borrower laid off an employee and offered to rehire the same employee, but the employee declined the offer, the borrower’s forgiveness amount will not be reduced; provided, that: (i) the borrower must have made a good faith, written offer of rehire; (ii) the employee’s rejection of that offer must be documented by the borrower; and (iii) the rehire offer must be for the same salary/wage and same number of hours as the employee previously received. Employees and employers should be aware that employees who reject offers of re-employment may forfeit eligibility for continued unemployment compensation.

Further, a borrower will get FTEE credit during the applicable “covered period,” and therefore no reduction in forgiveness amount, for the following employees, but only if the position was not filled by a new employee (i.e., the borrower cannot include two FTEEs for a position that was originally filled by one employee meeting the criteria below):

Any laid off employee that the borrower made a “good-faith, written offer to rehire” during the applicable “covered period,” which such offer was rejected by the employee (per the above discussion);

Documentation: To obtain forgiveness, the borrower must submit the forgiveness application (SBA Form 3508 or the bank’s equivalent form) to a lender with supporting documentation verifying: (i) number of FTEEs and pay rates during the applicable periods, and (ii) payments for covered mortgage interest payments, rent, and utilities (including evidence that its mortgage, rent/lease, and utilities arrangements were in place prior to February 15, 2020, including evidence that such amounts actually were paid). Lender has 60 days to review and make a determination with respect to forgiveness. One of the certifications the borrower must make states that PPP loan forgiveness eligibility and amounts will be evaluated in accordance with the regulations and guidance issued through the date of the borrower’s forgiveness application. Therefore, if the forgiveness rules change after the application is submitted, the borrower may be precluded from taking advantage of any pro-borrower rule changes. Additionally, if the forgiveness rules change prior to the date that the application is submitted in any manner that is adverse to the borrower, the borrower cannot simply rely on earlier guidance to avoid being subject to the new rule changes averse to the borrower.

The SBA also has released SBA Form 3508EZ, which is meant to help streamline the forgiveness process for many borrowers. To be eligible to use this form, a borrower must meet one of the following criteria: 

The SBA is in the process of creating a simplified one-page loan forgiveness application for borrowers who received PPP loans of $150,000 or less. Such borrowers do not have to submit the additional documentation described above with the loan forgiveness application, but must retain all relevant documentation.

Any borrowers who do not meet one of the criteria above are required to use SBA Form 3508 (or the bank’s equivalent form).

Since August 10, 2020, lenders have been able to submit PPP loan forgiveness applications on the PPP Forgiveness Platform.

In addition, the SBA has published a separate set of FAQs that are specific to PPP loan forgiveness. Those FAQs can be found here: https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2020-08/PPP%20--%20Loan%20Forgiveness%20FAQs%20%28August%2011%2C%202020%29.pdf.

When Does The "Covered Period" Begin?

The day the bank disburses the PPP loan. The “covered period” ends on any date selected by the borrower that occurs during the period (i) beginning on the date that is 8 weeks after the date of disbursement and (ii) ending on the date that is 24 weeks after the date of disbursement.

What Is The Loan Maturity?

PPP loans made (received an SBA loan number) prior to June 5, 2020 have a required maturity of 2 years. PPP loans made (received an SBA loan number) on or after June 5, 2020 have a required maturity of 5 years. However, a borrower and bank may agree to amend a PPP loan originated prior to June 5, 2020 to reflect a 5-year maturity.

What Is The Interest Rate?

Fixed at 1.0%.

Is There A Prepayment Penalty?

No penalty for prepayment.

Is Collateral Required?

No collateral required for a non-bankrupt borrower. However, any new PPP loans made to an entity that is currently a debtor in a bankruptcy case pending under Chapter 11 may have to grant a super-priority lien, as provided by 11 U.S.C. § 364 and authorized by the bankruptcy court.

What Is The Loan Guarantee?

No personal guarantee required.

Are Fees Involved?

None for the applicant. The SBA waives all SBA guaranty fees, including the upfront and annual servicing fees.

Are There Other Credit Requirements?

Borrowers are not required to demonstrate that they are unable to obtain credit elsewhere.

Who Is Eligible For The Employee Retention Credit?

Borrowers who receive a loan under the PPP program are not eligible for the Employee Retention Credit. However, a borrower that applied for a PPP loan, received payment and repays the PPP loan by the safe harbor deadline (i.e., May 18, 2020) will be treated as though the borrower had not received the PPP loan for purposes of the Employee Retention Credit. Therefore, such a borrower will be eligible for the Employee Retention Credit if it is otherwise eligible for the credit.

When To Apply?

January 11, 2021 for a new First Draw PPP loan from a CFI and January 13, 2021 for a Second Draw PPP loan from a CFI. To be determined for non-CFI lenders.

Can Banks Turn Away Non-Bank Customer PPP Loan Applications?

Yes, if a bank is unable to timely process their application. Banks are processing extremely high volumes of PPP loan applications. Because they can rely on existing bank customers’ Customer Due Diligence (CDD), banks can process existing customer applications quicker. Non-bank customers may therefore find it quicker to obtain a PPP loan at their existing bank. Thus, if a bank is unable to timely process non-customer PPP loan applications, it should recommend that those applicants apply at their existing banks. Additionally, the fair lending requirements in Regulation B do not expressly prohibit a bank from limiting PPP loans or prioritizing applications from existing bank customers. Nevertheless, if a bank decides to limit or prioritize PPP loans in that manner, it should create appropriate policies vetted by its compliance and legal teams. Banks should be mindful of these issues and others presented in our Client Alert: Mitigating Risk From PPP Loans on the subject: newsroom-publications-395

If A PPP Applicant Does Not Qualify For A PPP Loan, Or Its Application Is Otherwise Denied, Does The Bank Have To Send The Applicant An Adverse Action Notice?

Yes. The PPP does not abrogate Regulation B’s requirements for adverse action notices, including in situations where the bank denies the application without submitting it to the SBA.

However, the CFPB has issued additional guidance regarding Regulation B’s requirements with respect to PPP loans. Pursuant to this guidance, a PPP loan application submitted to the SBA is not deemed a “completed application,” and the notice time period with respect to such PPP loan application does not begin, under Regulation B until the bank receives a loan number for such PPP loan from the SBA or a response from the SBA regarding the availability of funds under the PPP program. Additionally, if the bank has submitted a PPP loan application to the SBA, but has not received a loan number or a response about the availability of funds under the PPP program from the SBA, and the PPP loan application is otherwise complete, the bank cannot deny the application based on incompleteness, or provide a notice of incompleteness, because a loan number or response from the SBA is not information that an applicant can provide to the bank. Like other types of loans, under Regulation B, a PPP loan application can only be denied for incompleteness if the application is incomplete regarding information that the applicant can provide and the bank lacks sufficient data to make a credit decision.

Further, if an applicant does not meet the requirements for a PPP loan, or a bank is otherwise unable to process a PPP loan, the bank should inform the applicant in writing as soon as possible to mitigate potential reputational risk and legal claims from the applicant.

What If An Application Was Filed Or Approved When Certain, Applicable Guidance Was Not Available? Do I Need To Take Any Action Based On The Updated Guidance That Was Provided After The Application Was Submitted?

No. Borrowers and banks may rely on the laws, rules, and guidance available at the time of the relevant PPP loan application. However, borrowers whose previously submitted PPP loan applications have not yet been processed may revise their applications based on clarifications reflected in updated guidance.

What Beneficial Ownership Information Does A Bank Need To Collect For 20% Or Greater Owners Of An Applicant For A PPP Loan To Satisfy The Requirements Of The Bank Secrecy Act (BSA)?

For a bank’s existing customers, none. If the bank previously verified the necessary information, the bank does not need to re-verify the information. This is so even if the bank has not yet collected such beneficial ownership information on an existing customer (unless the bank’s BSA policy dictates otherwise).

For a bank’s new customers, the bank should, at a minimum, collect the following information from all natural persons with a 20% or greater ownership stake in the applicant’s business: (i) owner name and title, (ii) ownership percentage, (iii) TIN, (iv) address, and (v) date of birth. If any ownership interest of 20% or greater in the applicant’s business belongs to a business or other legal entity, banks will need to collect appropriate beneficial ownership information for owners of that entity. If your bank’s BSA policy dictates that additional Customer Due Diligence (CDD) should be conducted, the bank should follow those polices and collect such CDD.

How Does A Bank Withdraw A Previously Submitted & Approved PPP Loan In The SBA E-Tran System?

We understand that a bank may be able to withdraw a previously approved PPP loan in the SBA E-Tran system by removing the application by (i) going to the “Servicing” section, (ii) accessing the “1502 Info” screen and (iii) selecting “Voluntary Termination.” If successful, the application will be erased, and if the applicant applies again, the applicant will be submitting a new application and will not subject to the 10-day funding deadline tied to its originally submitted application, whether at the original lender or at another lender.

What If An Eligible Borrower Contracts With A Third-Party Payer, Such As A Payroll Provider Or A Professional Employer Organization (PEO), To Process Payroll & Report Payroll Taxes?

SBA recognizes that eligible borrowers that use PEOs, or similar payroll providers, are required under some state registration laws to report wage and other data on the Employer Identification Number (EIN) of the PEO or other payroll provider. In these cases, payroll documentation provided by the payroll provider that indicates the amount of wages and payroll taxes reported to the IRS by the payroll provider for the borrower’s employees will be considered acceptable PPP loan payroll documentation. Relevant information from (i) a Schedule R (Form 941), (ii) the Allocation Schedule for Aggregate Form 941 Filers that is attached to the PEO’s or other payroll provider’s Form 941, or (iii) the Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return should be used if it is available; otherwise, the eligible borrower should obtain a statement from the payroll provider documenting the amount of wages and payroll taxes being reported to the IRS by the payroll provider. In addition, employees of the eligible borrower will not be considered employees of the eligible borrower’s payroll provider or PEO.

What If A Borrower Pleaded Guilty To A Felony Crime In The Past? Is The Borrower Still Eligible For The PPP Program?

Yes. Businesses are only ineligible if an owner of 20% or more of the equity of the applicant: (i) is presently incarcerated; (ii) for a felony: is presently (a) subject to an indictment, (b) criminal information, (c) arraignment, or (d) other means by which formal criminal charges are brought in any jurisdiction; or (iii) has been (x) convicted of, (y) pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to, or (z) commenced any form of parole or probation (including probation before judgment) for a felony involving (1) fraud; (2) bribery; (3) embezzlement; or (4) a false statement in a loan application or an application for federal financial assistance within the last five years, or any other felony within the last year.

Can A Lender Use Its Own Portal To Accept PPP Loan Applications?

Yes. A lender may use its own online systems and its own form if it asks for the same information requested in SBA Form 2483-FD and SBA Form 2483-SD. Lenders are still required to send the data to the SBA using the SBA’s ETRAN Servicing Account.

Who Can Sign A PPP SBA Form 2483 On Behalf Of A Borrower?

Only an authorized representative of the borrower may sign on its behalf. An individual’s signature as an “Authorized Representative of Applicant” is a representation to the lender, and to the SBA, that the signer is authorized to make the certifications, including with respect to the applicant and each owner of 20% or more of the applicant’s equity, contained in the Borrower Application Form. Accordingly, lenders may rely on that representation and accept a single individual’s signature on that basis.

Can Lenders Use Scanned Copies of Documents, Or E-signatures Or E-consents Permitted By The E-SIGN Act?

Yes. All PPP lenders may accept scanned copies of signed PPP loan applications and documents containing the information and certifications required by SBA Form 2483 and the promissory note being used for the applicant’s PPP loan. Additionally, lenders may also accept any form of E-consent or E-signature that complies with the requirements of the E-SIGN Act. If obtaining a wet ink signature without in-person contact, lenders should take appropriate steps to ensure that the proper party has executed the document. This guidance does not supersede signature requirements imposed by other applicable law, including by the lender’s primary federal regulator.

Can A Borrower Refinance An Existing SBA Loan With A PPP Loan?

There are currently no written restrictions that prevent a borrower from refinancing an existing SBA loan with a PPP loan, but it may affect whether the PPP loan can be forgiven and could affect the borrower’s covenants under the existing SBA loan. Further SBA guidance may clarify.

Can A Borrower Take Multiple Draws From A PPP Loan?

No, the proceeds from the PPP loan must be disbursed in full.

What if a Borrower Returned Funds from a Prior PPP Loan?

The borrower may reapply for a First Draw PPP Loan.

What if a Borrower Did Not Use All Funds from a Prior PPP Loan?

The borrower may request to modify the First Draw PPP Loan for additional funds.

Can a Borrower Apply for a First Draw PPP Loan and a Second Draw PPP Loan Prior to March 31, 2021?

Yes, if otherwise eligible.

Are There Any Time Limits On Disbursing A PPP Loan Once It Is Assigned A Loan Number By the SBA?

A bank must disburse a PPP loan within 10 calendar days after it is assigned a loan number by the SBA. A bank is not responsible for delays in disbursement attributable to a borrower’s failure to timely provide required loan documentation, such as a signed promissory note. If the borrower does not provide all required documentation within 20 days of SBA loan number assignment, the bank may cancel the PPP loan.

When Must A Bank Electronically Submit An SBA Form 1502?

A bank must electronically upload SBA Form 1502 information by the later of (i) May 29, 2020 or (ii) 10 calendar days after disbursement or cancellation of the PPP loan. The SBA will began accepting SBA Form 1502 reports on fully disbursed or cancelled PPP loans on May 22, 2020.

What Are The Ongoing 1502 Reporting Requirements For PPP Loans?

In addition to filing the initial SBA Form 1502 pursuant to the deadlines stated above, after submitting the initial SBA Form 1502 report, banks must submit PPP loan information to the SBA on a monthly basis.

Banks must provide monthly 1502 reports that include loan status information for their PPP loans regardless of whether the borrower made a payment in that month. Banks must continue reporting on a PPP loan until the bank notifies the SBA that the PPP loan has been paid in full. A PPP loan should not be reported as “paid in full” only because it has been transferred to another bank.

After PPP loan forgiveness, if no loan balance remains, the bank must report the PPP loan as paid in full on the next SBA Form 1502 report that it files. If a loan balance remains after PPP loan forgiveness, the bank must report the reduction in the loan balance for the forgiveness amount on the next SBA Form 1502 report that it files, and must service the remaining balance of the PPP loan in accordance with PPP program requirements.

When A PPP Loan Is Sold, Which Bank Is Responsible For 1502 Reporting To The SBA?

When a bank sells all of its interest in a PPP loan to another participating bank, in bulk or individually, the SBA will send the processing fee to the bank that originated such PPP loan. The bank making the disbursement is responsible for completing and submitting the initial SBA Form 1502 report regarding PPP loan disbursement. For banks that already have sold PPP loans that they originated, the SBA will be contacting such banks to obtain ACH credit information. The purchasing bank will be the party responsible to the SBA with respect to all servicing actions, including monthly 1502 reporting and requests for advance purchases and PPP loan forgiveness, and will be the party eligible for the guaranty of a PPP loan.

Can Banks Report PPP Loan Disbursements, Cancellations & Voluntarily Terminations On The Same SBA Form 1502?

Yes. Banks will be able to report PPP loan disbursements, cancelled PPP loans and voluntarily terminated PPP loans on the same SBA Form 1502 report. Banks should use the instructions for reporting on PPP loan disbursements provided in the SBA’s guidance, which can be found at https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2020-05/5000-20028.pdf?utm_campaign=NEWSBYTES-20200521-Special&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua. Additionally, banks should refer to the Fiscal Transfer Agent’s (FTA) website for forthcoming instructions for reporting cancelled and voluntarily terminated PPP loans using an SBA Form 1502. The SBA is developing the process for reporting cancelled and voluntarily terminated PPP loans using an SBA Form 1502, and will post instructions on the FTA’s website when that process has been finalized. Finally, banks must use separate SBA Form 1502 filings for PPP loans and regular 7(a) loans.

What Confirmation Must The Bank Make In Connection With Filing SBA Form 1502 & Before Receiving PPP Processing Fees To Which It is Entitled?

Banks must make a one-time confirmation in the FTA Lender portal before the SBA will disburse PPP processing fees to the bank. Banks will be required to confirm that: (i) all PPP loans included in the report were fully disbursed to the borrowers on the disbursement dates entered, and in the loan amounts entered in the report; (ii) the bank will make no further disbursements on the PPP loans included in the report; (iii) all information in the report is true and correct; and (iv) the report has been submitted by an authorized employee or agent of the bank acting within the scope of the bank’s authority, and the bank acknowledges responsibility for all entries and certifications made on its behalf.

Can Banks Make PPP Loans To Bank Insiders?

Yes, under certain circumstances. The SBA issued written guidance on April 14, 2020 that eligible businesses owned by outside bank directors and shareholders who own less than a 30% equity interest in their financial institution may obtain PPP loans from their banks. Officers, key employees, and shareholders who own a 30% or more equity interest would not be eligible to obtain PPP loans from their banks, but could obtain a PPP loan from another approved lender.

The SBA’s guidance also reminds banks that the “Authorized Lender Official” for each PPP loan is subject to the limitations described in the Lender Application Form, which provides in relevant part: “Neither the undersigned Authorized Lender Official, nor such individual’s spouse or children, has a financial interest in the Applicant [i.e., the Borrower].”

The SBA further stated that favoritism in processing time or prioritization is prohibited; and that banks should follow their own policies, as well as applicable federal and state regulations, such as Regulation O, in making PPP loans to eligible bank insiders. The Federal Reserve issued an Interim Final Rule, effective as of April 22, 2020, exempting certain PPP loans from the requirements of Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and the corresponding provisions of Regulation O. Under the Federal Reserve’s Interim Final Rule, for purposes of Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and the corresponding provisions of Regulation O, “extensions of credit” to insiders (other than executive officers) do not include PPP loans made between February 15, 2020 and June 30, 2020 that are not prohibited by the SBA lending restrictions regarding PPP loans to insiders. PPP loans to insiders that do not meet applicable SBA lending requirements do not qualify for the exception contained in the Federal Reserve’s Interim Final Rule. We also recommend that if a bank is considering making a PPP loan to a bank insider, it should follow its own insider lending policies, and carefully document the application process to help avoid future potential regulatory scrutiny.

Although this is a positive development for banks, we nevertheless urge caution in reviewing, approving, and documenting any PPP loans to your bank’s eligible insiders. Additionally, there remains uncertainty surrounding how this guidance could impact an outside director who serves as a bank's Chairman of the Board.

Can A Bank Itself Obtain A PPP Loan?

No. A bank is ineligible to obtain a PPP. It is unclear whether bank holding companies are ineligible as well.

What FinCEN Rule Customer Due Diligence (CDD) Does A Bank Have to Perform for Existing Customers?

No re-verification is needed for existing bank customers. Additionally, if your bank has not yet collected beneficial ownership information on existing customers, you do not need to collect and verify beneficial ownership information for those customers applying for new PPP loans, unless otherwise required by your BSA policies and procedures.

Can A Bank Pledge PPP Loans As Collateral Under The Federal Reserve Discount Window?

Yes, as part of the “PPPL Facility” discussed below.

Did Treasury Create A Liquidity Facility For Banks To Provide PPP Loans?

Yes. The Federal Reserve authorized the Federal Reserve Banks to establish the Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility (the PPPL Facility). The PPPL Facility allows each of the Federal Reserve Banks to extend non-recourse loans to all PPP lenders approved by the SBA, to fund loans made by such lenders under the PPP program. SBA-qualified PPP lenders include banks, credit unions, Community Development Financial Institutions, members of the Farm Credit System, small business lending companies licensed by the SBA, and some financial technology firms.

Additionally, eligible borrowers will be able to pledge whole PPP loans that they have purchased as collateral to the PPPL Facility. An institution that pledges a purchased PPP loan will need to provide the Federal Reserve Bank with documentation from the SBA demonstrating that the pledging institution is the beneficiary of the SBA guarantee for such PPP loan. PPPL Facility loans pledged to the Federal Reserve as collateral will be excluded from the calculation of a pledging bank’s regulatory capital. On April 14, 2020, the SBA clarified that agency requirements for loans pledged for borrowings at a Federal Reserve Bank, or advances from a Federal Home Loan Bank, do not apply to PPP loans.

The Federal Reserve also announced plans for monthly disclosures of participants in its lending facilities backed by funds authorized by the CARES Act, which includes the PPPL Facility. The Federal Reserve said it would report the: (i) names and details of participants in each facility; (ii) amounts borrowed; (iii) interest rates charged; (iv) value of pledged collateral; and (v) overall costs, revenues, and fees for each facility.

The PPPL Facility is available under the Economic Aid Act.

How Will The FDIC Treat Banks’ Participation In The PPP Program & PPPL Facility?

On June 22, 2020, the FDIC approved a rule that mitigates the deposit insurance assessment effects of participating in the PPP program and the PPPL Facility. Under that rule, the FDIC will generally remove the effect of PPP lending in calculating a bank’s deposit insurance assessment. Among other changes, the final rule provides an offset to a bank’s total assessment amount for the increase in its assessment base attributable to participation in the PPP program. Banks should consult the final rule itself or contact us to determine specific deposit insurance effects of participating in the PPP program and/or PPPL Facility.

How Will The OCC Treat Banks’ Participation In The PPP Program & PPPL Facility?

The OCC issued an interim final rule stating that each OCC-supervised bank may calculate its September 30, 2020 assessment payments using the lessor of its assets on (i) its December 31, 2019 Call Report or (ii) its June 30, 2020 Call Report.

Will FHLBs Accept PPP Loans As Collateral For FHLB Advances?

The Federal Housing Finance Agency confirmed that Federal Home Loan Banks may accept PPP loans as collateral when making advances to their member banks. This move is intended to provide additional liquidity for small banks in particular, as they work to meet the needs of small businesses in their communities.

FHLBs will take a discount of at least 10% on PPP loans accepted as collateral, which will reduce the overall value of such collateral. Additionally, member banks pledging PPP loans as collateral must have a CAMELS rating of 3 or better, or a member credit ranking in the top 60% of FHLB’s member rating systems. FHLB member banks may pledge a maximum of $5 billion in PPP loans as collateral to their FHLB.

Do Banks Need To Report PPP Loan Forgiveness Amounts For Federal Income Tax Purposes?

No. The IRS made an announcement notifying banks that they do not need to file information returns with the IRS or provide payee statements to borrowers to report PPP loan forgiveness amounts for federal income tax purposes. Because the CARES Act provides that PPP loan forgiveness amounts are excluded from a borrower’s gross income and should not be reported, banks do not need to file Form 1099-C as they typically would have to if discharging a borrower’s debt of $600 or more.

Will Legal Lending Limits Apply To PPP Loans?

It depends. Generally, the portion of a loan guaranteed by a U.S. government agency is excluded when calculating legal lending limits. We recommend that banks review applicable federal or state laws and guidance (depending on their charter) regarding legal lending limitations and the PPP program to confirm the most accurate method for determining legal lending limits applicable to them, as lending limits can differ by jurisdiction. For example, under Illinois law for state-chartered banks, loans that are guaranteed by a U.S. government agency are exempted from the legal lending limits. However, Illinois has issued guidance that it will not consider a PPP loan exempt from a state bank’s legal lending limit just because the bank designates it as a PPP loan if such PPP loan is disqualified from the PPP program guaranty. However, in the case of a given PPP loan, if a PPP loan is disqualified from the PPP program guaranty, but it is determined that the state bank exercised reasonable due diligence to ensure that the PPP loan met the PPP program requirements, such PPP loan will not be cited as a basis for a legal lending limit violation; provided, that the loan amount exceeding the legal lending limit will be deemed non-conforming, and the state bank must take steps to conform with the lending limit as quickly as safe and sound banking practice permits.

Are There Revenue Restrictions For Banks On PPP Loans?

None right now, but further SBA guidance may clarify.

When Will Banks Be Reimbursed For Processing PPP Loans?

Once a bank successfully reports to the SBA that a PPP loan has been fully disbursed, the SBA will initiate the process of paying the processing fee that the bank is eligible to receive, and will pay the fee no later than 5 days after the reported disbursement of the PPP loan. Banks need to use SBA Form 1502 to report fully disbursed PPP loans to the SBA. On the third business day after receiving SBA Form 1502, and provided that the ACH information and the one-time confirmation (described above) have been provided by the bank, the SBA will initiate the process for payment of the processing fee to the bank.

To receive the processing fee(s) it is owed, the bank must: (i) have provided ACH credit information for an account owned by the bank; and (ii) make the one-time confirmation (described above).

Banks should supply the appropriate ACH information in the bank’s Fiscal Transfer Agent (FTA) Lender portal. Before banks can receive a PPP processing fee, or begin monthly PPP loan reporting, they must establish an Lender portal account with the FTA to access the 1502 Dashboard. Existing SBA banks with SBA Form 750 agreements can access the 1502 Dashboard with their current FTA Lender portal account. Both: (i) banks who do not already have an account with the FTA and (ii) Lender Service Providers (LSPs), who are providing services for banks under a reviewed LSP agreement, and who do not already have an account with the FTA, can enroll by sending an email to enrollment@colsonservices.com. Banks and LSPs will not be allowed to share login credentials, as such credentials are issued at an individual user level and cannot be shared among users.

How Will The SBA Disburse The Processing Fee To Banks?

The SBA will make PPP loan processing fee payments to banks using the Demand Deposit Account ACH information supplied by banks on the Fiscal Transfer Agent’s website. The SBA will make a payment for each PPP loan on an individual basis, so that banks can match the received processing fee payment with the corresponding PPP loan.

How Will Banks Be Compensated For Processing PPP Loans?

Banks may not collect any fees from the applicant. Banks will receive processing fees from the SBA based on the following:

For PPP Loans Made Before December 27, 2020

For PPP Loans Made On or After December 27, 2020

When Won’t A Bank Receive A Processing Fee?

A bank will not receive a processing fee:

Will The SBA Review The Payment Of Bank Processing Fees?

The SBA may review the payment of processing fees at the time of forgiveness, or at any other time the SBA deems appropriate. If the SBA determines that the processing fee was paid erroneously or in the incorrect amount, the bank is responsible for repaying the processing fee to the SBA.

Are Bank Processing Fees Subject To Clawback If The SBA Determines That A Borrower Is Ineligible?

Yes. For any SBA-reviewed PPP loan, if within one year after the PPP loan was disbursed, the SBA determines that the borrower was ineligible, the SBA will seek repayment of the processing fee by the bank that originated the PPP loan. However, the SBA’s determination of borrower ineligibility will have no effect on the SBA’s guaranty of such PPP loan if the bank has complied with its obligations, and the document collection and retention requirements described in the lender application form. The Economic Aid Act clarified that the SBA may not require a bank to repay the processing fee unless it is found guilty of an act of fraud in connection with the applicable PPP loan.

Are Bank Processing Fees Subject To Clawback If A Bank Has Not Fulfilled Its Obligations Under PPP Program Regulations?

Yes. If a bank fails to satisfy the requirements applicable to banks under the PPP program, the SBA will seek repayment of the processing fee by the bank that originated the PPP loan, and may determine that such PPP loan is not eligible for a guaranty. However, as described above, even in cases where processing fees are subject to clawback, the SBA’s guaranty will not be affected if the bank has complied with these obligations. Additionally, the payment (or nonpayment) of agent fees to an agent is not material to the SBA’s guaranty or the SBA’s payment of fees to lenders.

Is A Bank Responsible For The Actions Of Its Agent Or LSP?

If the bank authorizes an Agent or Lender Service Provider (“LSP”) (as those terms are defined in 13 C.F.R. § 103.1) to submit any information or make any entries or certifications on the bank’s behalf in connection with the bank’s submission of SBA Form 1502 through the 1502 Dashboard or through any other method of 1502 reporting, the bank acknowledges that the Agent or LSP is acting within the scope of the bank’s authority, and the bank acknowledges responsibility for all information submitted and entries and certifications made on its behalf by such agents or LSPs.

Is A Bank Required To Pay An Agent Used To Prepare PPP Loan Applications?

No. Under the Economic Aid Act, a bank is not required to pay an agent unless the bank has directly contracted with the agent.

Who Can Be An Agent for A PPP Loan?

An agent is an authorized representative of the applicant and can be:

How Much Can A Bank Compensate An Agent?

The fees that an agent may receive cannot exceed the following:

The above percentages are not flat rates, and a bank can require a detailed billing statement from the agent. In connection with an agent’s engagement regarding the PPP program, the agent’s appointment is required to be documented on SBA Form 159 because the Small Business Act requires business owners to “certify to the Administration the names of any attorneys, agents, or other persons engaged by or on behalf of such business enterprise for the purpose of expediting applications made to the Administration for assistance of any sort, and the fees paid or to be paid to any such persons.” 15 U.S.C. § 642.

Further, other SBA regulations and operating guidelines require that an applicant disclose: (i) the identity of any agents assisting in the application; and (ii) any fees paid to such agents.

Is There An SBA-Approved Promissory Note Or Loan Agreement For PPP Loans?

Lenders may use their own promissory note, and include any terms and conditions, including those relating to amortization and disclosure, that are not inconsistent with Sections 1102 and 1106 of the CARES Act, the PPP Interim Final Rule and guidance, and SBA Form 2484. Lenders may also use the SBA form of promissory note (Form 147), but that form of promissory note does not contain essential protections for banks, such as referencing and incorporating the terms of the PPP, a jury waiver provision, a class action waiver, and other customary release and waiver provisions designed to protect lenders. Accordingly we recommend that banks review their form of promissory note that they plan to use for PPP purposes to ensure that such forms contain such protective provisions to help insulate them from potential lender liability issues. We discuss this issue in our Client Alert: PPP Promissory Note Issues on the subject: newsroom-publications-394

Is A Bank Required To Use A Separate SBA Form To Issue A PPP Loan?

No. A bank does not need a separate SBA Authorization for the SBA to guarantee a PPP loan.

What Are The Underwriting Requirements For A PPP Loan?

As set forth in the Interim Final Rule, there are four underwriting requirements:

What Does a Bank Need To Review In A Borrower’s PPP Loan Forgiveness Application?

For all PPP Loan Forgiveness Applications, each bank should confirm:

Can A Bank Rely On Borrower Documentation For PPP Loan Forgiveness?

Yes. Further, the SBA will hold harmless any bank that relies on the borrower’s documents and the borrower’s attestation. Nevertheless, banks should always utilize safe and sound lending practices.

Providing an accurate calculation of the PPP loan forgiveness amount is the responsibility of the borrower, and the borrower attests to the accuracy of its reported information and calculations on the Loan Forgiveness Application itself. Banks are expected to perform a good-faith review, in a reasonable time, of the borrower’s calculations and supporting documents concerning amounts eligible for PPP loan forgiveness. For example, minimal review of calculations based on a payroll report by a recognized third-party payroll processor would be reasonable. By contrast, if payroll costs are not documented on reports from such recognized sources, more extensive review of calculations and data would be appropriate. The borrower will not receive forgiveness without submitting all required documentation to the bank.

Generally, banks may rely on various borrower representations regarding PPP loan forgiveness. However, if the bank identifies errors in the borrower’s calculation or material lack of substantiation in the borrower’s supporting documents, the bank should work with the borrower to remedy the issue(s). The bank does not need to independently verify the borrower’s reported information if the borrower submits documentation supporting its request for PPP loan forgiveness, and attests that it accurately verified the payments for eligible costs.

What Is The Timeline For A Bank’s Decision On A PPP Loan Forgiveness Application?

The bank must issue a decision to the SBA on a PPP loan forgiveness application not later than 60 days after receipt of a complete PPP loan forgiveness application from the borrower. That decision may take the form of: (i) an approval (in whole or in part); (ii) a denial; or (iii) (if directed by the SBA) a denial without prejudice due to a pending SBA review of the PPP loan for which forgiveness is sought. In the case of a denial without prejudice, the borrower may subsequently request that the bank reconsider its application for PPP loan forgiveness, unless the SBA has determined that the borrower is ineligible for a PPP loan.

When the bank issues its decision to the SBA approving the application (in whole or in part), it must include: (i) the PPP Loan Forgiveness Calculation Form; (ii) PPP Schedule A; and (iii) the PPP Borrower Demographic Information Form (if it has been submitted to the bank). The bank must confirm that the information it provides to the SBA accurately reflects its records for the PPP loan, and that the bank has made its decision in accordance with the bank’s PPP loan forgiveness review requirements. If the bank determines that, under the statute and applicable regulations, the borrower is entitled to forgiveness of some or all of the PPP loan amount it has applied for, the bank must request payment from the SBA at the time it issues its decision to the SBA. The SBA will, subject to any SBA review of the PPP loan or PPP loan application, remit the appropriate forgiveness amount to the bank, plus any interest accrued through the date of payment, not later than 90 days after the bank issues its decision to the SBA. The Economic Aid Act revised the PPP program such that the SBA will not deduct EIDL advance amounts from the forgiveness amount remitted to the bank, as was initially required by the CARES Act. If the bank has already received a forgiveness payment net of an EIDL advance, the SBA will provide a reconciliation payment to the bank to be applied to the outstanding loan balance.

If a bank issues its decision to the SBA determining that the borrower is not entitled to forgiveness in any amount, the bank must provide the SBA with the reason for its denial, together with: (i) the PPP Loan Forgiveness Calculation Form; (ii) PPP Schedule A; and (iii) the PPP Borrower Demographic Information Form (if it has been submitted to the bank). The bank must confirm that the information it provides to the SBA accurately reflects its records for the PPP loan, and that the bank has made its decision in accordance with the bank’s PPP loan forgiveness review requirements. The bank also must notify the borrower in writing that the bank has issued a decision to the SBA denying the PPP loan forgiveness application. The SBA reserves the right to review the bank’s decision regarding forgiveness in its sole discretion.

Can A Bank Rely On Borrower Calculations In A PPP Loan Application?

Yes, but banks are expected to perform a good faith review of a borrower’s calculations in reasonable time. A bank’s diligence should be guided by the quality of the documents provided by the borrower. This suggest a higher standard of diligence than the original SBA guidance that banks do not need to verify borrower-submitted documents. Accordingly, banks should always utilize safe and sound lending practices in review of borrower PPP applications.

Can A Bank Rely On Borrower Affiliation Certifications Under 13 C.F.R. § 121.301(f) In A PPP Loan Application?

Yes, banks are not required to make an independent determination regarding the applicability of affiliation rules under 13 C.F.R. § 121.301(f). Borrowers are completely responsible for making such determinations.

Can A Bank Rely On Borrower Certifications Regarding A Borrower’s Financial Need In A PPP Loan Application?

Banks may rely on a borrower’s certification regarding the necessity of the PPP loan request.

Can A Bank Rely On A Borrower’s Representation Regarding A Borrower’s Compliance With The $20 Million Per Corporate Borrower Limit?

Banks may rely on a borrower’s representation concerning its compliance with this limitation.

What Constitutes A “Change Of Ownership” Of A PPP Borrower?

The SBA considers a “change of ownership” of a PPP borrower to have occurred when (i) at least 20% of the common stock or other ownership interest of the PPP borrower is sold or otherwise transferred, whether in one or more transactions, including to an affiliate or an existing owner of the PPP borrower; (ii) the PPP borrower sells or otherwise transfers at least 50% of its assets (measured by fair market value), whether in one or more transactions; or (iii) a PPP borrower is merged with or into another entity.

Who Is Responsible For A PPP Borrower’s Obligations In The Event Of A “Change of Ownership” Of Such PPP Borrower?

In the event of any “change of ownership,” the PPP borrower remains responsible for (i) performance of all borrower obligations under the PPP loan; (ii) the certifications made in connection with the PPP loan application by such borrower, including the certification of economic necessity; and (iii) compliance with all other applicable requirements for borrowers under the PPP program. Additionally, the PPP borrower remains responsible for obtaining, preparing, and retaining all required PPP forms and supporting documentation, and providing those forms and supporting documentation to the bank providing the PPP loan to the borrower or to SBA, as applicable, upon request.

What Do PPP Borrowers & Banks Need To Do If A PPP Borrower Is Undergoing A “Change of Ownership”?

Prior to the closing of any “change of ownership” transaction, the PPP borrower must notify the bank in writing of the contemplated transaction and provide the bank with a copy of the proposed agreements or other documents that would effectuate the proposed transaction.

If the PPP loan has been fully satisfied prior to closing the sale or transfer by the PPP borrower, then there are no restrictions on the “change of ownership” of such PPP borrower.

If the PPP loan has not been fully satisfied:

Situations in which SBA prior approval is not required. If the following conditions are met for a “change of ownership” structured as (i) a sale or other transfer of common stock or other ownership interest; (ii) as a merger; or (iii) an asset sale, the bank may approve the “change of ownership” and the SBA’s prior approval is not required if the following conditions are met:

Situations in which SBA prior approval is required. If a “change of ownership” of a PPP borrower does not meet the conditions above, prior SBA approval of the “change of ownership” is required, and the bank may not unilaterally approve the “change of ownership”.

To obtain the SBA’s prior approval of requests for “changes of ownership,” the bank must submit the request to the appropriate SBA Loan Servicing Center. The request must include: (i) the reason that the PPP borrower cannot fully satisfy the PPP loan or escrow funds; (ii) the details of the requested transaction; (iii) a copy of the executed PPP promissory note; (iv) any letter of intent and the purchase or sale agreement setting forth the responsibilities of the PPP borrower, seller (if different from the PPP borrower), and buyer in the transaction; (v) disclosure of whether the buyer has an existing PPP loan and, if so, the SBA loan number of such PPP loan; and (vi) a list of all owners of 20% or more of the buyer.

SBA approval of any “change of ownership” involving the sale of 50% or more of the assets (measured by fair market value) of a PPP borrower will be conditioned on the buyer assuming all of the PPP borrower’s obligations under the PPP loan, including responsibility for compliance with the PPP loan terms. In such cases, the purchase or sale agreement must include appropriate language regarding the assumption of the PPP borrower’s obligations under the PPP loan by the buyer, or a separate assumption agreement must be submitted to the SBA. The SBA will review and provide a determination within 60 calendar days of receipt of a complete request. If deemed appropriate, the SBA may require additional risk mitigation measures as a condition of its approval of the “change of ownership” transaction.

Regardless of whether or not a “change of ownership” transaction requires prior SBA approval, in the event of a sale or other transfer of common stock or other ownership interest in a PPP borrower, or a merger of the PPP borrower with or into another entity, the PPP borrower (and, in the event of a merger of the PPP borrower into another entity, the successor to the PPP borrower) will remain subject to all borrower obligations under the PPP loan. In addition, if the new owner(s) use PPP funds for unauthorized purposes, the SBA will have recourse against the owner(s) for the unauthorized use.

If any of the new owners or the successor arising from such a transaction has a separate PPP loan, then, following consummation of the transaction: (i) in the case of a purchase or other transfer of common stock or other ownership interest, the PPP borrower and the new owner(s) are responsible for segregating and delineating PPP funds and expenses of the respective PPP loans and providing documentation to demonstrate compliance with PPP requirements by each PPP borrower; and (ii) in the case of a merger, the successor is responsible for segregating and delineating PPP funds and expenses of the respective PPP loans, and providing documentation to demonstrate compliance with PPP requirements with respect to both PPP loans.

The bank must notify the appropriate SBA Loan Servicing Center, within 5 business days of completion of the transaction, of the: (i) identity of the new owner(s) of the common stock or other ownership interest of the PPP borrower; (ii) new owner(s)’ ownership percentage(s); (iii) tax identification number(s) for any owner(s) holding 20% or more of the equity in the PPP borrower; and (iv) location of, and the amount of funds in, the escrow account under the control of the bank, if an escrow account is required for such “change of ownership ”transaction.

In all cases, the Bank is required to continue submitting the monthly 1502 reports until the PPP loan is fully satisfied. Additionally, if a PPP loan of a PPP borrower associated with a “change of ownership” transaction was pledged by the bank to secure a loan under the PPPL Facility, the bank must comply with any notification or other requirements of the PPPL Facility.

What Are the Servicing Requirements For A PPP Loan?

None right now, but further SBA guidance may clarify.

Will The SBA Review Individual PPP Loan Files?

Yes. To further ensure PPP loans are limited to eligible borrowers in need, the SBA has decided, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, that it will review all PPP loans in excess of $2 million, in addition to other PPP loans as appropriate, following the bank’s submission of the borrower’s loan forgiveness application.

If the SBA determines that a borrower lacked an adequate basis for the required certification regarding financial need, the SBA will seek repayment of the outstanding PPP loan balance and will inform the bank that the borrower is not eligible for PPP loan forgiveness. If the borrower repays the PPP loan after receiving notification from the SBA, the SBA will not pursue administrative enforcement or referrals to other agencies based on its determination regarding the certification concerning financial need.

The outcome of the SBA’s review of PPP loan files will not affect the SBA’s guarantee of any PPP loan for which the bank complied with its obligations under the PPP program.

Will The SBA Review Banks’ PPP Loan Forgiveness Submissions?

The SBA may begin a review of any PPP loan, including with respect to forgiveness, of any size at any time in the SBA’s discretion. Additionally, where a bank has submitted a PPP loan forgiveness rejection decision to the SBA and provided the required notice of such decision to the borrower, the borrower may, within 30 days of receiving such notice from the bank, request that the SBA review the bank’s decision regarding its PPP loan forgiveness application.

What Should A Bank Do If It Receives Notice That The SBA Is Reviewing Its PPP Loan Forgiveness Submission?

If the SBA undertakes a review of a PPP loan, including with respect to forgiveness, the SBA will notify the bank in writing and the bank must notify the borrower in writing within five business days of receipt of such notice from the SBA. In addition, within five business days of receipt of such notice, the bank should transmit to the SBA electronic copies of the following:

If the SBA has notified the bank that it has commenced a PPP loan review, the bank may not approve any application for PPP loan forgiveness for such PPP loan until the SBA notifies the bank in writing that the SBA has completed its review of such PPP loan.

Can A Bank Sell A Participation Interest In A PPP Loan?

Yes. Banks may sell participating interests in PPP loans to other PPP participating lenders in accordance with 13 C.F.R. § 120.432(b). Banks may sell up to 100% of the principal balance of a PPP loan, and the SBA’s prior written consent is not required. Banks may only sell to other lenders that have a signed SBA Form 750, SBA Form 3506, or SBA Form 3507. The selling bank must continue to service the PPP loan and must also provide SBA’s Office of Credit Risk Management (OCRM) with prior written notice of any such participating interest sale via email: PPPLoanParticipation@sba.gov

Can A Bank Sell A PPP Loan?

Yes. PPP loans can be sold into the secondary market at any time after the loan amount for the PPP loan being sold has been fully disbursed. Such a sale does not require SBA approval, and the SBA will not collect any fee for any guarantee sold into the secondary market. PPP loans sold into the secondary market are 100% SBA guaranteed and may be sold at a premium or a discount to par value.

Will The SBA Purchase PPP Loans In Advance?

Yes, a lender can request that the SBA purchase the expected forgiveness amount as the end of week seven of the applicable “covered period.” The expected forgiveness amount is the amount of PPP loan principal that the lender reasonably expects the borrower to expend on payroll costs, covered mortgage interest, covered rent, and covered utility payments during the applicable “covered period.” At least 75% of the expected forgiveness amount will be for payroll costs. The expected forgiveness amount may not exceed the total amount of principal on the PPP loan or pool of PPP loans. The SBA will purchase the expected forgiveness amount of the PPP loans within 15 days of the date on which the SBA receives a complete report that demonstrates that the expected forgiveness amount is indeed reasonable. The SBA will issue additional procedures on the process for advance purchase of PPP loans.

How Does A Bank Report A Fully Disbursed or Cancelled PPP Loan?

Banks must report any PPP loans that have been fully disbursed or cancelled to the SBA via SBA Form 1502. Cancelled PPP loans can also be reported through E-Tran Servicing. If a PPP loan is reported as cancelled on E-Tran Servicing, it should not be reported again on SBA Form 1502. Banks must also report PPP loans that are cancelled before disbursement, or that have been cancelled or voluntarily terminated and repaid after disbursement. As of May 22, 2020, banks can do so in E-Tran Servicing or through their SBA Form 1502 reporting. The bank will have until 5:00 PM Eastern Time on the second business day after submitting SBA Form 1502 to correct any errors within the 1502 Dashboard.

For the SBA’s guidance on reporting disbursed and cancelled PPP loans, visit https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2020-05/5000-20028.pdf?utm_campaign=NEWSBYTES-20200521-Special&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua.

Footnotes

  1. The Paycheck Protection Program was added by Section 1102 of the CARES Act as Subsection (36) of Section 7(a) of the Small Business Act. We expect the SBA to provide initial regulations within 15 days of enactment and subsequent guidance to follow, which could modify the information provided herein. The information provided herein is intended to be a summary only and reference should be made to the language of the actual statutes, regulations, and SBA guidance.
  2. CFIs include Community Development Financial Institutions (“CDFIs”), Minority Development Institutions, Certified Development Companies, and Microloan Intermediaries.
  3. The “small business concern” test is based on industry-specific maximum annual revenue and/or employees. The test applies both to the individual company and its affiliates (using a very broad affiliate test). 
  4. A complete list of industries classified under NAICS code 72 can be found here: https://www.naics.com/six-digit-naics/?code=72
  5. “Payroll costs” include: (a) employee compensation, including (i) salary, wages and commissions (ii) tips, (iii) vacation, parental, family medical or sick leave, (iv) allowance for dismissal or separation, (v) payments for the maintenance of health care benefits (including insurance premiums, such as those for vision and dental benefits), (vi) payment of retirement benefits, and (vii) payroll taxes, and (b) payments of a sole proprietor or independent contractor, in an amount not more than $100,000 per year (as prorated for the applicable “covered period”); but specifically exclude (w) payments to an individual employee exceeding $100,000 on an annual basis (as prorated for the applicable “covered period”), (x) Federal employment and income tax obligations, (y) compensation to employees whose principal residence is outside of the U.S. and (z) qualified sick and family leave for which a credit is allowed under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
  6. Covered operations expenditures include business software or cloud computing services that facilitate (a) business operations, (b) product or service delivery, (c) payroll expenses, (d) human resources, (e) sales and billing, and (f) accounting or tracking of supplies, inventory, records and expenses.
  7. Covered worker protection expenditures include capital expenses to comply with requirements or guidance issued by health or governmental authorities, such as (a) installation of (i) drive-through facilities, (ii) air ventilation or filtration systems, (iii) physical barriers such as sneeze guards, (iv) expansion of business space, and (v) screening facilities, and (b) purchase of personal protective equipment.
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